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Trip Advisor: Don't take the offensive about fears of child kicking seat on plane
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Q I can't stand kids kicking my seat on planes. This summer, it seems more of them are flying than ever before, and I dread walking to my seat and finding a child sitting behind me. Can I tell the child's parent before the flight takes off that they need to make sure their kid doesn't kick my seat?
A While I agree that it's annoying when a kid kicks your seat, all kids are not seat-kickers. There are actually parents out there who teach their kids how to behave properly on planes. If it were my kid sitting behind you, just coloring or something, and you turned around and told me not to let him kick your seat, I'd be pretty insulted. Don't assume all kids are bad or that all parents don't care.
That said, if a kid does kick your seat, you can turn around and speak to the kid and/or the parent about it. Just be nice. But if sitting in front of kids bothers you this much, why not avoid it entirely by choosing your seat wisely? No kids can be seated in an exit row, so the row directly in front of the exit row would be great for you. The very last row on the plane, too, is an option. Both rows have drawbacks -- you might not be able to recline your seat in either row, and far back is not ideal if you have a close connection. But if you really want to avoid seat-kickers, it might be worth it.
Q Is it OK to ask someone how they like their suitcase? I've had my eye on a particular, rather unusual brand of suitcase, but I've never actually seen anyone carrying one. If I do, would it be weird to go up to them and quiz them about it?
A I don't think it's weird, as long as you're not bothering them when they're obviously in the middle of something important. So, if someone's standing in line in front of you or just sitting across from you at the airport food court, go for it. If they're trying to calm down a crying baby or talking on their cell phone, don't interrupt.
Q If I only have $20 bills, and the hotel doorman hails a taxi for me, can I tell him I'm sorry but I'll tip him when I return?
A I suppose that's better than not tipping at all, but you can't be sure the same doorman will be working later. Instead, ask the front-desk clerk to break a $20.
First Published July 29, 2012 12:00 am
