For the people who don't mind having a stranger force a conversation upon them how do you end it when you don't want to continue? Once underway you are trapped for the duration no matter how crazy or off putting the conversation becomes.

The easiest conversation to end is the one you don't start.

That is a bit of an art, but one I think more people need to learn. Most people will pick up on the hint, for those who don't, don't be afraid of saying "That's nice. Well, I'm going to try and get a little bit of work done" or "I think I'm going to try and relax now". If the person still wants to talk to you after that, trust me headphones and a book aren't going to stop them.

^ +1

Yes, some people don't take the hint. What do you do with them? I have no hesitation in being quite blunt if they don't but at what point does sociability resulting from proximity turn into managing a pest? Do people simply accept an unwelcome conversation?

When I started flying 40 years ago everybody was extremely nice, chatty and had a good time and that was in coach! Over the years the more mundane and popular flying became the less people seemed to be social. I am very adept and reading social cues and IMHO people just don't want to be social anymore.

But could it also be that 40 years ago you didn't have ipdads, laptops, phones, WiFi, IFE, etc and chatting was the only way to entertain yourself?

Yes it is. I am the first to admit I have and enjoy all of the above electronics and I am also the first to admit that they have replaced conversations and that saddens me. I accept it for what it is. Back in the "Old Days" we did have books! So there were other ways to entertain yourself.

I don't expect people to socialize on planes any more. How can you expect people to socialize on a plane when I see couples and whole families in restaurants and no body is talking to anybody. They are all looking at their devices.

While I can't speak for 40 years ago, 30 years ago, I would have on my headphones for my Walkman while reading a book. I definitely remember having to always carry extra AA batteries.

Delete

And as with all public spaces, I can choose to ignore those who want to start a conversation with me. Like for example 'chuggers'* on the street who want to talk to you about rescuing a baby panda, or something similar.

* charity muggers, for those not aware

If this is true (and I'm not saying it isn't!) it's a beautiful story!

This thread reminds me of my flights from YYZ to CVG a few years back.
I was doing this route weekly on mondays and thursday for just over a year. The flight was on this CRJ200's and I always book the same seat. Turns out my seatmate has the same preference. Every week, we would be sitting next to each other.
The first couple of weeks, we were just doing the polite hello's...Took about 2-3 weeks before we realize we have been on the same flights each time.
Then we started talking more and got to the point that we look forward to getting on the flight and finding out what we encountered during the week.
This went on for the rest of the year, and it certainly made the flight go by faster with a pleasant seatmate.

A recent poll included "Chatty Cathies" as one of the 5 most annoying passengers. 2 steps more annoying that seat back recliners.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-styl...icle-1.1544806

The few conversations I've had in-flight all led to memorable outcomes - e.g. on an HKG-CGK flight, a guest worker asked me to pretend to be her employer , but I also understand if someone isn't interested in chatting.

I don't mind talking to people, but I can't hear crap on a plane. I've had problems with my ears since I started flying when I was 5 (in the 70's:eek:) and everything on a plane sounds muffled and distorted. Could also be a result of the metal concerts I went to in the 80's.

Now, if someone started spouting their religious talk to me I would politely tell them to shut it. I don't speak religion, politics or abortion beliefs with friends, let alone strangers.

The memories I have of the "golden age" of flying include sitting in the jump-seat in the cockpit talking to the pilots and getting those Delta wings pinned to my shirt, the stewardesses (they were still called that) putting steaming hot paper towels in a styrofoam cup and placing them over my ears to help with the pain, playing with the flip top to the ashtrays in the armrests, and being handed off in Atlanta from one crew to the next while flying to see my dad every summer and Christmas. Oh, I learned to like New England clam chowder on a plane. The food you would get then was actually decent and free. Good times, good times.