Wednesday, June 29, 2011

What is up with people in Airplanes & Airports

What is it with flying that turns humans into complete idiots???
I've considered writing up some comments about confusing/stupid/annoying/rude things people do at the airport that annoy others, but never got around to it.  Fresh off one of my business trips, I have a few thoughts on the matter. Here are 10 in no particular order. 
  1. Out of plane first - I probably hate this the most. The correct way to exit a plane is, row by row from the front to the back, you wait your turn. (Only exception is, if the flight is delayed and you HAVE to run to a connecting flight. Then you ask for permission and politely work your way up if you can.) Why do some idiots HAVE to cut ahead by 3 people? Dude, wait your turn! 
  2. Hand in hand with this is the idiot that cannot wait until the plane has stopped to stand up, only to wait 5 more minutes while people get off the plane.
  3. Kids kicking the seat - You hate it when it's done to you, so why do you let your kids do it to others. Stop your kid from kicking the damn seat!  It ain't that hard, and it reflects badly upon you, the parent.  I'll keep it at only one thing about kids, but we all know there are about 3-5 other things parents should teach their kids not to do.
  4. Escalator blocking - Whether they're the flat ones, or the stair ones, it's rude to block passage. If you're going to stand still, stand on the right half, and place your bag in front or behind you so people that people in a hurry can get by. 
  5. Act like you've never been through security - Seriously.  Are there still people out there that have never gone through security in the US?  Empty your pockets into a tray.  Take your shoes off and possibly your belt, and place your computer and your toiletries in bins.  Why does it have to take you so long, when you've had at least 3 mins to think about it as you waited to get your boarding pass and ID checked?? 
  6. Texting while on the plane - This was a new one for me.  Is it really ok to send text messages on your phone throughout the flight?  Especially an 80 min flight?  And did you have to have the sound on so we could all hear them coming in?  What the hell???
  7. Turn your phone off - Turn off your phone when the cabin attendants ask you to.  Why do you have to be THAT guy that waits and wait until they walk by?  Should've sent that email while you were just sitting at the gate waiting.  Why all the hurry when you're in your seat?
  8. Overhead compartment far from your seat - If you're going to sit in the back of the plane, don't put your carry on bag in the overhead compartment in the front. What the hell kind of behavior is that?  Don't you think they need that space for those sitting up there??
  9. Your bag doesn't need it's own chair at the gate. - While you're waiting on the plane, don't put our carry on stuff on a chair, acting like you're waiting for someone, when you're clearly not.  Don't be an ass and let someone sit next to you.  Sheesh.
  10. Laptop music without headphones - why do people not think it's incorrect to be listening to music off your laptop's speakers?  Dude, put on your headphones.
  11. Window blinds up - If the plane is showing a movie, or it's clear that most people are sleeping, pull your window blind down. The light coming through is much brighter than you think.  Your overhead lamp is plenty to read a book.  Don't be a jackass. 
  12. Loud talkers - SO LOUD. SO UNNECESSARY.

Those are the ones I just thought of right now, but I'm pretty sure there are 15 others I'll write about soon enough.
which ones am i missing?

3 comments:

Amy said...

Awesome.
If you're worried that something is missing, ask JG. I'm sure he'd be happy to fill you in:)

mtnrunner2 said...

The problem with people in airports is they are the same people who drive on our roads. heh

Seriously, I truly believe the capacity for some to follow (or not follow) simple, clear rules is frozen around age 5 and never changes. And like kids, they require an external authority (cabin crew, police, etc.) to enforce good behavior, or they just don't do it. It gets even worse when they authorities aren't watching.

GZ said...

Ah, nice post.

The guy who has to move his seat back up and back, up and back, up and back ... while my tray connected to that seat back with the cup of mud sloshes around ... very enjoyable.

Also have had to deal the person who takes up nearly two seats physically a couple of times.

I have come to see these as moments where my character, patience is tested. If guys could sit in boxes as POWs for years, I can deal with this insanity for 3 hours.