Live by the code ... of cordiality

And what would the Code of Cordiality include? For starters, I’d be happy if each and every passenger would agree to travel by these rules:

When you board: Step lively! There’s a planeload of folks right behind you, so don’t dawdle and fuss as you find and settle into your seat. Be sure to leave room in the overhead bin so your seatmates can store their stuff. And don’t even think about putting your stuff over someone else’s seat at the front of the plane.

When you’re seated:  Be a responsible recliner and always look before you lean. Be a sport: let the person stuck in that middle seat have two armrests. And don’t make anyone have to climb over you to get to the aisle; stand up and make way.

During the flight: If you’re sleeping, don’t drool on strangers. If you’re eating, control your crumbs. If you’re listening to music, mind the levels. If your laptop is open to a confidential document or a movie with violent or erotic scenes, use a privacy filter on the screen or shut it down.

Kids in tow? It’s your responsibility to entertain them and to monitor their onboard behavior. And no, you may not use the tray tables and seat cushions as diaper changing stations.

For most of us, this list is packed with no-brainers. But think about it: on every flight there are folks who could use a little extra help. And wouldn’t you love to be able to hand a copy of the “code” to the parent of the little stinker who keeps kicking your seatback?

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So how would the Air Passengers’ Code of Cordiality be enforced? Ideally it wouldn’t be the type of thing that someone has to enforce. I’m hoping that merely posting and distributing something like this could have an impact on onboard behavior. Perhaps simply reminding folks of “the basics” might help everyone be a more well-mannered traveler. But I wouldn’t be against asking every passenger to initial a copy of the “code” when they’re buying a ticket or printing out a boarding pass.

Or maybe we could just set up an area in the back of the plane where frustrated passengers can go to bop each other over the head with those gunky seat cushions.

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