Are You Part of the Airport Problem? Travel Tidbits #2

Traveling by air, as exciting as it is, can still be frustrating and, at it’s worst, a nightmare. Oversold flights. Missed connections. Aggravating human beings packed into a tiny tin can in the sky. We can do all we can to make sure we’ve got our boarding passes, packed our contact solutions and curling irons, and will be able to fly comfortably, but there’s nothing we can do to account for the human element.

Of course, there are things people just can’t help. Babies my cry on planes or someone with a filing error may be panicking about their boarding pass. Still, every time I fly, I see an egregious lack of respect from air travelers for their fellow sufferers.

Yes, airlines will gouge us and aren’t helping the situation, however there is certain behavior that simply makes travelling for everyone a little more difficult. How do you know if you’re part of the problem? You’re probably guilty of one of the following.

1. Stretching the carry-on rules.

If you’ve noticed in the last few years, boarding planes takes longer than ever. After waiting at the gate, there’s no better feeling that scanning your boarding pass and clunking triumphantly down the jet bridge. But it really sucks to stop halfway down and wait in the drafty metal accordion tube.

This happens when folks are trying to cram large items into the overhead compartments, it causes a back up, preventing people from settling down into their seats.

This also causes folks who are running to the gate from a close connection or who may be in further cabin zones to check their items to their final destination. This is a free service, however, you have no way of knowing if they wanted what was in their bag or if it will get lost. Their choice to check was taken from them because others ignored the size limits on their bags.

Yes, it’s convenient to skip the baggage claim carousel. And yes, it’s nice to have everything on hand at all times. And yes, airlines will wring every last cent out of you in baggage costs. But, no matter how cool it might be to be able to pack for a month in Europe in a weekender bag, if you can’t abide by the size limitations, then plan on checking your bag.

I’ve seen so many people try to fit stuffed hockey duffel bags into overhead compartments. They could be taking space from mothers with diaper bags and are wasting everyone’s time while they try to somehow make it magically fit.

2. Crowding the gate.

As I mentioned before, it feels so good to finally board after a long wait. But, there’s not much reason for you to crowd around the gate as soon as boarding begins. There are a few excuses like waiting for a standby seat, or if you’re having trouble hearing the representative over the PA, but mostly adding to the crowd outside the gate just adds to the stress of the situation. Many have forgotten the rules we learned in kindergarten.

Crowds prevent people from moving through the terminal and make it hard for others who may have a pressing issue to reach the counter. You should know your boarding zone before it is called, and it often takes 15-20 minutes for the boarding process to get underway. So, be prepared, but sit back and wait patiently until you are called.

3. Being unprepared at security.

Since 9/11, the rigmarole of airport security has become a normal part of the air travel experience. First of all, some all-powerful force is telling you what you can and can’t pack, and then you have to arrive two hours ahead just to make time for all this mess.

And I’ll be the first to admit that, even though I’m a frequent flyer, security can be a scary place. You’re shoeless, surrounded by strangers, asked to take off clothes and expose your personal belongings, and potentially groped by someone in blue latex gloves. Not exactly the pleasurable experience airlines advertised, but it can’t be avoided.

If you’re a first time flier or fly less than once every handful of years, I could understand TSA regulations being a shock, and they’re still confusing to those who do fly often, however, it is our own responsibility to be prepared for security. And, when you’re standing in that massive line amidst the deafening clang of plastic tubs on conveyor belts, do your best to be ready for the next step.

So many people stand in a daze when they should have their IDs and boarding passes out for the first check or wait to take their shoes off until the very last second. For your own sake, be aware and cognizant of what’s going on around you, so you can move through smoothly and get to your gate faster.

4. Rushing to deplane for no reason.

As soon as a plane stops at the gate, dozens of people immediately stand and begin pulling their items down from the compartments. If you have children or a close connection/immediate appointment, need a little more time moving through the cabin, have some grouchy join pain, or just really need a restroom, you’re excused. But if you’re throwing elbows to spend another 45 minutes at a different gate or have no fires to rush to, well then you can just hurry up and wait.

When folks rush to deplane, those with tighter connections or who need to get off quickly can’t get through the aisle. Also, remember the guy shoving the duffel bag into the compartment? He’s going to need some help getting that loose, and a flight attendant can’t reach him if you’re in the way.

Air travel doesn’t have to be miserable. And, friendly skies or not, there will always be inconsiderate assholes. However, especially in crowded, close quarter, high-stress environments like airports, mob mentality rules, and the example you set not only affects the travel of others, but can easily inspire others to act the way you do. So, it’s worth taking a moment to step back and think, do I need to be in this much of a tizzy? Do I need to contribute to this madness?

For our own well-being and the sake of others, we owe it to ourselves to be aware of what is happening and who is around us. Staying cool, calm, and courteous might just make your own flight a little more pleasant.

Planning a trip, travel a lot, or just got a bad case of wanderlust? Check out other Travel Tidbits.