Delta Airlines is attempting to educate passengers on airplane etiquette to help them confront tense situations while at 35,000 feet.

Part of the problem is that airlines haven’t properly educated the public on what to expect aboard a plane, said Andrew R. Thomas, an assistant professor of international business at the University of Akron and an author of books on air travel and security. And growth in air travel has meant thousands of new passengers who have never been in the air, he said.

Being courteous to your fellow passengers in the air is no different than being considerate on the ground. There are some basic rules that we can all follow to make the experience of being jammed in a metal cylinder with 100 other people for hours more enjoyable.

• Basic Hygiene – People on airplanes are paranoid about getting sick and are hyper germ-phobic. Most complaints I’ve heard are about people who don’t cover their mouths when they cough or sneezing in the open. A set of tissues should be part of your small travel essentials so you don’t an awkward hand-of-snot to deal with. Add some hand sanitizer and not only will fellow passengers not be scared of you, but you’ll be less likely to get sick as well.

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