Daily Trust Sunday

Airport lounge rules to observe

- Compiled by Rosemary Etim Bassey

Traveling allows you to get a close look at the world and the people that live in it. Even during airport layovers, you’ll undoubtedl­y encounter and maybe interact with people from various walks of life. However, before you can benefit from flying, you must first commit to being the most caring person you can be while waiting to board your flight.

Here are a few unspoken etiquette guidelines to observe while at the airport Lounge.

Speak quietly: This is for people traveling in groups. When you’re with your closest friends and family, it’s easy to forget that you’re in a public place where others may be taking a nap. Don’t be the one who denies others the opportunit­y to rest.

Maintain a low level of small conversati­on: This one is for individual­s who are traveling alone. You can reach a point where you’ve had enough of your inner voice and want to engage in a genuine dialogue with another person. Not everyone in the airport lounge is looking to have an in-depth conversati­on with strangers. Be aware of when to engage in small talks with strangers and when to continue your internal monologue.

Do not use up all of the power outlets: You most likely have a variety of electronic devices with you. You also have access to a variety of outlets. Only charge one device at a time. Also allow others make use of the power sockets. Public resources should be shared.

Don’t take up too many seats or benches: You want to be comfortabl­e by freely relaxing your body on a level surface because you’re exhausted. If there are only a few people in the lounge, that’s fine. If you see a large group of people looking for a spot to sit, be selfless enough to disregard the elementary school rule that “finders’ keepers.”

Don’t stare: You’ll observe a diverse range of people in the airport lounge. You might even run into a celebrity. Remember that staring is not polite, no matter how important a person is. It makes people feel uneasy. You wouldn’t want to be on the receiving side of it, either. Unless, of course, you’re a celebrity eager to sign autographs for fans.

Keep your children under control: Yelling, tantrums, touching all the food at the buffet table, and jumping on furniture are not appropriat­e in any public shared place.

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