How to be polite on a plane the Canadian way

Technological advances are creating new rules, including etiquette. Canada recently conducted a survey asking Canadians what behavior they consider polite on airplanes and at airports. The good news is that Canadians' requirements for fellow passengers are very simple and easy to meet. Read our article on how not to be considered rude at a Canadian airport.

You can move, but you can't stand still

Canadians are very supportive of exercise at the airport. You won't be judged if you decide to stretch your muscles, walk around a bit or do some burpees in the waiting room. In fact, it will earn you a few points of social respect — Canadians love sports and active people. The important thing is that your exercise doesn't make others uncomfortable or take up too much space. If the waiting room is half-empty, you can even do push-ups.

Canadians don't like those who make it difficult to move around the airport and interfere with rushing passengers. Do not stand motionless in the middle of the aisle, in the middle of the escalator or passenger conveyor belt. It is better to get off the moving lane and then step aside. Then you can safely make a call, check your social media, tie your shoelaces, or get your documents out of your bag.

But you shouldn't be too fast either, especially in a crowded place. No one will be offended if you rush down an empty aisle, but in a crowd you might bump someone or even run them over.

Make sure to wear shoes

Canada is a big country, and flights can take a long time. Sometimes people take off their shoes to give their feet a rest. First, you should only do this if you are sure that your feet smell good. If you sweat like a mouse, or had a long ride in a hot bus, take pity on your neighbors. If you are sure there are no unpleasant odors, you can carefully remove your shoes and put them under the seat.

Second, be sure to wear shoes if you go to the bathroom. The liquid you may find on the floor of this room is not water. Sometimes the plane shakes and your predecessors may have missed their target. So slippers will keep you out of trouble.

Don't be angry if your neighbor wakes you up

Many people don't mind taking a nap during a flight, and Canadians respect other passengers' right to sleep. But sometimes you have to wake up your neighbor to go to the bathroom or to do other things. Sometimes children or pets may disturb your sleep. Canadians are philosophical about such situations and don't rush to quarrel with noise makers.

But many people consider loud talking, watching videos, listening to music, and laughing to be rude. You don't want to tell a friend in the front row a joke loudly and then laugh out loud. This can be done after landing.

Not everyone likes to talk to their neighbor

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Canadians have different opinions about talking to their seatmates. Fifty-two per cent say it's okay to talk to a fellow traveler, while others don't like the intrusion into their personal space. For the most part, residents agree that it's okay to try to start a conversation or approach a neighbor. But you have to be prepared for the fact that he will be taciturn.

If you have an incorrigible chatterbox as your traveling companion, you should reassure them politely. Canadians usually say, "Excuse me, I really want to see a movie I've been waiting to see. Or, "If you'll excuse me, I have some work to do". Usually that's enough to make the person you're talking to silent.

You can ask to switch places, but be prepared for rejection

Canadians believe that it is quite normal to offer to swap seats with other passengers. The main thing is to calmly accept a refusal if fellow passengers don't want to do it. Most people will not be offended by such a request, if it's not hidden behind an order. If you really need to fly in a certain seat, it is better to book it in advance.

Other annoying things

It is worth remembering that you are not alone on the plane and that your neighbors have feelings, too. Do not squeeze pimples in public, do not pick your teeth, and refrain from strong smelling foods. Don't make remarks to other people's children. If they disturb you, politely tell their parents. They will quiet their child on their own.

It's okay to take care of your comfort

Canadians rightly believe that everyone has the right to close the porthole, turn on the lights or air conditioning above their seat, recline in their seat, or address their neighbor in the back if he kicks you.

Most Canadian rules of etiquette are fairly easy: you can enjoy life as long as you do not disturb others. Canadians are used to living in society and putting up with the fact that everyone has different needs. Read about what Canadians are really fazed by.