As many of you know, Capitol Manners had its etiquette blog behind a pay wall during the pandemic. Keeping our content and services exclusive has helped our clients receive our advice and counsel during a time when our in-person presence was challenged. But thank the Gods for vaccines and our loyal clients. You supported us, pushed us to grow and succeed through zoom and word of mouth, challenging us to go viral, come to you, trust and digitally persevere.
But now times are evolving again. The power of good manners allows you to be nimble and resilient. Now along with the rest of the world, Capitol Manners is opening up once again blooming into the light with a free blog for all those jetting off or venturing out into society, to an office party, fundraiser, a holiday dance, a college interview, or an in-person business meeting to land that important client. No more sweats my friends. No more dressing from the waist up.
No more delaying that trip to see family. With our new free blog - Let us talk travel.
With twitter alerts and traveling advisories popping up constantly on protocol changes, travel bans and COVID restrictions – it is difficult NOT to be frustrated, anxious or angry at any sign of delay once our feet hit the airport. The late nights we spend checking and double checking the rules and regulations of the airlines, TSA, the countries we are traveling to and from – it can be exhausting. Once we get to the airport, we feel confident, packed, equipped ready to enjoy. That all comes to a screeching halt when someone elbows us or cuts in the line, sits in our seat, orders a coffee too complicated for the normal barista to understand, or takes our spot in the overhead bin. And the airline officials are often tired even if they are hired to the top of customer service standards. We sometimes feel totally alone with no allies to help us successfully navigate outside our living room or zoom space into the new world of travel.
You are not alone.
Capitol Manners, experts in global etiquette, has your back. Here are our (FREE) TOP TIPS for TRAVEL SUCCESS.
We are still in a pandemic, and there are still many potential hiccups, including ever-changing travel rules that are beyond our control. The key to traveling during the pandemic depends on how we perceive the risk versus the actual risk and our overall comfort level with risk, our reason for traveling, and how important travel. Another factor seems to be the intangible: How much time do we have left in your life to travel? Can we overcome the stress and inconvenience, maintain our cool, remember to be kind, and remember social manners even when others do not? We believe in you. We know you can show patience and consideration- take a deep breath, visit Expedia, and remember this key advice.
ALL NEW TRAVELERS: Print paper copies of your paperwork. You will frequently have to show proof of vaccination and other various forms throughout your travels. Cell service is often spotty at airports. Do not get stuck trying to pull up your information. Print out several copies so you have them ready to hand over. Some airport and airlines do not accept cloth masks. Bring N95s or blue surgical masks, carry extra masks. Protect and respect the locals. Mask when they do, indoors or outside. With the opening of international travel in the US, lines will be long – long. Immigration and Customs is reporting sometimes a 2 hour wait. Bring a book, a phone charger, a snack, hand wipes, prepare your child, just realize this is the case, and know it will not move faster if you are irate. Sanitize and Mask as much as possible. Airports are suffering from the same labor shortage plaguing the globe. Some food courts are still closed so be prepared for those limited food and drink options, pack a blanket and headphones that will work with the in-flight entertainment system and bring snacks, bring water — anything to make travel more comfortable.
FAMILY and YOUNG TRAVELERS: Given that many families have not flown in two years, it is likely that the crop of first-time travelers will be twice as big this year. An October survey of 2,000 travelers commissioned by American Express Travel reveals that 84 percent of parents say they plan on traveling up to six times in 2022. There will be a lot of people who want to reach their destination as much as you do. Refocus your attitude and remember the excitement not the strain. "It just feels good to be back on an airplane," one of our young finishing school clients told us recently. "There was a real buzz at the airport and on the plane, lots of cheering when we took off. It was a bit of a holiday party flight."
When you pack, make sure items that need to be removed during security are easily reached. Keep in mind that traveling with snacks will mean extra scrutiny during the screening process. Kids and new travelers do better when they know what to expect so tell them about the travel day. Take an early flight. They are less crowded, everyone is tired, you and the kids can watch morning cartoons on an iPad or phone and rest. Where clean, unwrinkled clothes to the airport and dress in layers. You will be ready if it is too cold or too hot.
Expect things in the airport to be a little bit slower and stressful as you account for the newbie travelers.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS: Travelers should seek guidance from the State Department as they plan international trips. They have a system to determine the level of security and safety in countries across the world. For example, the State Department warns that “Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico.” U.S. officials also have a “limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas" of the country”. And while you are at it, let the State Department know when you will be in a country. Few travelers take the time to do this, but Heaven forbid there is an incident in country. If the State Department has your name and contact information, they can help you, get out, find your lost passport, help you seek medical care, legal counsel and travel confidently. IF travel is planned soon also be aware of the COVID situation in your final destination, check the CDC, know the level of risk you will be encountering. Double-check the COVID test that is required to enter a country, even if you are on a layover. One of our clients in distress had a connecting flight in Portugal and spent $275 for an emergency COVID test because Portugal required a negative COVID test, even for a layover.
ALL TRAVELERS: People are feeling super taxed and fearful. It is a potentially combustible situation in a small, enclosed space where you cannot do what you want, and you cannot leave the scene. It is easy, she notes, to get angry at a fellow passenger who is not wearing their mask properly. And that can quickly escalate. We have been desensitized by news and social media to the inappropriateness of being rude. Rather than reacting with confrontation in a situation you cannot leave, simply saying ‘I'm sorry you feel angry’ can defuse the situation. If you feel your temper rising, try taking deep paced breaths, or focus on relaxing your muscles. When you are super angry, it is hard to use your judgment and think rationally. Relaxing your body hopefully relaxes your mind. You, unfortunately, cannot leave the scene, but you can go a little more into your own space. Always follow the Golden Rule. “A little grace goes a long way, in all parts of life, but especially when you're in a metal tube hurling through space.”