Alexandra Travers Top Ten Travel Tips

Flying Etiquette Other travel tips come from Expedia.com.au, namely the on-line company's "etiquette expert," Alex Travers, who says research had shown Australians are mostly well behaved when flying, but there is still room for improvement. "It's important to remember that planes are public spaces and you should remain aware of the comfort of others," she says. "It's all too easy to think that you're in your own home or car and any type of behaviour is appropriate, when that simply isn't so."

When someone behind kicks your seat, if it's a kid turn around, smile then say to the parent/escort: "You probably don't realise it, but your child's got a lively kick back there!" If it's an adult, smile and say "You only have to touch these chairs and you feel it!"

When there's competition for arm-rests, keep your sense of humour and flip a coin for them.

For an over-talkative fellow passenger: smile, put your earphones on for music or a movie; go to the toilet then on you return say you're feeling unwell and are going to sleep.

For a serial toilet user, set an example just before meal times and say, "Excuse me, I must use the bathroom before breakfast/lunch/dinner." Hopefully they will follow suit.

Sobering up a drinker: let the flight attendant know the situation.

When eating, remember that its elbows "in" when cutting with your fork and knife.

Crying babies? Remember: flying parents are more stressed than you. Smile and they will relax. But also carry ear plugs.

If your neighbour to fails to turn off a laptop or mobiles phone: say: "So sorry, you must have missed the captain saying that all electronic equipment has to be off."

If a fellow passenger is coughing and sneezing, have an extra packet of tissues on hand and offer them (with a smile).

Pack lightly for the overhead lockers. If there's no room above you take the one next to it or opposite.