“I admit it… I should have done better.”
— Postie, Confessions of a Rude Traveller

Reflections on airline travel and the importance of being kind

Today Postie snapped at a flight attendant. Having been delayed and forced to take 3 planes back from Boston, Postie did the unthinkable. Postie snapped after struggling with overhead bins and a suitcase overstuffed with Red Sox sweatshirts. When the flight attendant came to assist there was no swearing. No name calling. Just stink eye and a quick, “Whatever. Do what you want with my bag.” Feeling bested Postie sat down, pouted and contemplated rudeness. Was this just ego and a battle of wills? Why would Postie have a power struggle over a stupid bag?

After about 15 minutes of reliving the interaction and philosophizing on the issue, Postie suddenly realized what an utter ass they had been. After all, flight attendants are doing their job. We are guests in their workspace. They don’t actually work for us (even though we act like it sometimes). They work for the airlines. How on earth could Postie go into someone’s work place and be rude??? Postie would never do this on the ground! Never! Postie would never do this had they had slept last night.

What do you do when you catch yourself being a bad customer?

Do you ignore it, feel justified, and move on? Or, do you simply shrug it off? Do you try to convince yourself you are right? What did Postie do? Postie simply waited 20 minutes to make the conscious decision that this behavior wasn’t good enough. Give yourself a time out. Maybe do a quick travel meditation. As the flight attendant came by again, Postie looked them straight in the eye and apologized. No excuses. No, “this is why they behaved that way” bullshit. Simply, “I am sorry. My behavior was wrong.” Full accountability.

You know why folks? Because we’re human (well, except Postie… Postie is a logo). But us humans, we F up. We can be rude. But the important thing is to own it. No excuses. Just say sorry.

Rudeness isn’t okay but what’s worse? Justifying your actions and spreading negativity? If you find yourself being rude or doing something you know that you shouldn’t have… apologize! It doesn’t make you less of a person. Remember, I’m sorry really means: “I apologize and will not do it again.”

The flight attendant accepted Postie’s apology. Because it was sincere. Sincerity is always best.