Transportation Safety Tips
September 4, 2019
Safety and etiquette are as important during transportation as they are throughout student and youth travel. Before you go—on the road and in the air—consider these transportation-related tips and share them with your young travelers. Enlist your chaperones’ support in reinforcing rules and reminders.
On the Motorcoach
- Be respectful of the motorcoach driver, who is an integral part of your travel team.
- Learn the driver’s rules for the bus and ensure your group follows them.
- Follow all safety instructions provided by your driver.
- Remain seated when the motorcoach is moving. If supplied, wear seat belts.
- Ensure everyone knows the location of any emergency exits.
- Baggage, backpacks, and other items should not block aisles or stairwells.
- If stowing items overhead, ensure they are secure. Do not stow heavy items overhead!
- Keep an open seat near the front of the coach, should someone feel ill or need assistance.
- Never leave valuables unattended on the coach.
At the Airport / On the Plane
- Do not joke about safety and security.
- Be respectful of airline staff. Always have proper ID and boarding passes available.
- Stand quietly in line and be respectful when working with or talking to TSA representatives.
- Know what is and is not allowed in luggage, to avoid delays, confiscation, or worse.
- Be mindful of others throughout the airport. Do not be loud or run around.
- In the gate area, be sure items do not block paths or prevent people from sitting.
- Pay attention to airline staff and follow their instruction as you prepare to board.
- If anyone needs additional assistance, ensure they know when and how to board.
- Carefully stow items in the overhead bin, if too large to fit under the seat in front of you.
- Listen to and follow instructions from the pilots and flight crew.
- Stay seated. Keep your seat belt fastened unless otherwise noted.
- Refrain from disruptive behavior and do not bother other passengers or crew.
Patience and politeness go a long way in making travel safer and more pleasant for everyone involved.
Written by Amy L Charles, Editorial Director for Teach & Travel.
This article originally appeared in Teach & Travel.