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Brian Lehrer: Brian Lehrer on WNYC. We've been ending our show each day during the membership drive with travel tips from a travel expert. Back with us one last time in this series is Brian Kelly, who founded the travel website, The Points Guy, in 2010. His new book, How to Win at Travel, provides advice on everything from understanding points and miles to handling flight anxiety and what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, and much more. We conclude this series now with a travel etiquette potpourri. Hey, Brian, welcome back.

Brian Kelly: Thanks for having me.

Brian Lehrer: You're right. Airline seats have gotten smaller over the years and people have gotten bigger. A little respect goes a long way. Can you give us a brief rundown of what you think is important to do in a confined space like an airplane?

Brian Kelly: Reclining seats is your right as a passenger. There's a reason why on most planes seats recline, and especially if someone in front of you is reclining. It's kind of nice, especially on longer flights, to be able to get that limited recline. However, I highly recommend, number one, look behind you if there's someone really, really tall and you don't really need to recline. Just think, "Do I really need to do it?" If you do do it, it's okay, but just be mindful. Never recline your seat quickly, and during meal service, please bring your seat back up because no one wants to be looking at your scalp as they're eating their mediocre airline food.

Brian Lehrer: [laughs] Yes, I think very few people probably think about that. Right? We just assume, and in most cases rightly, that the seats are designed to only go back as far as won't be intrusive. Right?

Brian Kelly: You would think that, but yes, as the airlines just try to squeeze as much revenue as possible out of us, if you really want to be in a seat that doesn't have someone in front of you, you can request the bulkhead, although sometimes that comes with less leg room, but at least you don't have someone reclining into you. The difference between certain seats on planes can be dramatic. That's why sometimes paying a little bit extra for those premium seats on the plane can give you the extra space that you want. Bottom line, never assume that a standard coach seat on an airline is going to have ample space, because it just doesn't exist.

Brian Lehrer: You have some rules on what to wear, or rather what not to wear. When is that an etiquette issue?

Brian Kelly: I think in general, you can dress comfortably. Those days of traveling and getting all dolled up are behind us, but you just want to limit skin. In most cases it's good practice because airlines can get really, really cold. I know, even if you're on vacation in Miami and it might be hot at the airport, you're going to get cold in flight anyway. Wearing clothing-- just think about it. You're likely going to be touching the person next to you at some point, so trying to cover up is not only respectful, but it's practical. In general, if you're going to take your shoes off on a plane, please be wearing socks at a very minimum.

Brian Lehrer: At least that. Lining up before boarding. What's your take?

Brian Kelly: The airlines have rules, and I will guilt the airlines that some of them are so confusing that even as a frequent flyer, I don't understand them. Board during the zone that you're supposed to be boarding. There's a term in the industry, it's a little bit derogatory, of gate lice. The people that just crowd the gate area, you delay boarding for everyone, and when boarding's delayed, chances are the flight can get delayed. Just understand your place in line, and if you want a better zone to board, get an airline credit card.

That'll give it to you, or pay for it. Some of the airlines are cracking down now. American Airlines will actually sound an alarm if you try to board before your zone. So beware, there is public shaming these days.

Brian Lehrer: Do you know what I don't understand? Maybe you can explain it. This isn't actually an etiquette issue, but they board the zones from front to back. I flew last month and I had a seat in row 29. It seems to me it would make sense to board from the back of the plane, because if you're boarding the back of the plane last, there are still people standing up throughout the rest of the plane putting their stuff away.

Brian Kelly: Well, that would make too much sense, and we're talking about the airlines here, Brian. It's all about money. They now, airlines need to make more and more money every year for their shareholders, and they're finding ways to squeeze out that revenue where it didn't exist before. Boarding now has become so coveted, because no one wants to check their bag, because everyone's bringing their bags on the plane and the bins fill. This anxiety around having to gate check your bag is now big business for the airlines. Whether buying first class seats and getting to board early, or getting an airline credit card that allows you to board early, it's big business.

I've just recommended people getting an airline credit card that's less than $100 a year, gets you free checked bags, gets you on the plane earlier. That's a better solution than trying to constantly sneak your way in when you shouldn't be boarding. I agree. Back to front would make a lot more sense.

Brian Lehrer: You write about being a mindful traveler worldwide. What might that look like? To not be seen as the so-called ugly American.

Brian Kelly: In defense of Americans, there's ugly tourists from every country. I've been a lot of places. I just want to put out there, do not bring stinky food on planes. I don't know why, but so many people eat in the airport, or if you're going to bring something, a sandwich is okay, but just try not to bring super stinky food. It elevates on that tube and can actually cause sickness amongst others. The same goes for perfume and cologne. A little goes a long way. [laughs]

Brian Lehrer: You write that some cultures clap, applaud upon landing. Is that a cultural thing? I thought that was maybe in the early days of air travel when it was a novelty. Now it's so routine. You fly across country, you land the plane, everybody just kind of shrugs. What about clapping one way or another?

Brian Kelly: Yes, it's very popular in Latin America. I think if that's something like that's going to make you upset, I think a big thing I talk about in my book is just a mentality shift. If someone wants to clap and you got there safely, so be it. I just think in general, a lot of times what may seem weird to us is culturally normal elsewhere. In the book I talk about, it's inevitable. You're probably going to make travel faux pas.

There are things you may not even realize. Like in Japan, tattoos are very offensive. You, a lot of times, can't even use public spas, go in the pool at the hotel. Doing a little bit of research before you go on cultural norms will go a very long way.

Brian Lehrer: Totally. Last thing. You're right. Earn some karma points, which will come back to you later. Trust me. You're the points guy. What's the best way to earn karma points and how can they be helpful on someone's next flight?

Brian Kelly: I just think being present and aware. During the safety briefings with the flight attendant, smile and let them know you're listening to them, even if you've heard it before. When you see a pregnant passenger or an elderly person sitting next to you, when you're getting your bag out of the top, just ask them, "Hey, can I get yours down, too?" A lot of times those little things go a very long way. I also, in the book, interviewed my friend, Cory Lee, who travels around the world in a wheelchair. I think a lot of people don't want to offend someone by offering help, but he assured me it is always welcome. At least people gesturing.

When in doubt, ask if someone needs help. If someone asks you to switch seats and their seat is similar and it's no skin off your back, just do it. Just imagine yourself in the same position. Also on the other side, don't feel bullied or pressured. If someone wants you to take a middle seat and you paid for a good seat, it is completely appropriate etiquette to kindly refuse the request.

Brian Lehrer: Brian Kelly, founded the travel website, The Points Guy, in 2010. His new book is, How to Win at Travel. Thanks for all the advice over the multiple days of our series. You've been great. We really appreciate it.

Brian Kelly: Thank you so much. Safe travels, everyone.

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