Empathy, which I could describe as just being nice to people, can get you a long way when you are travelling.
With people doing their job
When you are travelling you will meet many people who are working hard; Receptionists, Check In Agents, Security People, Flight Attendants.
Put yourself in their place. if most of the people you deal with are rude disrespectful, self entitled, angry, talking on their phone how keen would you be to help them.
Imagine you then came across someone who was friendly and sympathetic you might feel like being more helpful.
When you have a problem
If there is something that they could help you with, even if it just something small make sure you slip it in the conversation in a non confrontational way.
I have often got on earlier flights and even got on long haul flights on short notice with this approach.
When You Don’t Speak the Language
The key thing is to show the person you are talking to that you are trying to do the right thing.
Learn a few key phrases:
- Hello
- Please
- Thank You
- I am sorry I don’t speak your language.
These days its quite easy to get an app for most languages for your smart phone with these phrases and many more.
