Watch What You’re Watching
Nothing can make traveling on a plane or train more manageable than watching a movie or listening to music. However, sometimes your taste in entertainment, or sense of humor will not mesh well with other travelers. Modern Manners Guy tackles a frequent travel faux pas.
Richie Frieman
The other day, after fighting my way through an unmannerly crowd at Penn Station, I fell into my seat eager to unwind from the insanity of New York. Needing some good entertainment, I opened my iPad, hopped over to Netflix (thanks to a Netflix promotion from Quick and Dirty Tips!), and loaded up a new TV show. But as I started to watch it, I realized it might be unsuitable for others around me. First, get your heads out of the gutter – it wasn’t a show with a lot of nudity or anything, nor was there a lot of guns blazing or blood spilling, but there was some, which was enough to make me doubt my entertainment choice in a public space.Â
Of course I had my headphones plugged into my iPad, but when a certain scene came on, I wondered, “What if someone was looking over my shoulder at this moment. What would they think? Would it potentially make someone uncomfortable?” So, before you fire up the ole iPad for your train or plane ride, check out my tip 3 quick and dirty tips for proper viewing on public transportation:
Tip #1:Â Keep it Classy
Look, I’m no square and my movie taste is kind of odd (I feel that Goonies was robbed of an Oscar), but I think it’s pretty clear when we’re watching something that can be labeled “questionable.”  If it’s a TV show, video, or movie with a lot of adult language or adult content, it’s probably best not to watch it on a crowded plane or train since eyes are everywhere (and when I say “adult content” I don’t mean porn – that’s a whole other realm of inappropriate).  However, if you do feel like you have to watch that action flick, you can do your best to keep it hidden. Find a seat against a window, use your headphones, and turn the screen away from onlookers. If they can’t see it, then you should be safe.
Tip #2:Â Use Headphones
I absolutely hate when I can hear someone blasting their music or videos on a plane or train, as if they are in the privacy of their own home. Come on people, you have to know that without headphones, everyone can hear what your watching – good or bad. Especially when it’s an action scene with a symphony of machine guns going off for 15 minutes straight, as was the case on my recent train ride.  Whatever the guy across from me was watching had a death scene that lasted way too long for anyone’s taste.  And my subsequent headache lasted for the rest of the ride home. Â
Here’s the deal: Always use headphones. If you don’t have any on hand, find a seat by yourself away from others and keep the volume as low as you can, almost at a whisper. For me, I always keep a spare pair of headphones in my messenger bag at all times, just for this very reason.
Tip #3: Tone Down Your Reaction
At work one day, a colleague was watching a soccer match online, and out of nowhere he yells out, “Goooooooooooooal!” at the top of his lungs.  Not only did this scare the crap out of me, it also made me realize that shouting at a movie or sporting event at the top of your lungs in a public place is probably a bad idea. I understand you can get carried away by a movie and especially a sporting event, but when surrounded by others, keep the emotions to yourself.  Not everyone is as excited as you, I promise. This includes laughing way too loud, screaming expletives at a bad call, or making odd gestures of pure excitement. Â
I totally get that long trips can make you mad, and any form of entertainment to take your mind off things is needed, however, you have to remember there are others around you and this is not your personal transport vehicle. If you have your own jet, then have at it (lucky you!). But assuming you travel like the rest of us, you’ll have to share the space and follow the rules. When in doubt, never leave home without headphones and arrive early to get a seat by yourself or against a window for privacy. This way you can kick back and relax the way you like, without disturbing anyone.
Do you have a great story about someone watching totally inapprorpiate content on public transportation? Post all the details in the comment section below. As always, if you have another manners question, I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. Follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips for a more polite life.
And if you have any recent graduates in your circle, or perhaps someone who is looking to start a new career, check out my new book, Reply All…And Other Ways to Tank Your Career. It’s available for pre-order now!
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