Reply All … And Other Ways to Tank Your Career

Unlike decades ago, when traveling was considered a luxury, today’s common travel experience is more like a trip to the DMV, or like having your teeth pulled without Novocain, or like the tragic news that Honey Boo Boo was featured on Barbara Walters’s list of Most Fascinating People of 2012 (I’m not kidding!).

Nowadays, the difficulties and frustrations of travel can test even the patience of Mother Teresa. However, all the unpleasant aspects of travel can quickly be resolved with a little understanding and a lot of goodwill. (Right, because that’s soooo easy.) Make peace with the fact that unless you own your own airline, a fleet of buses, or a private railroad company, you’ll have to travel like everyone else and endure all the unpleasantries that come with it.

In the classic movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles, John Candy and Steve Martin are forced to endure each other’s differences while taking every means of transportation en route to Thanksgiving dinner. They nearly kill each other because of John Candy’s obnoxious, unmannerly behavior. I think of that movie every time I travel. From loud talking, to odd eating habits, to drunken escapades, to nasty hygiene, it’s as if being on the road brings out our dark side.

Regardless of where you work or what industry you’re in, you’ll probably have to do some traveling for your job. Whether it’s a ten-minute metro ride, a twenty-mile drive to a neighboring city, or even a cross-country or international flight, traveling for work could very well be the Olympics of manners. And like any Olympian, you can’t let obstacles that are placed in front of you get in the way of scoring a gold medal. So with that, let’s make sure our bags are secure in our overhead compartments and take a wild ride of travel etiquette. DING!

Modern Manners Guy’s Top 10 Tips for Business Travel Etiquette

Tip #1: Pack Light

In the 2009 film Up in the Air, George Clooney plays a veteran corporate traveler who spends more days in flight every year than on the ground. When a young coworker (Anna Kendrick) joins him for a trip, she gets a blunt lesson in professional packing. Kendrick’s character arrives in the airport lugging what appears to be a suitcase from the 1970s that could hold enough clothes for a family of twelve. Clooney’s character shakes his head in disgust and then makes her buy a new, reasonably sized carry-on, which she must repack in the middle of the airport. Kendrick’s character illustrates a common rookie mistake.

When you get a job that involves travel, the first thing I recommend is to invest in appropriate luggage. Your college backpack with the ripped straps does not scream, “I’m a professional.” Instead, it says, “I’m still in college and my mom bought me this bag.” Having proper luggage is like dressing for the job interview (see chapter 1). You want to look the part from head to toe, including accessories. This does not have to be a costly investment, either. You do not need top-of-the line, Louis Vuitton taiga leather, just something that rolls easily and is light, but also durable. Trust me, you’ll be doing a lot of lifting and pulling so you want it to hold up. If you need help deciding on what to get, just ask a colleague who travels a lot. They’ll have plenty of suggestions.

Now that you have the appropriate luggage, what to put in it? Business travel packing means traveling light, small, efficient, and not padding your bag with items for every possible scenario. If you’re going to Phoenix in June, you may surely come across a slightly cooler night that dips below 80 degrees, but packing a bulky jacket for that trip is a waste of valuable space. Even though it’s nice to have options for every possible event (networking, drinks, dinner with colleagues or clients, etc.), be realistic about how many changes of clothes you need to pack. Do you really need seven options for a weekend? Really? Lastly, make sure to bring pieces that are versatile enough to mix and match for any occasion. For example, a suit and a few shirts can create a numbers of different outfits, from business casual to formal.

Tip #2: What to Wear?

As I discussed in chapter 1, dressing for the role you want to play at work will cause others to perceive you in that role. The same thing applies to dressing for travel (although, I’m not saying to dress like the TSA agent—that will never go over well). What I am saying is that you should dress specifically for the type of travel you’re doing that day. I’ve found that when you dress ready to maneuver through the security line (bonus points if you can undress quickly), you’d be surprised how much smoother the experience can be.

Oftentimes when traveling for work, you have to go to a meeting right away after landing at your destination. With business trips, you usually dress for the upcoming meeting. With family vacations, you usually dress ready to go to your hotel as soon as you land. And even with the romantic getaway, you may dress ready for a fun night out. No matter which it is, I recommend dressing to make it through the security line first and worrying about what you’ll be wearing when you land second. Yes, you can wear loads of jewelry, high heels with many metallic straps, and carry everything you need in your pocket. But that won’t do you any favors when you’re stuck in the security checkpoint for twenty minutes removing everything and getting a cavity search because some piece of metal in your outfit is making the machine go bananas. This will undoubtedly annoy everyone behind you and they won’t be shy about making their impatience heard. So wear simple, security-friendly clothing and pack whatever you need in your carry-on so you can change after you get through the line.

When you travel for work, remember that you are still representing your company, so your favorite shirt that says “Who Farted?” may—call me crazy—not be a good idea to wear on the plane.

Tip #3: Road Trip!

In my first job after college, I and two other coworkers took a trip from Washington, D.C., to Pennsylvania, a three-hour drive each way if we didn’t hit traffic (which we did, of course). The best part was that I liked my coworkers, which always helps, but the worst part is that road trips never quite go as planned. There are too many variables—especially traffic—that you can’t account for. But even with rain, sleet, road closures, or smelly riders, there are some things you can do to make a road trip with colleagues tolerable, even fun!

For starters, determine ahead of time who will be driving and, if you take turns, who will drive when so that there are no disagreements along the way. Also, decide on a solid time and place of the departure and stick to it. After all, you have known about this trip for a while and everyone has had time to adjust their schedules. You don’t want to show up to the departure point an hour late because you had something else to take care of. If your colleagues are coming to pick you up, don’t start packing your bag when you hear the doorbell ring. Being on time and being considerate of others is simply professional. Anything less is not.

Along with splitting the driving responsibilities, you also want to split the cost for gas. Gas prices nowadays make a night out at the finest steakhouse seem like a Happy Meal at McDonald’s. So when someone offers to drive, be respectful and pitch in for gas. There is no reason why someone should have to not only drive, but also take on the gas bill as well. Even if they arrived to your house with a full tank, I always insist on contributing $10 or $20 toward gas money. And if they won’t take it, leave it in their cup holder on the sly. (This is a moot point if your employer is picking up the tab for gas.)

When you are sharing the ride with someone, you must always remember to be a good passenger. What is a good passenger? Well, along with not insisting that everyone listen to your music, or not eating a super-smelly sandwich that makes everyone gag, you should remember that the person driving is not your chauffeur. When I was a pro wrestler, one of the codes my team followed was that we couldn’t all fall asleep in the car when traveling to a match, leaving one guy to drive alone. This is a rule that most pro wrestlers follow and when you don’t, you’ll feel it in the ring later on. I’ve actually witnessed a veteran wrestler lay a full-on smackdown on a rookie who not only nodded off as soon as his rear end hit the seat, but didn’t even offer to take a shift for the four-hour drive. Last time he did that!

I understand that if you’re driving for many hours, you may have to sleep. But don’t bail on the driver right away. Be helpful with directions, check their blind spots, and most importantly, just keep them company during the ride. Colleagues will remember you for being a team player both in and out of the office, and this is an easy way to make a good impression—as a bonus, being an alert and engaged passenger is a great way to get to know your colleagues and learn more about the dynamics of the company.

Tip #4: Airport Security

I will openly admit that my initial reason for writing on this topic was to shout my grievances to the world about how much I dislike the security line at airports. However, I need to keep a more neutral stance and concede that there are always two sides to every story. I mean, after all, maybe I’m wrong that the security line should move faster? Maybe we should get full-body searches as if we’re all smuggling illegal substances? And maybe that elderly couple that can hardly walk, let alone assault someone, is a danger to fellow passengers? Who knows, right? Thankfully, when it comes to airport security etiquette, we can be a part of the solution.

Unless you enjoy being probed like in an alien abduction, you have to learn how to maneuver airport security with minimal, ahem, penetration. The easiest way is to show up early. Simple, right? But being early to airports will ensure that you get through the security line in a reasonable amount of time and make your flight. After all, the airlines wait for no one. They don’t care if you are just a minute late or if you got held up for an hour because your Great-aunt Trudy’s wheelchair had to be screened for bombs. The plane has to leave on time. I respect that. No one wants to be the reason a plane is delayed—it’s a nightmare domino effect—so arriving to the airport early is the best way to make sure everyone has a smooth transition through the security line.

Arriving within two hours of departure is key. Too much time? Some would say so, but I will say it’s a heck of a lot easier to arrive early to the airport than get there and see the security line is wrapped around the perimeter of the entire airport. I once traveled during Christmas (a bad idea, I know) and it felt as though I was in the line for a free iPad or something. If we all arrived early, the security lines would move more efficiently because they do adjust for people who arrive late. You know those people, they get to go ahead of everyone like they’re so special when really the airport security doesn’t want them to hold up the airplane from leaving on time. I can’t stand when that happens.

The second way to get through the process unscathed is to accept that the airline security process is rough. The line will be annoying, people will be mad, they will be in a hurry, and they will complain. Kids will cry, teenagers will be texting, and the snooty first-class flier will refuse to get off his Crackberry. It’s like road trips (see Tip #3): you can leave early, you can be fully gassed up, but one person talking on their cell phone who rear-ends the car in front of them can ruin it for us all.

Air travel is not glamorous and the security line is the epitome of frustrating. More often than not, people will be unfriendly—whether it’s fellow passengers or the unsmiling FAA drones looking at your ID card as if you are one of America’s Most Wanted. Sometimes I think that if they had a bar before the security line, rather than after, it could save a lot of aggravation and make the whole process much more tolerable.

There are no surprises here, no velvet ropes to sneak under, the security staff are not your friends and, frankly, couldn’t care less if you have an enjoyable trip. Their job is about safety. So, expecting comfortable, special treatment is a colossal waste of time. Take a Zen approach to the security line and realize patience is a virtue … Namaste.

Tip #5: On the Plane (Part 1)

Long gone are the days when airlines focused on spoiling their customers. My dad used to tell me about the olden days (aka, the 1970s) when getting on an airplane felt like you were a celebrity with people waiting on you hand and foot. Now, they even throw celebrities off the plane! So, unless you’re Sir Richard Branson or Jay-Z and can fly on your own private jet, you’ll likely encounter the gambit of foul manners, foul odors, and foul food en route to your destination. It’s a nightmare. The seats are too small, the air is stale, babies are crying, and everyone wants to get off as soon as possible. Which is why accepting this new status quo is the easiest way to get through your flight.

It’s like an awkward blind date that you wished never happened. The only way to get through it is to relax, stay focused, and try to make the best of the situation. They say that high expectations are the quickest way to disappointment, and air travel is a great example of this. Don’t expect a gourmet meal—realize you will get a 100-calorie pack of chips, a Dixie cup–sized, watered-down soda, and (if you’re lucky) a napkin the size of a business card. Don’t expect the person sitting next to you to smell like roses or mind his own business—chances are they will reek of cigarettes and one too many airport lounge drinks.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, don’t expect manners. So, when you find yourself about to rip your hair out because the person next to you will not stop talking, sit back, put your headphones on, and just think about the soft landing to come.

Tip #6: On the Plane (Part 2)

Apparently there is a misconception on what comes with purchasing your airplane ticket. Allow me to clarify: The only thing that’s included in the purchase price is the fart-stained seat. Oh, and a bag of stale crackers that wouldn’t even fill a toddler’s palm. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get your choice of an aisle or window. But that’s about it.

My wife will be the first one to tell you that I fall asleep on planes, even before takeoff. She’ll probably also tell you that I snore. Guilty. However, whether you snore, twitch, or sing show tunes in your sleep, one thing remains constant: the seat is not a bed (and neither is the seat next to you). And don’t get me started on the rules of the armrest. How many times have you had to sit next to someone, watch them falling asleep, and next thing you know, they’re planted facedown on your tray?

I’m not saying that you can’t sleep on a plane. But if you’re going to nap, the proper way to catch some Zs is to remain in your area. Don’t lounge over anyone else, don’t hog the armrest like a football, and don’t rest your head on a stranger’s shoulder. If you know for sure you are going to fall asleep ahead of time, try to get a seat by the window. This way, you have something to lean against that’s not going to resent you. If you are unfortunate enough to have someone else designate you as their new pillow, the proper thing to do is to wake them and let them know they are in your space. There is nothing wrong or unmannerly about doing this. Don’t rattle, shake, or otherwise manhandle them—just kindly tap them and ask them to please remain in their area.

The Pros Weigh In: LYNDON and JAMIE CORMACK
Founders of Herschel Supply Co.

No matter where or how you travel, you can’t go anywhere without the right bags to hold your life’s necessities. Brothers Lyndon and Jamie Cormack, founders of Herschel Supply Co., have been making travel a much more fashionable endeavor since 2009. The Brothers Cormack have traveled across the globe for their company, oftentimes accompanied by their employees, and I wanted to find out how they handle the blurring boundaries of traveling with colleagues or bosses. So I asked them: Are you still “on the clock” while traveling with coworkers, or can you relax once you are on the plane, train, or in the car? Lyndon responded:

This will depend on the relationship you have with your colleagues or boss. Every situation is different and there is no blanket answer to cover every scenario. For example, at Herschel Supply Co., work is always on our mind, but it doesn’t mean we are on the clock 24/7. I take pride in letting our employees let their hair down and to be off the clock to a certain degree. In other environments, being “on the clock” may mean holding back the temptation to party or to speak casually. The most important thing is to accurately judge what is expected. If you feel that something may be inappropriate, then leave it for when you’re with your true friends.

Because the Herschel Supply Co. is beloved all over the world, the Cormack brothers have encountered a lot of new cultures and beliefs during their travels. In business, especially in this constantly shrinking world, it’s inevitable that you will meet people who are not just like you, or don’t believe the same things you do. So when you enter a new environment, keep an open mind:

Do research, read, and find out what to expect. There are many resources out there right now that can help a person prepare for international encounters. Of course the best way is to visit these countries before going there for business, but that is not a necessary investment. A little preparation can go a long way toward smoothing over any culture clash.

I visited Armenia to research a famous filmmaker and to create some of my own work. The first night I was feasting with colleagues and we were served delicious homemade fig vodka. I naturally drank some of it while eating. Turns out, this is a sign of great disrespect! You’re supposed to drink only when everyone else at the table drinks during a toast. Luckily, they didn’t take offense and taught me the correct way to drink in Armenia, which is collectively in unison.

—Jonathan Monaghan, world-renowned artist and animator

Tip #7: Train Travel

The other day, I got a text from my buddy Jason saying, “I’m on the train right now and you HAVE to do a Modern Manners Guy episode about train etiquette—it’s like a freak show in here!” That was his first text. The others—which arrived about every five minutes—not only cracked me up, but reminded me of how interesting train travel can be.

I don’t know why, but there’s something about traveling by train that makes people want to have loud, private phone conversations, regardless of who is around them. I mean, at least when a person screams on their phone in a supermarket or a retail store, you can walk down a different aisle or go outside to escape. But on a train, you’re trapped—oftentimes in close proximity. When you’re faced with this sort of rudeness, I’d ordinarily advise you to stand up and take mannerly action … unless you’re on the train.

When someone is so inconsiderate that they lose track of where they are, what they’re doing, and who is watching or hearing them, there is nothing you can do to contain it. If someone is so loud (and possibly angry) on the phone, you don’t want to confront them. It’s best to simply move to another seat or, if you can’t, try focusing really hard on your book or your phone like it contains the secret of life. The last thing you want to do is politely approach the person only to have him or her lash out at you and create an unfortunate confrontation.

Another unfortunate situation when riding the rails is who will sit next to you. Take my routine trips from Baltimore to New York. It’s not that far a distance, yet it includes ten stops, which means ten new sets of people coming and going onto the train. And one of the rudest things I witness is oblivious passengers not offering up their seats to people who need it more. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a train and watched a heavily pregnant woman or an elderly person stand while others sit and watch. I mean, what has the world come to? It’s even worse when able-bodied people are sitting in those seats reserved for the disabled and they still don’t get up.

If you witness such poor behavior, you can simply say, “I’m sorry, but I think you are sitting in the seats reserved for someone who may need it.” They will hopefully get the hint and get up off their lazy ass.

Tip #8: The Corporate Credit Card

I’ll never forget receiving my first credit card from my parents. I was in college and thought that the $2,000 limit was like hitting the lottery. Lunch? Swipe. A new sweatshirt? Swipe it again. Treating the girls that were only hanging out with me and my friends because we were buying drinks? Go right ahead, barkeep, just charge it.

(In case you’re wondering, nothing panned out with the girls at the bar. Apparently being able to sneak into a college bar at eighteen does not mean you, in fact, have “game.” That, and the actual twenty-one-year-olds who came over shortly after I unloaded $75 worth of shots were apparently more attractive than me and my pimple-faced friends. Go figure.)

Their loss was Visa’s gain because it never occurred to me that I actually had to pay the charges back, let alone that my mom would see what I bought. That was the worst part! How do you explain $135 at Taco Bell in one week? I couldn’t. Needless to say, my first year at college was a very interesting lesson in personal finance. So when you get a corporate card from your employer, think of it as a “For Emergencies Only” safety net, to be used judiciously.

Oftentimes, your boss will tell you to treat clients or colleagues as necessary and set a budget for you. But if he doesn’t, always ask what your monthly limit is so you aren’t hit with any surprises. Also, some companies have strict limits for how and where their corporate cards can be used. For example, I had a government employee credit card that had a limit of what I could spend each day, along with how I could spend it. When I tried to buy a bag of pretzels, a soda, and a magazine in an airport kiosk, it was denied. I called the credit card company and was told that the card was not to be used for certain vendors. I had no idea. What if I took clients to a dinner and the restaurant was not on the list of approved vendors and the card was declined? It would have been incredibly humiliating.

“Yeah, front desk, I’m going to need another round of lobster tails, ASAP. Yup, just put it on the company card … Wait … bring up a dessert menu, too.”

When you use a company card, it’s not a free ride. You may be allowed to “treat” others for business purposes, but every charge is on record and everything has stipulations. You have to keep receipts of all purchases because you will probably have to submit those to the accounting department every month. Even if that’s not required, always do it anyway. You never know when there will be an error. If you keep everything on hand and organized—when others didn’t—you will look like the responsible employee.

Tip #9: Hotel Etiquette

My colleague Nick and I recently had to fly from Baltimore to Minneapolis for business. Tell me why it takes two layovers and eleven hours to go 940 miles? Why do I have to travel from Baltimore to Atlanta, to Ohio, and then to Minneapolis? I’m no geography buff, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the fastest route. Given this ridiculous itinerary, you can imagine how thrilled I was to finally arrive at my hotel room.

I have to say, I love hotels. And when you stay in a nice one you can’t help but get caught up in all the comforts. In the hospitality industry, it’s their job to do whatever is necessary to win you over. So when Nick got upgraded from a standard room to a suite because the room he reserved was not ready, he was thrilled. He couldn’t sleep, so he ordered a movie. Then he discovered the fridge stocked with beverages. “Why not have a few … or fifteen?” he thought. They’re so small, how can you have just one? Oh, and room service? Don’t mind if I do. I mean, that steak for $50 has to be delicious. He was so caught up in the hotel’s offerings that he nearly fell over when the bill was presented to him at the end of our stay. Sure, he got a great room with a view at a sweet rate, but all those little extras added up and his trip ended up costing him as much as a flight from New York to Paris. Ouch!

So when you’re staying at a hotel, especially if it’s on the company dime, remember that virtually nothing is free. If it looks too good to be true, it likely is. And nothing is really yours. The robe is just a rental. The towels are only for use while you’re there. And those drinks are the opposite of complementary.

Next time you stay at a hotel for work, make sure to ask what is included in the room rate. Is there a fee for WiFi? What about breakfast? Laundry? Some things may be free, but never assume. After all, you know what happens if you assume, right? That’s right … you end up spending up the wazoo for treating the hotel room like a scene from The Hangover. Oh, and of course, you make an ass out of you and me.

Tip #10: Drinking While Traveling

Last year, on a train ride home from New York, I was sitting in the food car having a sandwich and working on my next Modern Manners Guy column. A gentleman in a fine business suit sat across from me. He was traveling with a younger colleague and before the train even pulled out of the station, he downed two small bottles of wine. I kid you not! Now, everyone’s tolerance is different—mine is about the same as it was in high school when I got drunk on leftover Manischewitz—so I don’t immediately judge a person by what and how much they drink. But within ten minutes of downing the bottles, the wine took its effect and this previously polished professional became more and more incoherent.

As the ride went on, he continued drinking. Soon, the jacket came off and the knot in his tie was loosened. Two hours later, his hair was disheveled, his eyes were droopy, and he drooled as he babbled nonsense about marketing reports (or was it “making his mark”? I couldn’t tell). I was embarrassed for him and I’m pretty sure his young colleague was as well. He typed away on his laptop furiously, trying to divert his eyes from his drunken coworker who kept pushing the young colleague to “Drink up! Quit bein’ such a stiff!” Impressively, the younger colleague handled this unpleasant situation quite well, but it was clear he couldn’t wait for the ride to be over.

This was a lesson in how not to drink with coworkers while traveling. Let me first start by saying that there’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks with colleagues. But there is a middle ground between casual drinking and making a fool of yourself in public. Even though you are traveling with a coworker, it’s always best to keep your guard up. Even if you are on your way home from celebrating a big win for the company, you should still maintain a certain level of professionalism.

Don’t be a stick-in-the-mud—no one likes a square—just know your limit and stick to it. I prefer to treat all interactions with coworkers as still being on the clock. Think of it this way: how many drinks would you have if your boss was there? That’s how many you should have with colleagues. No more. Don’t think for a minute that tales of any rowdy or inappropriate behavior won’t get back to your boss. They will—and fast. Consider the situation above. What if it were you who got drunk and belligerent in front of your colleagues? It could be a career ender for sure.

MODERN MANNERS GUY QUIZ

You are on a plane traveling for work with your boss. You want to make a good impression while you have the opportunity, but are nervous about kicking up a conversation. What do you do?

A Flip open the laptop and start pounding away at a very important document to make it clear that you’re a dedicated employee who can’t go five minutes without working.

B Ignore him. He must be too busy to want to bother talking to you.

C Focus solely on making his flight the best it can possibly be by ensuring that the flight attendants get his drink order right, that he has enough light to read, that he has both armrests, and of course, by carrying his bags (on top of your own) through the airport.

D Make polite conversation about family, recent news, movies, or a hobby like local sports that you know your boss is into. Purposely choose topics other than your last quarter earnings.

Answer

D As shocking as it may sound, your boss is a human being with varied interests and does not always want to talk about work. Not to mention the fact that if you are on a trip with your boss, you are probably already at a level where you don’t have to present a Power Point of your achievements at all times. Also, your boss is a big boy or girl—they don’t need a servant to make sure their every need is catered to during the flight. They can carry their own bags, pour their own drink, and yes, even fluff their own bacteria-infested in-flight pillow.

Traveling with your boss is nerve-racking and that’s understandable. And they understand that. Every CEO I spoke with told me that they know how uneasy people get when traveling with a superior. We often feel like we’re on a traveling interview of sorts. So instead of ignoring him (bad idea), or becoming his slave (even worse), use the time to talk about an idea or project that you’ve wanted to discuss. Bring it up casually and if you encounter any resistance, drop it. Don’t push it and certainly don’t dwell on it. And if you find your boss is going for their book or headphones, take that as your signal to do the same. Read a book, listen to music, or take a nap (just don’t snore, drool, or slump over their seat).

MODERN MANNERS GUY’S BUSINESS TRAVEL ETIQUETTE TOOL KIT

1 BUY “GROWN-UP” LUGGAGE. “Grown-Up” luggage, as an old boss of mine used to call it, is the difference between a professional and an amateur. Your college rugby team duffel bag with duct tape over the holes is the latter. “Grown-Up” luggage is a compact rolling suitcase made for professional travel that will allow you to maneuver on any mode of transportation with ease. You should have something that is sturdy, fits into the standard airplane overhead compartment, and isn’t zebra-striped (or neon pink or any other color or pattern that looks comical). And if you can’t afford the whole set at once (like many of us just starting out), invest in just one decent bag and add to your set as you go. Whatever you do, ditch the ratty duffel bag.

2 NEVER RELY ON ELECTRONICS. We’ve all been on a plane and heard the crew instruct us to “Please turn off all electronic devices.” In fact, I was on a flight once and the flight attendant said, “Look y’all, if it’s got an on or off button, put it away!” Sure it’s easy to go ten or fifteen minutes without your iPad or smartphone, but there is nothing more depressing than turning it back on once you reach 30,000 feet only to realize that you have 8 percent of battery life left … and six more hours to go before you reach your destination. That’s why you should always pack a hard copy or magazines or books to keep you occupied (unless you like reading a six-month-old People that someone left stuffed in the seat-back pocket).

3 CARRY YOUR MEDS. My grandmother used to keep a baggie of aspirin in her purse just in case anyone needed some. It was gross. Have you ever swallowed an aspirin that tasted like a roll of pennies? I have, and I don’t recommend it. However, what my grandmother did teach me was that it never hurts to have the medication you may need available on hand. Nowadays, we can’t always carry all those bottles of prescriptions or creams onto planes due to FAA regulations, so pack whatever meds you need into a small pouch or even one of those pill boxes and keep it in your carry-on. This way, you won’t have to suffer when your allergies act up on the dust-filled plane. Or if a colleague (or boss) has one too many gin and tonics on the flight, you can be a hero and offer an aspirin for their headache.