Vacation etiquette: things to consider while traveling

No one wants to think about rules and regulations on vacation, but in busy crowds, those rules can make life more pleasant for everyone.

A new survey from the Travel Leaders Group asked consumers how they'd handle certain travel situations. One big topic: sharing the cramped space on an airplane.

"No one wants to be in the middle seat. No one wants to be in the back," said David Fishman of the Cadillac Travel Group in Southfield. He's been in the travel business for more than 30 years, and says complaints about seats are the No. 1 topic.

"And the seats are getting smaller. The seats are getting thinner," Fishman said.

The survey asked thousands of consumers: If you are seated in the middle seat, and the people on either side have staked out the armrests, what would you do? Ruth to the Rescue rounded up some answers from metro-Detroiters.

"I think my first thought would be to establish dominance of the arm rest early in the flight," said Troy resident Brian Palmeri.

"I would say, 'Hey can we share the armrests so I can have a little bit more comfort?" said Detroit resident Porsha Powell.

According to the survey, 37 percent agreed that they would say something to their seat mates, 33 percent would sit quietly and say nothing, 22 percent aren't sure, and 8 percent would call a flight attendant for help.

"If its a situation that's completely unbearable then you should go to the flight attendant and ask for some help," Fishman said. However, he said if you can avoid a confrontation, that's better. And, sometimes a little non-verbal cue will do the trick.

"You just give them a little nudge. When you give a little nudge, it seems to go a long way," Fishman said. He also says, given the shrinking size of airline seats, there is one way to guarantee a little more comfort, but it comes with a price.

"If you want to be comfortable, pay a little more," he said. He says look for seating upgrades, whether in coach or splurging for first-class.

Powell, a frequent flyer, had this advice that could work in almost any airline situation, "I would say keep your cool and it's only temporary and try to communicate as effectively as possible."

Selfie sticks: are travelers getting too selfish?

One of the newer etiquette questions facing travelers has to do with selfie sticks. They are plastic or metal rods that you can use with a camera or a smartphone to take a better photograph of yourself. The devices have started popping up at vacation spots around the world. Although, some theme parks and festivals have started to ban them.

As you can imagine, the new technology has it's fans and critics.

"I think they're annoying," said 26-year-old Detroit resident Ali Al-esawi.

"I think they're convenient. They're easy to use to take a picture," said 18-year old Detroit resident Addison Mauck. Although she also admitted some people can go overboard. "I think it can get kind of annoying when you're walking around and all you see is rows and rows of these selfie sticks," Mauck said.  

Disney World just started banning selfie sticks in its theme parks. How would you react if you saw selfie sticks where they didn't belong?

Travel Leaders Group asked: If you knew selfie sticks were prohibited and you saw another tourist using one, what would you do? 34 percent said they wouldn't do anything, 32 percent said they would tell a security guard, 26 percent aren't sure, and just 9 percent said they would say something directly to the person.

"I think its a good idea, especially because there are a lot of people in tight quarters on rides," said Detroit resident Andy Pauwels. 

In fact, Disney has had to close rides because tourists with selfie sticks were creating dangerous situations.

Photo bans: to obey, or not to obey?

While many people told Ruth to the Rescue they wouldn't confront someone using a banned selfie stick, they were more likely to take action if taking photos is banned because of possible damage to artwork or artifacts.

"Maybe something like that is different because there's no pictures at all and the Mona Lisa versus Disney World just feels a little different to me," Pauwels said,

Another traveler agreed. "I think it's up to us, as the older generation, do school these people and let them know," said Detroit resident Karen Garrette.

Luckily, most people in the survey said they respect the rules designed to protect priceless treasures: 72 percent said they would respect the ban, 18 percent wish they could sneak a photo, and only 10 percent admit they have secretly taken photos anyway.

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