We’ve all taken flights with crying babies in the background, noisy passengers, inquisitive but well-meaning old ladies and even that someone cute who comes and sits on the seat next to you.
Whether it’s the first time you’re flying or the hundredth, you’ve probably had seatmates who either make your flight feel like a breeze or just ruin it.
From honeymooners to serious business travellers, here’s a look at the kind of flyers who might sit with you on your next flight.
1.THE CHATTERBOX
If you are welcomed by warm smiles from your seatmate who is very eager to help you place your bag in the overhead bin, Congratulations!
You just found a person who loves to make friends when they fly.
Be ready to be bombarded with questions about your life and hear stories about their fun and exciting times. They mean no harm and are just being friendly.
The only problem is, if you were planning on getting some sleep on the flight or work on that presentation of yours, you can forget about it!
2.THE NERVOUS FLYER
This person will let out an uncomfortable sigh every time they feel a bump while flying.
They fumble with their seatbelts and have a nervous look on their face throughout the flight. Just pray that your flight does not hit turbulence.
These types of flyers may be nervous because they might be afraid of heights or may be flying for the first time.
But remember to cut them some slack! Be a good person and help them or at the least don’t be annoyed at their behaviour no matter how irrational it may seem. Think about your own fears and phobias and show them some understanding.
3.THE LOVEBIRDS
Whether it’s a newly married couple or just two teenagers in love! You’ve probably seen them on your flight at least once.
They spend their entire journey whispering into each other’s ears, cuddling up as if both their airplanes seats have merged and take selfies whenever they get a chance.
But this just might work in your favour. They will be so busy cosying up to each other that they will not care who is sitting beside them and you might get some alone time with some extra space in the row.
And after all there’s nothing wrong with two people expressing their love as long as they don’t do anything inappropriate. Give them their space and don’t be a cynic!
4.THE COMPLAINER
You saw this person giving the poor attendant an earful at the check-in counter about how the flight was delayed by 15 mins.
You hope that this person does not sit with you but alas! There they are, sitting all grumpy in the adjacent seat!
They will complain about how bland the food is, the lack of leg room and how other airlines are better than the one you and “they” are flying in.
The only thing you can do here is smile, plug in your earphones and put your music on max volume.
5.THE BUSINESS TRAVELLER
You will be amazed by how much a tray table on the flight can hold when you sit beside this person.
A laptop, two cell phones, cups of coffee and a huge pile of papers usually accompany this traveller.
Forget about talking, they are so caught up in that excel sheet that they don’t even have the time to look at who’s sitting beside them.
They basically want to be left alone to do their work, so you can go ahead and catch up on some sleep or do whatever else you like.
6.THE BACKPACKER
You can just look at this person and tell they’re off on an adventure.
They usually travel alone and are accompanied by their backpack and a lot of energy and excitement.
You will feel like talking to them, asking them where they have been with that rugged backpack and where they’re going. They may have a lot of interesting stories but that doesn’t mean they want to share them with a stranger on an airplane.
But, if they do answer those questions, get ready to hear about some amazing adventures.
7.THE FOODIE
A lot of people like to bring their own food on the flight because let’s face it, airplane food does taste bland!
The only problem with that is, some flyers tend to be inconsiderate and bring food that can make the whole cabin smell strongly.
You can just hope that they finish and pack up their food as soon as possible and wait for that lingering smell to go away.
8.THE TODDLER
Kids on a flight are a bit difficult, they may cry or run in the aisles or need frequent visits to the restrooms.
At some point, we all have been on an airplane with young children or babies on board.
They are usually accompanied by their tired looking parents who can’t take a wink during the whole journey and are constantly trying to get their kid to calm down.
And while it may be annoying, imagine what they’re going through. If it bothers you, carry noise-cancelling headphones, speak to the parents or guardian politely and request them to keep it down and make the most of it.
9.THE OBLIVIOUS TRAVELLER
This can be the worst type to end up with.
They have no regard for personal space and sit as if they are relaxing on their personal sofa.
They spread their legs while sitting and take up most of the armrest. The worst part of sitting beside this person, they will also use your shoulder as their pillow. Honestly, they may not even realise that their behaviour is offensive.
And while you would probably be more comfortable sitting in the overhead bin than sitting beside this flyer, you should request them politely to make space and if needed ask the cabin crew for assistance.
10 THE PERFECT PASSENGER
They are interesting to talk to, polite and make you wish the flight never lands.
People say that such passengers don’t exist but that’s not true. However, the chances of you sitting beside this flyer are pretty rare!
It’s your lucky day if this passenger sits beside you because they make the flight pleasant and before you know it you’ve made a friend.
If you encounter such a person sitting next to you, thank your stars and enjoy your flight.
So always be prepared for any type of passenger might encounter and always try and be polite when dealing with them. Also, which one are you?
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