Air Hermit: tips for the anti-social flier

Following an earlier blog about avoiding seat mates, I wanted to take it a step further. This article struck a chord. After all, the Brits have a reputation for being anti-social, stuck up, aloof and at times a bit ironic so this is a perfect opportunity to capitalize on all of these things.

You’re just settling into a flight. It has been a hectic few days. Getting to the airport was a shocker and the check-in line got you ruffled. At last you are sitting on the plane and ready to relax. You have just opened up your bottle of iced tea and begun to daydream about far-off shores when you become vaguely conscious of some noise next to you and become aware of the most appalling fact - a complete and utter stranger is attempting to make small talk that will more than likely turn into his or her life story. You have a 15-hour flight ahead of you…it’s time to batten down the hatches and become an Air Hermit.

Tips for keeping yourself to yourself when in the air:

- Keep answers to questions brief; “I understand” or “I quite agree” often does the trick.
- Dig out your trusty book and put it between you and your tormentor.
- Read your book.
- Pull out a video game or computer.
- Frighten your tormentor into retreat by giving a frosty stare and introducing yourself as Jackson Ripner (as per the rather unsavory film Red Eye).
- Plug in your headphones (Noise cancelling is the best version).
- Pull out your neck-pillow. This looks like you mean business about getting some R & R.
- In severe cases where your headphones are ignored pull out your trump card and put on your sleeping eye mask for a kip or bit of relaxation.
- If you have to resort to underhanded tactics, try the old coughing and spluttering routine…

Ok, so if you are not an anti-social and grumpy Air Hermit? Not old enough to remember the joke about sitting next to the granny in the film Airplane? Not amused by this tongue-in-cheek humor? Then you might try a Web site called airtroductions.com, which helps you to make friends in the sky. I don’t think it was founded by an Englishman…

© Cheapflights Ltd Hugo Burge, Head of International

Comments

[Peter Shankman]

Not founded by an Englishman, but about 30 per cent of our members are from outside the United States. In addition, we have a check-box on our profile page at airtroductions.com that allows you to choose "I don't want to talk to anyone, I just want to watch my DVD/read my book/sleep. Thanks for noticing us!

Peter Shankman, Founder AirTroductions

[Xan]

How did we get to be like this where we need our own little bubble of space and don't want to engage with our fellow travelers. We could talk to someone who could change our lives. Is it 9/11? Is it work? Is it because we are more mistrustful of people now? It's a shame.