Travel Etiquette: Switching Tables on a Cruise, Pre-Boarding Eligibility and Tipping

Aug. 19, 2011— -- In this edition: Switching tables on a cruise, pre-boarding eligibility, "Do you need change?" and more.

Q: Is it unforgivably rude to ask to be reseated on a cruise after you've met your dinner companions? We had an awful family seated at our table and wanted to change, but then my husband noticed them going into a cabin two doors down from us. We thought we'd probably run into them in the hall at some point, which would have been awkward, so we just put up with them (and ate as quickly as possible).

A: If you're so unhappy with your tablemates that it affects your enjoyment of the cruise, you should ask to switch tables. If they're just kind of annoying, I'd put up with them. But if they're, say, picking fights with you about politics or have such terrible table manners you simply can't watch them eat, then it's time to talk to the dining steward. Sure, it'd be awkward to run into your former tablemates, but isn't a brief, awkward conversation preferable to seven nights of hellish dinners?

To minimize the awkwardness, though, you could always blame something else. "We originally booked a table for two (or the late seating, etc.), but somehow our reservation got screwed up. They were able to fix it last night. Hope to see you around, though!"

Q: How young do your kids have to be to make your family eligible for pre-boarding a flight?

A: Some airlines will mention a specific age (e.g., "Anyone traveling with children under 5") in their pre-boarding announcement. If they don't specify an age, I'd play it by ear based on your kid. I think that if you have a car seat or stroller to deal with, you ought to board early, just so you can leave your gear at the bottom of the jetway without holding up the entire line of passengers.

Q: I recently paid for a $22 lunch check with two $20 bills because I had just visited the ATM. The bills were both clearly visible when I handed the folder to the waiter. He took it from me, glanced at it, and asked if I wanted change. What's up with that? Did he seriously think I would give him an $18 tip?