Join the Discussion! We're Talking Plane Manners

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

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Welcome to the first Today in Travel open forum. I know you like to share your responses on our stories, and now we’re giving you a chance to write the story yourself, so to speak, by sharing your opinions on a given subject. I’ll be asking for your tips, advice, and perspective, and I’ll be watching this thread all day and responding to tips and suggestions, and maybe offering a few of my own. And if this open forum concept is popular, we’ll do more down the road.

Today, I’d like to open it up to all of you to hear your thoughts about plane manners. We all know what makes for a bad seatmate, but what about a good one? Share your tips for being a good citizen in transit—your rules for the road—as well as stories of fellow travelers or travel workers who helped you out or simply made you smile.

Remember, this is all about you, so don’t be shy!

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