Airmail etiquette

The term "airmail etiquette" derived from the French word étiquette ("label, sticker"), from which is also derived the English word etiquette ("rules of behavior").

Because airmail etiquettes are just instructions to postal clerks, and have no monetary value, their printing and distribution need not be as carefully controlled as for postage stamps, and most are privately produced.

The usual design is a plain blue oblong, with the phrases "AIR MAIL" and/or "PAR AVION" in white letters.

In some regions, such as the United Kingdom, one may simply write "PAR AVION -- BY AIR MAIL" on the envelope,[1] even though etiquettes are available free of charge from post offices.

The United States officially requires international First Class and Priority Mail letters to be marked with "AIRMAIL/PAR AVION".