Importance of Quiet in Airports

Politeness Matters When Traveling

Dear Polite Traveler,

One important thing to remember, no matter where we are, is to be conspicuous of how our actions affect others.  Consequently, we should also remember the number one rule of cellphone use: Do not irritate those around you when using your cellphone.  This rule leads to the more specific rule of not talking loudly on your cellphones when with others. 

Loud, Chatty, Irritating Contractor

Noting that this irritating person is a contractor isn’t important.  Nevertheless, since he mentioned it multiple times during his assault on my calm, I thought it worth noting.   On to the details of this moment of grating clatter.

Picture this, I had a five-hour layover in the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida.  For those of you who have passed through this badly-in-need-of-a-makeover dot on the map, you know how small and limited it is.  There’s no way to pass the time by strolling or shopping—any type of diversion—as it’s so small.   It’s also busy since many pass through here from cruise ships to their final destination.  So, that’s bad enough.  On to the rude part. 

I’m bored...very bored after the first hour of walking in a half-circle.  Ugh, a wall prohibits walking an entire circle.  Thus, I sit reading on my tablet.  I suppose since I’m sitting next to one of the many electrical outlets, this man—grumble—decides to sit in the chair next to me, even though there are plenty of seats elsewhere.  

Within a minute he’s calling multiple persons, telling them the same loud story about his trip and how behind he is now.  After twenty minutes, I’d had enough.  Closing my book, I opened a game, which I played quietly for another loud fifteen minutes before disconnecting my headphones.  

Typically, I would never, ever, play an unmuted game in public, but I didn’t want to move, and he wouldn’t stop making noise.  Once he moved, we were both happier. 

Could I have been politer?

Obviously yes.  Normally, I would have motioned for him to pause his conversation to politely mention that I cannot read while he talks loudly.  Often, this works.  Today...not so much.  It seems that many are under the impression that rude is the new normal—the ruder, the better, especially in shared spaces.   This is not to say that I will join this trend, and just may handle a similar situation differently.  I would hope so. 

Your Thoughts

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