Why A Quiet Cabin Really Matters To American Airlines

Airlines are quietly taking measures to ensure the cabin remains quiet and peaceful for all passengers. It would be expected that everyone onboard follows the same level of etiquette, which is that if you plan to watch or listen to anything on your personal device, you must use headphones or have the volume turned off.

Is there such thing as a 'Quiet Cabin' policy

We all have the right to a peaceful, calm, quiet, and easy journey when we take a flight, and airlines are taking various stands on ways to limit disturbance onboard. The United States Department of Transportation is already considering a new regulation that would require airlines to advise passengers if they permit the use of mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops) to make phone calls.

It can be expected that when staying in hotel accommodation, we would expect peace and quiet. However, putting in rules for airlines to restrict the use of mobile devices or limit noise could be quite a challenge to police. Not to mention, how do you limit the noise coming from a group of talkers onboard?

The quietest spots on an aircraft for your next trip

To limit exposure to potential noise onboard your next flight, here are a few suggestions on how it might be easier to catch a few more hours of sleep:

• The front of the aircraft typically has a quieter passenger demographic. This is usually because these passengers can be business or corporate travelers.
• Correspondingly, families with children are usually seated near the middle or rear of an aircraft.
• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can filter out desired noise.
• Make sure you are traveling outside of peak travel times, either at less desirable times of the day or avoiding public holidays.

Headphones are recommended for any passenger looking to listen or watch something from their device, and, realistically, they should be the norm. If you find yourself in a situation with varying sounds coming from all directions, it could be time to provide feedback to the flight attendant for assistance.

Flight attendants have some power to ensure that the cabin remains enjoyable for all passengers and can request that you turn off your volume and use headphones for your inflight device. In recent years, many airlines have included such a topic in their in-flight safety briefings to remind passengers of suitable decorum before taking flight. The Association of Flight Attendants, as reported by People, stresses the following:

Understanding American Airlines 'Quiet Cabin' policy

Fort Worth-based American Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the United States, and passengers have recently taken to social media, reminding their followers of the airline's controversial so-called 'quiet cabin policy.' Such a policy isn't limited to just American, with other US carriers having similar rules to ensure the peace and quiet of those onboard:

My reached out to American Airlines for further perspective on the Quiet Cabin Policy, and we will update this article when we receive a response.

Keeping quiet while traveling near or far

It goes without saying that everyone has the right to peace onboard while traveling, but in some situations, the term 'quiet zone' can be bent. Commonly, you can find a quiet zone on public transportation systems, such as trains or subways, and this is not just for ensuring a peaceful environment, but can also aid those affected by various forms of neurodiversity.

Airplanes can typically offer a quiet zone onboard an aircraft, where passengers are reminded to keep noise low. This area is commonly at the front of the aircraft, where business or corporate travelers are situated. This is also at a point away from lavatories or the galley.

If passengers unexpectedly find themselves in a quiet zone, they should refrain from:

• Talking loudly.
• Using electronic devices without headphones.
• Behaving in a way that can disturb others.

While controversial, quiet zones have their benefits

Quiet zones allow passengers to relax, work, or sleep without the unnecessary distractions from a noisy environment. After a stressful day at work, a calm zone will enable you to be comfortable and unwind. As mentioned, quiet zones are also key for those with sensory sensitivities and need a calmer atmosphere.

Flight attendants are there to keep passengers safe in more ways than one

Flight attendants are here to make your flight enjoyable, but they also have several guidelines to follow to ensure that all passengers and crew are safe. Some simple rules to follow onboard include:

• Being friendly and respectful to other passengers and crew.
• Listen to all in-flight cabin-crew instructions.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Put your belongings away when they are not in use.
• Don't lean on others (unless you know them and have permission).
• Don't fall asleep on others (same guidelines as above).

Etiquette tips to make your next journey more peaceful

If you're still looking for a way to be on your best behavior for your next trip away, here are some simple tips:

• Close the toilet door in the lavatory before you flush; otherwise, everyone onboard gets to hear it.
• Germs are easily transferred; flush the toilet as soon as you're finished in there.
• Gently store your bags under the seat in front of you or the overhead cabin above your seat.
• Don't slam doors, whether they be to the toilet or the overhead locker.
• Flight attendants can be hurt when trying to lift heavier bags, so place your own in the overhead bins.
• Tipping isn't standard practice for flight attendants; if you wish to give them a gift, consider unopened goods like chocolate or candies.
• Don't make phone calls using a speakerphone.
• On longer flights, if you decide to take off your shoes, make sure they are put away in a bag and don't cause a trip hazard.
• Don't hog the overhead bins; if you are traveling with more than one carry-on bag, place the others under the seat in front of you.
• Watch what you drink, and don't go overboard on the free alcohol.

Enjoying the onboard experience provided by American Airlines

While we all know how to behave onboard, there are plenty of other reasons why passengers might want to travel with American Airlines, whether or not the 'quiet cabin' is a deciding factor. American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines, with the world's second-largest fleet, just behind Chicago-based United Airlines.

Onboard an American Airlines flight, passengers in all classes can enjoy WiFi (for an extra cost in some circumstances), free snacks, and free entertainment. The offering level may vary from aircraft to aircraft but can be found on the seat back entertainment screen or your personal device.

Snacks and soft drinks are always complimentary with American, and additional meals are provided on longer flights. If you are traveling long-haul, free alcoholic beverages are also on offer, so enjoy that tipple before you touch down at your next destination.

Seat selection is available, but availability varies depending on the fare class chosen. If you are looking to travel in economy class and want to select your seat before traveling, you can do so by managing your booking.

Baggage and benefits

Following the best etiquette guidelines above, remember your baggage allowance. Most international fares include one piece of checked baggage as complimentary (sometimes more in premium classes), and all passengers are entitled to complimentary carry-on baggage. Whether this be as small as a wallet or as large as a hard-shell cabin bag, please place any large items in the seat in front of the cabin above your head to ensure the aisles are kept clear.

AAdvantage members can also take advantage of additional benefits, including mileage bonuses, lounge access, complimentary checked baggage, and priority check-in or boarding. As American Airlines is part of the oneworld Alliance, these benefits can frequently be extended to airline alliance partners such as Qantas, Finnair, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways.

Should you require special assistance for your next American Airlines flight, you can request this via the 'Add Special Assistance' tab in Manage your booking on the passenger details tab. Services that can be provided include:

• Wheelchair assistance.
• Service animals.
• Assistance for hearing, vision, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.
• Traveling with a mobility or medical device.

When you travel, remind the ticket agent and flight attendant onboard of any special assistance needed to ensure that you can receive the service promised and enjoy your trip onboard.