Before You Board: Three Things That Make It Easier

Have your boarding pass ready before you step onto the aircraft. Not buried in your email, not somewhere in your wallet, and not on a phone screen that's just gone dark.

The crew may look at it for a reason. On a large aircraft with two aisles, knowing your seat number lets them point you down the correct aisle immediately. Depending on the aircraft, you might see seats arranged something like ABC–DEF–HJK or ABC–DEFG–HJK. If you're in 32A and go down the wrong aisle, getting across later with a suitcase while everyone else is boarding isn't fun. Have the pass open, show your seat number, and follow the direction you're given.

And watch the backpack. People usually know where their own body is, but forget that their backpack sticks out another foot behind them. Walking down a narrow aisle, turning around quickly or reaching up for a bin can send that backpack straight into somebody's face. Take it off and carry it in front of you while you're moving through the cabin. It's easier for you and considerably nicer for the person sitting in the aisle seat.

Use the bathroom in the terminal before boarding, especially if you know you usually need to go soon. Boarding isn't a great time for a bathroom trip. People are trying to reach their seats, bags are everywhere, the aisle is congested and the aircraft eventually needs to be ready for departure. Going five minutes before you board can save a lot of hassle.