Be it for business or pleasure, traveling can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, leaving the comforts of home is not without major tests to your patience. Whether you’re squeezing in a last-minute sojourn before Labor Day, or planning a perfect autumn getaway, Brian O’Connor, a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and former hospitality industry communications executive, explains how to navigate your journey with grace.

By air

When you encounter a packed security line

O’Connor: Be prepared for the flow of the security line process. You know the drill - if you are not in the TSA Pre-Check line, and you can see the 360 degree scan machine is in use in your lane, make sure your pockets are empty, belt is off, and shoes are removed and placed in a bin. If you see a novice flier in front or behind you, kindly ask them if they fly often (so as to not offend them) and confirm with them that they know the procedures so they reach the scanner prepared to proceed smoothly.

When a crowd gathers at the gate

O’Connor: Resist the urge to crowd the gate area and boarding lines. Every airline has an easy-to-follow system and makes numerous announcements on which groups are permitted to board in order. Seats are assigned (on most airlines), so respect the process and the gate agents by staying clear of the area until your group is called.

If your flight is canceled, the two agents working your gate are likely not going to have the bandwidth to manage a rebooking for you. First, see if the airport you are in has a Customer Service area with multiple agents assisting customers in your same situation. Second (or while you’re standing in line), attempt to use the airline app on your phone to rebook yourself. Airlines add new features and functionality for self-service to the apps on a regular basis. Third, call the airline’s customer service and pray their system has a call-back feature so you don’t have to wait on-hold. Sometimes the on-hold music can be more torturous than the rebooking process.

When your flight is full

O’Connor: Most of the people boarding an aircraft are not experienced (business) fliers. Others may have children and backpacks and snack packs as well as carry-on luggage to manage, so consider lending a hand to the less experienced or single parent to move things along for an on-time departure. Chivalry is not dead, so when needed, stand-up and help people in need get their luggage up into the overhead bin.

To mask or not to mask

O’Connor: While masks are no longer required on airplanes, individuals should feel completely comfortable wearing one in the airport and most certainly while on the aircraft. Personally, I will likely wear a mask on an airplane forever, but while transiting the airport on foot, I tend to remove it for maximum oxygen - unless the airport is extremely crowded. We are also not entitled to express our opinion if someone is not wearing their mask on the aircraft. Keep an opposing view to yourself. It remains a bit of a polarizing topic.

Pro-tip to reward great service

O’Connor: I fly with a small quantity of Starbucks gift cards loaded with $5.00 to present to the flight attendant(s) who provided me gracious and attentive service. When presenting, I simply say, “thank you for your hospitality.” Their reaction to receiving the gift is priceless.

By rail

When boarding

O’Connor: Trains board swiftly and leave on time. Since they will not wait for you, be ready to move from the terminal waiting area to the train and when boarding is called, be intentional about finding your train and entering the car in your class of service. Avoid attempting to enter the Business Class car as a shortcut to your general seating car as this is likely to slow others down while boarding and storing luggage.

Upon taking your seat

O’Connor: When seated next to a stranger on the train, say hello (good morning, afternoon, evening) to be kind, but also be observant of them as they may not be interested in having a conversation. For example, if they have earphones in, assume they are listening to music or possibly, even, a business phone call. If you need to ask them a question that relates to traveling next to each other - get their attention and allow them to take the ear phones out of their ears or pause the input before you start speaking.

And if your neighbor won’t stop talking…

O’Connor: If you are seated next to someone who insists on engaging you in conversation, but you are not interested in talking - smile, ask them their name and say “Virginia, I’m going to be focused on work during this trip (or reading, or listening in on a work phone call) so I won’t be able to chat with you.”

By road

Setting the temperature and music

O’Connor: Similar to attending a conference in a hotel ballroom, encourage the passenger in your car to bring a light sweater or sweatshirt. In close quarters and especially if driving in a sunny, warm, or humid region, the driver is going to want to keep the car cabin cool and comfortable so they can stay alert. The driver is “principal” when it comes to cabin temperature for comfort; however, it’s common for drivers to delegate climate control and music choices to their co-pilot or other passenger in the car. If consensus cannot be reached on music choices, the driver breaks the tie or might exercise their power to enjoy the drive in silence.

Riding shotgun with success

O’Connor: An ideal passenger serves as a co-pilot and assists the driver with navigation (if by mobile device and not a feature of the car), cabin temperature, music programming and even snacks and beverages so that the driver can remain 100 percent focused on the road, safely navigating the vehicle to the destination.

You are in close quarters - go easy on the perfume, cologne and scented lotions while in the vehicle.

At the gas pump

O’Connor: If you are embarking on a significant road-trip it is a kind gesture to offer to contribute to the cost of gas and reach an agreement with the driver (owner of the vehicle). It’s also a kind gesture to offer to drive and if the owner of the vehicle declines, it may be because the auto insurance does not cover you behind the wheel.

By air, rail or road: Minding your manners while traveling