Get on the plane. Claim the seat. What now? Do you engage? Do you mute the world? Most people wonder this. I have a system. Not because I hate people. Humans are fascinating. I like talking. Just not about nothing. Small talk drains the battery.
I fear being stuck. No escape hatch. That’s the anxiety. Flying too long creates cynicism. One good conversation earns its keep by outlasting ten regretful ones. The kind where I wish I hadn’t said “I speak English.”
Here is why I shut down.
1. Work happens. The plane is an office with turbulence. Limited distractions equal productivity. Chat kills the flow.
2. The braggers. Living in Miami trains you. Some people start conversations by lying about their airline status. Fake gold card energy. Don’t. It makes the flight longer.
3. The ask. If you share what I do for a living, you invite questions. Questions lead to requests. Requests for help booking tickets. I only have 24 hours. You need your ticket. I need my sanity.
This is for strangers. See me at the airport? Say hi. Readers are safe. Strangers are a gamble. I’m mostly just protecting my time.
How do you avoid it? Simple physics. Block the ear.
Headphones on equals boundary up.
I default to noise cancellation. Not anti-social. Practical. Watch a movie? Don’t annoy the cabin. Keep the world out.
Window seats are best. Slide in. Smile. Say “Hi, excuse me, window seat here.” Or just “Hello.” Brief. Polite. Closed loop.
The danger? Inviting more. Ask “How’s your day?” You’re signing a contract. Some people don’t read the fine print. I’ve tried being nice. Short chat. AirPods on. Tap on shoulder. They won’t stop. They’ll lecture on my screen. It never ends well.
There’s no rulebook. Silent is fine. Talking is fine. I prefer quiet. Acknowledge the person. Then disappear.
What about you? Do you talk to the seat next to you?
