Rudeness is rampant even in the air. But you already knew that didn’t you? If you travel at all these days, you and others are exposed to incredible behaviors. People say and do things that would have been unthinkable even ten years ago. Of course, those who behave badly at 30,000 feet blame their actions on someone or something else. Usually they say that it’s the airlines that are to blame for this new height of rudeness. Didn’t their mothers tell them that only they are responsible for their behavior?
Just last week a young woman was verbally and physically attacked because she boarded a flight with a cough. As it turns out the cough was allergy related, but a fellow passenger accused her of thoughtlessly spreading germs to everyone on the plane. When words failed him, he resorted to bodily assault.
Whatever happened to good manners, kindness, courtesy and respect? When I began my career as an etiquette expert over three decades ago, I was training people in the finer points of etiquette. Now I am into basics and below.
Since I focus on business etiquette, I want to caution business people in particular to watch their behavior not only in client situations, but also when they are traveling. You never know who is going to be in the gate area or on the plane with you. It may be the client you are going to meet or someone in the audience you will be addressing.
Anger in the air will not help you create profitable or productive relationships when you arrive at your destination and come face to face with the person who witnessed your anger in the air.
Do you have a horror story about airline travel to tell? Chances are you do. Consider sharing it in the comment box below.