Southwest Airlines took to social media to congratulate passengers who stay seated until it’s their row’s turn to deplane. By implication they’re criticizing those who stand up immediately once the plane pulls into the gate and the captain turns off the seat belt sign. This strikes me as misguided.
— Jeremy Danner (@Jeremy_Danner) December 2, 2022
It may seem more ‘civilized’ to wait patiently in your seat, rather than everyone rushing into the aisles. However,
- If everyone waits to get up, it takes longer to deplane the aircraft. That’s because when you get up in the aisle, you remove your bags from the overhead bin. Each passenger not getting their bag until the row ahead has gotten up means several extra seconds per passenger to deplane. It takes longer to turn an aircraft that way, leading to delays – bad for passengers, and especially bad for the airline which needs to schedule longer sit times and winds up with less efficient aircraft utilization and higher costs.
- When you’re in a coach seat on a several hours-long flight (remember – Southwest flies transcons and to Hawaii!) it’s totally reasonable to stand up and get out of that seat as quickly as possible. Why be forced to sit any longer than necessary?
- If the passenger in the aisle gets up, then the passenger in the middle has more space – something they’ve been denied throughout the flight. It’s rude to keep the middle seat passenger hemmed when they don’t have to be.
It was a common early pandemic procedure for some airlines to instruct passengers to remain seated and stand only by row, so that fewer people would be taking items out of overhead bins at once, in order to reduce congestion in the aisles. That meant more time on the plane on most airlines when the engines and APU were off, which meant (depending on aircraft) that HEPA air filtration wasn’t occurring. And in the case of many European airlines it meant waiting longer on the plane in order to crowd into buses after arriving at a hard stand.
There’s no real obligation to cram into the aisles immediately (though try to make room for the passenger in the middle seat to stretch out). But it’s not reasonable to criticize passengers for getting up to stretch, and to get their carry on bags down in order to deplane efficiently.
I am not in agreement with any sentiment that encourages passengers to immediately jump out of their seats and cram the aisles with their bodies and luggage when that magic “ding” is heard, indicating it´s time to deplane. I find it VERY amusing to watch the “herd mentality” jump into action when that “ding” is heard. I have the impression that people think they are going to win a prize if they are the first to jump out of their seat and then have to stand in the aisle for some 5 minutes or more as there is always a significant delay waiting for the exit door to open. I don´t see any need to RUSH and clog the aisle. I find it somewhat ridiculous to see multiple passengers who sat in window or middle seats bent over in weird contortions waiting for the opportunity to deplane. I believe it is far more civilized and courteous to simply sit and wait until the row ahead has cleared, and then there is space to get up and take your overhead luggage.
If necessary you could reenter your row to pack your belongings and allow other passengers who need to rush off the plane to do so. There should be great encouragement to bring more civility to air travel, even if it means a few extra minutes in deplaning. We are not talking about emergency situations – just the normal operations.
I am okay with people standing when a plane gets to the gate. What I am not okay with is people pushing their way forward before the deplane process gets to their row. Instructions should be given so the new flyers understand how the deplaning process is meant to work.
Funny how from time to time on some flights almost no one gets up at the ding. No real pattern, other than maybe more off times, leisure travelers.
Standing up, especially without getting in the aisle, does not harm anyone nor does it block or impede. That should not bother people on a stopped plane when the seat belt lights are off. Also, years ago, flight attendants would announce that some people had short connections and ask passengers to let them out first. I have not heard that request for courtesy for many years. I exit by row and end up making a dash (sometimes between terminals connecting on the same airline). I have had an airline employee see me running early in the morning in a near empty terminal, ask my name/flight destination, and tell me I didn’t need to run the rest of the way because the waiting plane knew I had arrived and was waiting for me. The employee walked with me the rest of the way. That reduced my stress levels.
Thank you, Gary. People who remove their bags from the overhead compartments right away are the courteous ones. People who stay seated and only attempt to get their belongings when the previous row has cleared cause needless delays.
On almost every flight when I’m in coach, I stand there assuming people are going to walk, but instead they start removing bags that they could have retrieved 10 minutes earlier. It’s astonishing how long people take to exit a plane in the USA.
As someone who had several close connections to make just this month, I specifically noticed that those who stayed seated until it was their turn took MUCH longer to deplane, for the reasons that others state – they have to get up (if they even notice it’s their turn), find their bags in the overhead, get them down, gather their stuff, check their seat, and then leave. All while the rest of the plane waits.
In my view, if you want to stay seated and take your time getting off the plane, that’s fine — as long as you wait until everyone else has deplaned first. Otherwise, it’s a courtesy to prepare as much as you can so you can be prepared to walk out when it’s your turn.
Seth, I agree with you. Some people even stand up in the aisle and do not retrieve their bags till person in front of the leaves,,,that is annoying..They do not plan ahead and act like no one else is behind them esp if some people need to get to a tight connection…OTL people–Out To Lunch!!!
Gary.
Sometimes, I wonder, how the subject matter, ends up online.
However, this one, is way out in left field.
Deplaning an airplane, is part of the flying experience. And, everyone who boards, must exit the airplane. It takes time. The bigger the airplane, the longer to deplane.
People sit on flights, up to 16+ hours. My last flight from DOHA to MIA, was 15++. And, IMO, it’s foolish and unreasonable, for anyone, to unbuckle the seatbelt, until the Captain, turns off the seatbelt sign. And what makes it worse, is people who not only jump up, but rush to get ahead, closer to the door. It’s very childish.
It reminds me, of the apartment complex I lived in China. My apartment was on the 12th floor. Many times, the elevator would be full. At every floor, people would jamb into the elevator, and overload it. Which resulted in, a broken elevator frequently.
Further, when the, full to capacity elevator, reached the ground floor, immediately after the door would open, people would start to force themselves, into the elevator, BEFORE anyone got out. And, many times, they would have groceries and pull carts, or luggage. It was comical, the first time. But, only the first time. Obviously, people pushing themselves on a full elevator, caused problems, and even fights. Imagine a young, pregnant woman with a small baby experiencing this?
The ONLY time, anyone should want to deplane quickly, if they had a tight timeline, to catch a flight. The airlines, have manifests, and know if this situation exists. They can and should, make an announcement, allowing the few involved, to deplane first, before First and Business Class. It won’t take 1 or 2 minutes at best.
Common sense, makes sense!
I use a wheelchair at the airport, because of my severe Arthritis. Many flights, tell me, I have to wait, until everyone has deplaned because I use the wheelchair. If anyone thinks they are entitled to jump up and push to get closer to the door, I suggest you, take a wheelchair, one time, especially on the airlines that has this policy.
Stop your bitching. Relax, and follow FAA regulations. You are not entitled! You are just another body, a number, out of hundreds to exit the airplane. Behave, and get in line, when it’s your turn! Or, use a wheelchair!!
Just got back from business trip to Brazil. Had several domestic Brazil flights on LATAM, Azul. On every single flight No one gets up until it is the turn for their row. Makes for a less chaotic and more civilized deplaning process. Of course Americans, with their entitlement-oriented herd mentality, would never understand it.
This is outrageous. I won’t STAND for this!!!
Gary – agree completely. When I’m in an aisle seat in coach I always get up as soon as the “ding” goes off and stand in the aisle. Oftentimes I won’t take my carry on out of the overhead so as not to block space for others to stand but I do open the door and have my hand on the carry on to remove it as quickly as possible.
Regarding the guy wearing the shirt – why does he think it is best to remaining seated. Not like you harm anyone standing up and, as you noted, it allows the middle seat to slide over, have more space and better prepare to deplane.
As someone noted, the things that bug me are either people taking forever to deplane (sitting until end then slowly gathering items and removing carry on bags) or those that want to shove past you in the aisle. While I fully understand if the plane is very late and people have tight connections (where the FA usually makes an announcement to remain seated and allow those with connections to leave first) I’ve had many flights that were on time (or basically on time) where people try to shove past you to get to the front of the plane. One other item that ticks me off is those that board later and have to put their bags a number of rows behind where they are seated. I’m fine with them asking someone to pass them forward but those that shove past me in the wrong direction to get a bag behind them then shove forward to reclaim the “spot” next to their seat have a special place in hell.
DFWSteve.
I am American. You dare put a nationality, where they all do the same thing? That’s like saying, all Italians are Mafia.
Foolish. WRONG. I respect ALL FAA. Rules. Read my earlier post. Respect individuals, not ethnic groups.
With a post name of DFWSTEVE, it would suggest, you may be from the DFW area.
This won’t get regulated and anyone including Southwest that weighs into the discussion deserve criticism. How people get off the plane is as unique as how they get on.
It is indeed smart for the person on the aisle to get up and open the overhead bin where their stuff is to confirm it is there – but not to start unloaded the overhead bins esp. with rollerboards.
There are people that end up having to store their belongings behind them and it makes sense for them to get up quickly, try to get their items including a rollerboard to their row, and ask for someone to pass it forward – which I universally have found people willing to do.
By pulling backpacks or small items and placing them on the aisle seat, you are able to store all of the small items and make sure nothing has been left behind – and allow people in the middle and window seats space to do the same.
Everyone will see things differently but there is good reason for the aisle seat passenger to get up, unpack small items but not put rollerboards into the aisle other than when they are behind you.
This is an absurd discussion. Why would anyone choose to sit in their seat one second longer than they have to? Seems like just another power/control play by flight attendants. It’s the people who try to push everyone else out of the way that are the problem. And that kind of ignorance and rudeness cannot be stopped. I’m lucky to be 6′ tall and do not hesitate to use an elbow if someone tries to push past me.
Well, if seats and overall flight experience would be more comfortable maybe people would remain seated longer
Btw, the picture is a great illustration what’s wrong with our society – pointless and misguided feelgood activism eagerly supported by power players but only when it fits them. I wonder if Jeremy Danner had a Tshirt asking to stop using single use toiletries in hotels
Tim Dunn.
Many times, overhead bins are used for passengers sitting back in the airplane. This is asinine. Then, when the pax who have seats below those bins, arrives at the aisle, where their seats are, their overhead bin, is full, and they are forced to put theirs, back in the airplane, which causes serious problems for them, to go against the grain, to get their luggage.
I blame this on the flight attendants, who have nothing to do, when pax get on the plane. They should monitor it, and not allow the fools, who have seats in the back of the airplane, and are in the habit, of putting their luggage, in overhead bins, towards the front of the airplane.
If you want to stand, STAND…they work for you, not the other way around.
Huey Judy.
What’s absurd, is to think, just because the airplane has landed, FAA regulations, do not allow unbuckling your seatbelt, until the Captain turns the seatbelt sign off.
No one chooses, to sit longer. It’s not your choice.
Providing you, at 6′, abide by FAA regulations, and get your luggage, like everyone else, then you have done what you can.
I am 6’5″, disabled, and follow the rules. I concur with you, about using your elbows, when the situation presents itself. Rude people, should be taught, how to play nice. If they attempt to push you or anyone, it’s okay to, “fight fire with fire”, aka “GIVE THEM AN ELBOW”. It has served me well, on a few occasions.
In Mexico we do it five rows at a time. It’s a very civilized and rapid way to deplane.
I have had both knees replaced and almost always upgrade my seat and get up to walk once or twice down the aisle during the flight.
That being said, I still want to get up as soon as the pilot dings the the seat belt sign off. My legs need to stretch and if that upsets you then screw you. Mind your own friggin’ business and I refuse to follow the herd mentality of remaining seated until my row comes up.
“I am American. You dare put a nationality, where they all do the same thing? That’s like saying, all Italians are Mafia.” Actually being Italian has nothing to do with being in the Mafia since it originated in the old Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Brigandage was a popular sport down in Naples (team Camorra) and Palermo (team Cosa Nostra) for centuries before they franchised the sport to America. The American Italian Anti-Defamation League could have told you that, but the Jewish Anti-Defamation League sued for appropriation of the ADL’s name so the Italian group relinquished the name and eventually dissolved. Now the message has to be delivered in person.
I disagree. I was on a flight once where for some reason people willing went out row by row, and it was the quickest, most efficient deplaning that I’ve ever witnessed. I wish that would become the rule, or at least the norm.
As many have said – Faster deplaning when 1/3 of the row has already pulled their bag from the overhead. Probably what SWA was trying to communicated is to the stupids who try to run down the aisle(s) which are clogged within 10 seconds of the “parked” ding. The greyhound crowd needs to be educated. (5 million commercial flight miles since 1984).
In 2015, I had two massive Pulmonary Embolism’s. Put on Eliquis, and instructed whenever possible do not sit for longer than two hours. Now I am always in an aisle seat to walk the cabin, and stand up as soon as possible after landing to reduce the possibility of another P/E. I do not try to move anywhere or retrieve bags until the row in front has emptied. And I am ready to depart, so as not to delay others waiting to deplane.
You save none if any time by jumping up in a rush & grabbing overhead bin items. Why is it so hard to follow the rules without complaining? There is a reason for not having everyone jump out of their seat at once. They’re not trying to make one’s life difficult. Really.
It’s about time. People need to learn patience and kind. But we know that is asking too much
Normally, I will be in one of the first couple of rows in domestic F and will stand up as soon as the landing bridge connects, grab my bag from the overhead and get off quickly. When in the back, well, all kinds of things happen back there. It’s a mess.
I’m glad everyone digs my shirt.
John.
Well said. With or without medical conditions, everyone should follow your “post” advice. It would make for a pleasant deplaning experience, for everyone.
Personally I think they need to start raising the cost of flying again and get these Greyhound bus passengers back on the bus. There is absolutely no etiquette/courtesy these days… It’s all about me me me mentality.
Gary,
I agree with your spot on article. The hell with respect and decorum (what’s a decorum right?).
Next time you enter a plane put your bags in first class/business overhead right above Gary’s seat. Then, You want to get up out of your seat before your the aircraft rolls to the gate , just before the “ding” , then run to the overhead by Gary’s aisle seat where you put your bag and wait there for the door to open to deplane. Hey it’s a 16+ hour flight and you sat in the middle seat. The hell with the airline protocols and Gary Leff’s First Class ticket. It’s a free world and everyone is created equal or your a bigot. Welcome to China airlines.
If the airlines truly wanted passengers to deplane more quickly, they would allow people to deplane from both the front and the rear of the aircraft. — But then again, that makes too much sense.
I always get a window seat and o always stand right when the seatbelt sign turn off because it takes me *forever* to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind or accidentally drop something under my seat and i use the time other people are deplaning to check that stuff. It is no bother to anyone if I’m standing or sitting, if I’m being patient about actually exiting my aisle.
Anyone who believes it’s faster to deplane the aircraft by waiting until your row is called is not a regular flyer. After flying tens of millions of miles and into150 countries in my humble opinion it is faster when people stand up adjust their personal belongings, repack their handbags and prepare to deplane before it’s their turn to move forward. If they wait until their row is called and then do all those things it’s simply takes longer to deplane the entire aircraft. I’m not advocating people being discourteous or pushing or shoving but it’s ridiculous to sit and wait until your row is called.
As someone who flies over 100 flights a year, people that get up and have their butt in my face is my second biggest pet peeve next to the people that try to push by you. I had a lady shove by me last month in Santa Ana telling me she had to make a connection, which I knew wasn’t true, only to see her at baggage claim. Standing up is fine, standing in the aisle forcing others to stare at your butt or have their bag in your face, isn’t. I am almost always in an aisle seat, and I do get up, grab my bag and put my belongings in it, but I never make others have to deal with my body parts or backpack in their face. Honestly, pre-covid this wasn’t nearly as bad as it is now.
If the planes landed on time the deplaning process would flow much better. Not to mention the amount of luggage allowed on the planes.
I fly SWA often. I have never experienced a disorderly rush on deplaning. Yes most stand if they can and retrieve their over head bags. Bring taller than most, I assist with bag retrieval. When our row is up, we are ready to roll. Very civilized. How is standing after the ding not?
I’m 6’6”. If I’m in coach, the simple act of standing up relieves my beleaguered knees after any flight longer than 90 minutes. I don’t push—I merely unfold. I can see NO WAY that this makes deplaning either longer or faster. If this standing offends some people’s sensibilities, frankly, I don’t care.
So yes, I will stand in the aisle.
If I’m in Business or First, I’ll stay seated.
see… in 7 hours of comments, there is absolutely no consensus as to the behavior that people should follow. and, despite what some have said, there are no rules.
A small number of flight attendants do tell people to take their bag to overheads in their own area of the plane unless they are already closed and full – I have seen it.
But bags are not the real problem. Human behavior is and, more specifically, the inability for some to accept that other people don’t think like you.
Sounds like most of the rest of western society.
SW is full of crap plain and simple as most of your intelligent viewers have pointed out.
To add – I have never had a problem of worrying about when to get up when I fly private.
That is always the option for those that get bent out of shape w/ the way the deplaning process works.
Having been hit by people taking down luggage because there is no room to get it down due to everyone standing up, getting hit with backpacks because people want to turn and talk or wrangle kids when they stand up, and having my face by everyone’s crotch and butt…. I’m all for people chilling out and waiting.
A few extra minutes isn’t going to hurt anyone but rushing to stand up can and does. It also let’s people with tight connections get off the plane quickly if needed.
Truth be told I am one of those PAX that would push a small child out of the way to de-plane as fast as I possibly can.
The problem for those still sitting is the butt that is now at face level.
Sit down!
Joe Pauswinski.
I am also 6’6″ tall. On trips over about 2 hours, tall people and older people, it’s imperative for them to get up and walk around.
Further, older people, especially men, have to use the toilet frequently. Everyone who travels, must understand and accept people getting up during long flights. Some, more than others, as mentioned above.
Keith and CJ.
KEITH, the humble one. Although you fly more than everyone, including yours truly on this blog, collectively, I am dumbstruck to your “humble opinion! That makes perfectly good sense, to absolutely no one on planet earth. Surely, you must be kidding. Your rationale, is literally unbelievable! I envision, what it might look like, using your scenario, going against, everything that travelers have, come to accept as normal. Pure chaos!
Not so humble Robert
You don’t think Southwest knows what it’s doing? They’re all about fast turnaround…..
Aloha….You proved my point! However, I don’t think, you know why.
Actually, I read that the Mafia had LBQT enforcers join them. When you got, “the kiss of death ☠️”, it included, “dinner and dancing”!
I’m in favor of ELECTRIC SHOCK for every passenger that jumps up and tries to advance rows when deplaning. It’s incredibly rude to every other passenger seated in front of him. He deserves PAIN for disrespecting others.
The flights DO have a database that shows which passengers have a tight connection. THOSE passengers should be allowed to deplane before everyone else. Everyone else SHOULD BE ELECTRIC-SHOCKED for trying to advance in front of other paying customers.
I have never been in favor of pain punishment before… but society has reached a new level of selfishness. If you have long legs and need to stand up, then fine, stand up. But if you have long legs & think you’re entitled to rush from 39C to row 30 because you payed for aisle — then — ELECTRIC SHOCK FOR YOU, until you retreat back to your paid seat.
I fly frequently and I totally DISAGREE with Gary Left, the writer. It does not increase deplaning time and makes it more civilized and comfortable for the passengers. I am tired of people encroaching on my space, leaning over me for five to ten minutes when they could just park their butts in their seats and wait their turn. Gary, people like you are why air travel is no longer fun or civil.
Hmm… Ok problem solved!
Get up 20 seconds before the person in front of you starts walking down the aisle, so you have plenty of time to stand up and grab your bag… Instead of standing up right away, grabbing your bag and pushing up past the rows in front of you who haven’t stood up yet
Gary, I wish you would try to push past me in the aisle. I would knock you out just like the last guy that tried that. Sit down and wait your turn. You want to get off earlier? Pay for a first class seat. Allah u akbar!
Deplaning by row is the most inefficient way to do it. Instead, they should deplane by COLUMN.
The nicest thing you can do to help other pastures is to GET OFF THE PLANE.
If you are standing in the aisle, and you have your bags, then all you need do is to walk forward, past those still seated,, and suddenly you are no longer in other people’s way. Waiting for the row in front of you to move is illogical and stupid.
By column: All the people in the aisle seats get up, collect bags, and then walk forward off the plane. Then the same for the middle seats. Then the same for the window seats. It takes very, very much less time to do it this way. The number of people walking off the plane stays consistent and there is no massive gap between passengers leaving the plane. Those who need more time can remain seated, and quite shortly, there will be plenty of room for them because the plane will be empty and they won’t be holding anybody up.
If they would simply deplane the thing in this logical fashion, then it would be fast. Insisting on doing it this stupid row by row way is the cause of a lot of the problem.
I get up every flight when it’s time to deplane. if my bags are checked in and I Do Not have a carry on, I will not and not going to wait for every row to get up. What sense does that make. Let’s be adults about the situation, if you feel like you want to stand up after your hour long or 3 to 4 hour long flight please do. You also have to realize there are people on the plane that have connecting flights they have to get to. If they wait for every row to get and slow poke around that would be a disaster. So for the people who feel like everyone need to stay seated like we in kindergarten please find something safe to do. I you want it your way fly first CLass. Until then deal with it until a policy is in place where it’s mandatory. And advise you and your friends to not say anything to the person who heard the “ding” and jumped up in the aisle. Then you will be harassing the customer who paid for their flight. Oh yeah and let it be known, ” It is not disrespectful to jump up and stand in the aisle when the plane has docked”!!! It’s call deplaning.
This reminds me of my experience of dropping off my kids at school in the morning when they were in elementary school. Most parents stayed in the car and made a quick drop off in the drop off lane (teachers were at the car door to help younger kids to get out safely) so that the cars could move quickly as there was a long line everyday. There were several parents I noticed were very special. They got out of their vehicles, walked around their cars, hugged their kids, check their car seats (I assumed they wanted to make sure their kids had everything), walked back to their drivers seat, and drive off while at least another 20 or 30 parents were watching. It got so bad the school sent home a message (this was before email was the norm) asking parents to hug their kids before getting to school. One hugging parents later vented in a meeting, “is it wrong to show your affection to your kids?” No, there is nothing wrong, as long as you don’t do it at other people’s expense.
I completely disagree with this article, and I’m on a plane every week. There is not enough space for both aisle seats to get up and get their bags when the plane stops. This absolutely does NOT save time, Gary. All it does is crowd the aisles. Also, the people who stand up love to block rows to try to jump ahead and get off early. It causes more problems, and frankly, it’s rude AF.
Yes, people should start getting their belongings together immediately, but grabbing a bag from the overhead takes a second. I disagree. Just be patient, and please stop encouraging bad behavior.
Oh poor Wendell! Everyone encroaching in his space. Time to pony up and fly private is my advice to you. Completely agree with you Gary. Your thought process is spot on.
I remember leaving by row seemed to go as fast as everyone jumping up and standing in the isle and waiting
So, the writer of this article likes to jump up as soon as there’s a *ding* sound.
It’s always funny to me how people jump up, like uncivilized creatures they are, and just stand there in the isle squished for another 10 minutes.
I find it comical to watch everyone rush to board and rushing to get off. You have an assigned seat boarding. Boarding, I wait until most of the line is gone before going to the gate. I don’t usually use a carry-on but I do stay seated, while gathering the things I do have, i.e. backpack and stand when it’s my isles turn to get off. Comical, also, in watching everyone stand at the “ding”.
If I were in charge, all passengers with connecting flights would be called first to get their overheads and deplane followed by those who have nothing in overhead bins and, voila, less traffic jams and happier fliers.
I wld love it (and so wld my dog) if they wld consider letting people with pets off a bit sooner. Our pets, even under their seat get restless also. Nothing like listening to a dog bark after a 20 hr flight. I guess keep stuffing them with treats and wait for the poop attack. Nothing like fresh poop on a flight when needing to disembark quickly.
If you don’t want to cram into the aisle (and stretch your legs and give space to the middle passenger and be completely ready to deplane quickly), then don’t. But don’t be annoyed at this practice that has been the normal manner of business for as long as people have been flying, prior to covid.
Behave like adults. Use common sense and courtesy. Wait your turn. You’re not the only person on the plane who has a connecting flight. Get your bags out of the overhead when the row in front of you is doing the same. If you have an aisle seat, help the middle and window passengers retrieve their gear from the overhead. Be kind.
Which is the more rude behavior? Stepping past someone who sits until their rows “turn” or expecting everyone who’s ready to get off the plane wait on you. If you don’t mind waiting on everyone if front of you then what’s a few seconds more for the people behind you who’re ready to go?
I have no problem if you want to stand up. But I never understood why the people feel empowered to rush by before the row Infront of them has an opportunity to deplane. It comes across very rude. If you have to catch a flight attendants will advise everyone to allow specific passengers out 1st other than that stay out of the aisles and wait your turn please.
This article tells a lot about the writer. I’m hoping he wrote this to get a response because the lack of comments on other articles. We all know how terrible it is to get off a plane. People all smashed together, coughing on your neck and pushing. I think Gary maybe on of those people.
@Aaron said “I have no problem if you want to stand up. But I never understood why the people feel empowered to rush by before the row In front of them has an opportunity to deplane. It comes across very rude”
Agree completely. I’m one that almost always gets an aisle seat and I stand up as soon as possible (even in first class). However, I don’t bring down my carry on (unless in a bulkhead or similar such area with a lot of room) so as not to crowd people that also may want to stand up (but do open the bin and have my hand on it to get off as quickly as possible when it is my turn). Also, I ALWAYS let the rows in front of me deplane first unless someone tells me to go ahead of them. That is just respect. I see nothing wrong with how I act on deplaning. Never understood people that just want to sit there and for those that say “that is what you are supposed to do” you are wrong – there is no set procedure so do what you want and I’ll continue to do what I prefer.
I always get an aisle seat and I always get up when the ding goes off and I always will. Like I said in an earlier comment, my knees need to be flexed. Plus, I get the added benefit of stopping people who jump up and push their way to the front instead of waiting until their row is next.
As for those who complain about getting hit on their head when people remove bags from the overhead, this also happens if everyone remains seated. Duh! The bags will eventually come out and down,
Now I have a third reason to get up: I can annoy people who for some stupid reason hate it when people like me crowd the aisles. To them I say: grow up and mind your own business.
I don’t see anything in this article that suggests that the people who are standing up as soon as the seatbelt sign goes off are trying to jump ahead in line, trying to grab their bags and move up to the front of the plane, or anything of the sort. Once the seatbelt sign has been turned off, passengers can stand up if they want to, period. If you don’t want to, don’t, but be aware that it does take a few seconds longer when people stay in their seats until it is their row’s turn to move. On a Boeing 737 there are somewhere around 143 seats. If every 3rd passenger (every aisle seat) waits until the exact moment that they can walk off the plane before they stand up and grab their bag and it takes an extra 5 seconds, that comes out to an extra 4 minutes to fully empty the aircraft. If that were the case, all of you who are saying that people should stop standing up and acting like “animals” would be losing your minds about the inefficiency and inconvenience you are being forced to endure. Y’all need to calm down.
This whole article and its comments are simply dripping with vitriol from the people who take personal insult to Southwest congratulating those with patience.
I mean just look at you all with your self-righteousness and narcissism, you’re taking offense to the experts pointing out their preferred method for efficiency.
It’s literally their business, for airlines and flight attendants to manage planes.
And they didn’t even tell you hurryupandwaiters to not stand:
You chose to take offense over the implication.
Get over yourselves.
But only one by one as your row is called, not all at once now.
All of your points are hot garbage. You are part of the problem. Be civilized and wait your turn, like a big boy.
I believe they are referring to those who get up and run to the front. When getting off of a plane, it should move like merging into a highway but people will “cut” The line instead. It’s aggravating.
Most of those who complain about how Southwest does business are actually to dumb to have reason to complain. Anyone willing to pay inflated ticket prices, bag fees, and put up with surly employees really don’t have a leg to stand on and complain. Please, don’t any of you morons fly on Southwest – we loyal Southwest customers do not want or need your cry baby liberal whining and demands – stay and fly with the “other” airlines – they depend on your financial stupidity in order to keep giving you their brand of “service”.
Bri.
Amen!
So then after trampling their way off the plane, they then go to baggage claim and hug the carousel, shoulder to shoulder. If only they would back up ten feet.. at no cost to anyone but to the great benefit of everyone.
@David Miller
As soon as someone injects politics into this apolitical discussion you know they have nothing important to say and should be ignored.
@David Miller – do you think ANYONE on here pays “bag fees” to fly? Seriously? That marketing from SW may apply to once or twice a year flyers but anyone that flies regularly has status with an airline (so they don’t pay if they check a bag), have an affinity credit card (same benefit) or both. If all you can say about SW is that you don’t pay for checked bags that is a pretty weak argument. BTW, I check SW fares and they are typically the same or higher than legacy carriers. Also, I get an assigned seat (main cabin extra or comfort +) with a shot at an upgrade. You don’t get that on SW.
Look I flew SW a lot when I lived in Nashville since it was a hub and I prefer non-stops so adjust to the primary carrier wherever I live. Not there now and few reasons to fly SW again. If I want low fares I go with Frontier or Spirit (and before you turn your nose up it is about understanding and managing expectations).
If people wldnt take 15 minutes and if people wld wear a frigging mask maybe we wldnt want to jump ahead and get off quicker.
Entitled Keisha.
It doesn’t matter, if you have any carry on or not.
Deplaning, is a process, for EVERYONE, including Keisha. You wait until it’s your turn.
Or, pay for the front seat in FC, and you can be the first one to push the flight attendants aside, and run on the jetway. Maybe since you are special, the cockpit crew, may invite you into the cockpit.
It’s the author who is misguided. Getting up in order of your row does not slow down de-boarding. People locking the aisle by rushing forward from back rows slow down de-boarding more than that ever would.
I think Gary wasn’t understanding SWAs comment. I took it as they don’t want jerks to rush through from the back and hit everyone trying to exit the plane first. Like the jerks who drive up in a fast lane and cut everyone off just to be further ahead. SW is tired of these self righteous, its all about me type of people too and this was their way of saying it politely.
Talk about triggered, and gaslighting. Not everything is black and white. Saying “I like apples” doesn’t mean “I hate oranges” but apparently in your world, it does.
Grow up.
AC – I have flown Southwest for over 30 years – I never had to pay for bags, change fees and if I cancelled a flight for any reason, the funds were left in my account to be used at a later date. The people who work for Southwest are easy to get along with and they have a sense of humor. I have never had a case of my luggage getting “lost” and have only had one flight that was diverted, because of bad weather. Those of you who fly other airlines have paid dearly for your status and affinity cards – and will continue to do so. You have and continue to overpay for tickets, bag fees, change fees ( prior to covid) and you have to deal with other like minded dummies who have no real understanding of the value of a dollar. So go ahead and fly on those other airlines – and take your moronic reasoning with you. Southwest is the best airline out there for the bang for your buck.
Otto.
HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Of all the ridiculous suggestions for deplaning, yours is the worse by a mile …., maybe 100 miles.
Obviously, the current deplaning system, is far from perfect. Mostly, because of irrational people, several, like you, have made comments and suggestions. If everyone would stop bitching, follow the current deplaning system, have a little patience, “THERE WOULDN’T BE A PROBLEM”!
Utilizing YOUR system, imagine, anyone who is traveling with their business associates, spouse or family. Then, imagine the problems this would cause. Notwithstanding, let’s say one seat is your 7 year old daughter. Etc. Etc. Etc.
I did, “worse case scenario”, using your lamebrain system, and deplaning, would not only cause havoc, but take considerably longer.
Next time, THINK before you make a fool of yourself online.
Feliz Navidad
Ciao
Stop the preferential seating and paying more to get a better spot in line. Why not just charge extra for those people who want to get off earlier, seems your speed.
Could you imagine never waiting in line? How fast that would be right… because a barista making your coffee would be much quicker when taking 100 orders at a time versus yours – correct?
Same exact situation… You can get up and collect your things but when everyone bum rushes to the front, it’s simple – it causes a pile up.
I will be honest, nice to see the names of some of these folks that think the world was made for them and them only… it’s reasons like you why I stand up in the aisle and take my time… It’s a lesson in patience… It’s a virtue and I can’t wait to step in front of those for this and make you wait even longer to catch your Uber to nowhere – smdh – sad to see how ignorant and privileged people THINK they are. Literally, sit down…
Aren’t we self-righteous about ” our space”!!
Really, traveling is all about ” hurry up and wait” . Does the two/ three minutes saved (standing/sitting you pick) really justify all this ??
Take a breath a use the energy for something productive.
@David Miller – I am now retired but flew about 8 million miles since the mid 80s. I have around 3 million each on DL and AA so am mid-level lifetime elite. I’m also basically lifetime UA Silver with my Marriott lifetime Titanium status. I don’t have to fly anyone any more and am a true free agent. I don’t pay bag or change fees (if I change I can and rebook using the credit to avoid a change fee). Also, I have an assigned seat and a shot at an upgrade. I check fares on flights I plan to take (including SW and ULCCs) to see which is the best fit given fares, non-stop vs connections and travel times.
You SW loyalists are a little over the top and don’t understand there are better ways to fly. That being said I have flown SW a few times the last few years. I just adjust down my expectation since I prefer not to have the open seating and potential chaos that entails but will trade that for the right fare/itinerary. However, I assure you ALL AIRLINES are basically the same. I’ve flown them all (going back to People Express and Western let along Eastern, TWA, Pan Am, etc). They are basic transportation and anyone that expects anything more is mistaken. That being said I have never had a bad experience with a FA on a DL or AA flight – of course that is also likely due to the fact I treat with them with respect.
@Time Waster – you and many others on here seem to have TOTALLY missed the point. The original post was simply about people in the aisle standing up after the “ding”. It wasn’t about people rushing ahead of others to get off. From the comments the majority are in favor of people standing up beside their seat but I doubt ANYONE is in favor of those idiots that try to rush past others (and a close second are the clowns that swim against the tide to get a bag they put rows behind them then want to come back to “their’ spot). ABSOLULETY nothing wrong with standing up to prepare to deplane as long as you don’t slam your carry on down to block others or rush to the front.
Chery.
Another Entitled passenger.
No, the system, doesn’t change for anyone ridiculous enough, to take their beloved animal on an airplane.
Ship your dog in a container, designed for such purposes. I had to do it, years ago. No poop, no barking, no problem.
Get in line and wait your turn. Having your dog, is your choice. But the system, doesn’t let anyone crazy enough to bring their precious pet ( I love and own pets), special entitlements, to get off, before their turn.
Everyone, including you, expect to be treated special, because you decided to bring your pet on the plane. Airplanes are designed for people, not animals.
First off SW sucks and NOT 1 boomer here mentioned ANXIETY. I get major claustrophobia and anxiety if I get lucky enough to sleep that will help, but as soon as the plane starts landing I am wide awake and having to endure an excruciating waiting game when no one opens the doors is horrific. My anxiety and panic causes me to throw up. I hope you enjoy. I have always waited “my turn.” I have never gotten up and ran to the front, but some ppl have ANXIETY or other factors where they need to get off ASAP and you feel like screaming and tearing out of your body so mind your business as long as they’re not pushing you. Frankly most ppl are really fucking slow and can’t even get their overpacked bags out of the compartment and take forever. Flying in an airplane is one of the most miserable experiences I feel for everyone. These planes get cheaper hiking up prices to be crammed in like sardines with other annoying, sick and gross drunk rude people. It’s just an inconvenience that one must do to experience seeing the world which is worth it.
Brian.
The infamous ding, tells the passengers, it is safe to unbuckle your seatbelt.
Intelligent individuals, on an airplane, would stay seated, while you gather your things, and stand up, when the passengers in front of you, are getting their overhead bin luggage. When they have their luggage, that is the trigger, for your row to stand up, and repeat, what the row did in front of yours.
Standing up, when you are in row 17, when the ding is heard, doesn’t accomplish anything.
But, we obviously, aren’t dealing with common sense, intelligent people.
The problem is that if I sit patiently like I normally do, even in an isle seat, the jackwagon a row behind me will pull down his bag a d push it forward to where I am blocked in. I stow my bag a row or two ahead of my seat when possible and don’t even break stride pulling it out and continuing out the door. Lately I still stay seated but swi g a leg out to mark my territory.
To the fool, who said he would push a child to deplane.
I believe you. And I pray, the next time, I am in front of you, instead of a child. That would be very ugly, and you would have a much different result.
And, it would be the last time, you would ever push me, a child or handicap person.
You behave like a punk teenager, standing on the corner, with like individuals, smoking weed, and feeling invincible.
Believe me pal, you aren’t.
I am taking you off my Christmas card list.
I’m usually sitting on the aisle and get up when we get to the gate. I let the people in the rows ahead of me exit first. Waiting to stand up, when you’re on the aisle, seems counterproductive. It’s possible to stand up and not be rude.
Whatever happened to common courtesy? Not so long ago, passengers were considerate, respectful, even helpful of others. But now, it seems that narcissism and “me first” is the prevailing attitude of the day. And for what? Being able to stretch one’s legs or deplane minutes before someone else? Sad…
Does this really need to be an article ? So what if it takes you longer to get off you bozo . God i hate humans .
Twice , while sitting in a aisle seat after landing, I’ve been bonked on the head by another passenger’s mishandling baggage in the overhead bin. Now I always stand as soon as they come sounds that we’re stopped at the gate.
You’re all right! Every possible condition can occur. I solved the problem by changing my lifestyle. I stopped flying! I use Zoom and similar webconferencing almost exclusively, and let others worry and deal with the rudeness and rat race that constitutes commercial business flying. It’s just not worth the risk to your health, physical and mental stress past a certain age.
I used to be the last person to board; why sit longer than you have to? However once, myself and two BIG Olympian shot putters waited til everyone else boarded. When we stepped onto the plane, our seats were taken up by other people! The airlines had “overbooked” so we were put on another flight to another destination then bussed to our original destination. Needless to say I did not get my luggage until the following afternoon and had to go to my work conference in my travel clothes.
Now when they call my section, I BOARD!
How about we do away with all the oversized carry-on bags and people check their luggage? That way everyone could get up grab their small bags and get off the plane. It’s those that pack more and more into these oversized carry-ons, so they don’t have to wait for luggage. They hold the rest of us up!!! I know I’m in the minority because during our last flight there were more people that didn’t check luggage than people who had to wait for bags…
I completely disagree!
I am over 6’3″ and have had multiple knee surgeries. By the time the plane lands, I am more than ready to stand and relieve the pain in my knees. I always reserve the aisle seat for this reason. I don’t push my way forward, I wait patiently until it is my turn to deplane.
Countries at war, death from starvation, rampant homelessness, and people are worried about getting off of an airplane 60 seconds quicker. Wow!
The misunderstanding in the comments is…special. No one is talking about rushing forward, just standing up, which doesn’t negatively impact anyone but does help out those next to you.
There is the scenario of people connecting but you can just slide back with your head down, no problem.
I will say that if there’s an opening to move past the row in front me because they’re taking soong to get over and out and I know I won’t slow them down, I’ll do it.
If people would check bags everyone could get off quickly. All these bags on the plane are the real problem. Trying to walk back 6 rows to grab your bag is what wastes time deboarding.
As a semi-frequent flyer on Southwest, I have always viewed it as extremely rude for people to not be ready to leave when it is their time. These rude people wait until their turn to block any movement as they struggle to get their luggage from overhead, often requiring others to help them; all the while, no one is able to get out.
This author is crazy. Sit your butt down and wait your turn. I’ll elbow and push the people that are behind me that try to crowd out before it’s their turn. The whole time telling them they need to learn manners and wait. If you’re sitting in the back of the plane that’s your choice, you already decided to wait now do it.
You’re absurd. We’re in a tripledemic. Staying seated is reasonable.
I never would deplane before the row ahead of me and despise people that try to do so, unless they have a connection and really need to.
However, I do stand up after the seatbelt light is off. I want to stretch mr legs. I’m not going anywhere -it’s not bothering anyone if I stand up.
This is an absolutely asinine take. No one gets anywhere faster just because you’re hunchbacked in your row or sardined in the aisle, while people in the rows ahead are daring to take a few seconds to pull their luggage out of the overhead.
I stand up at the ding to start getting the circulation back into my foot. I don’t grab my bags until it gets to my row and I’ve never tried to push past any of the rows in front of me. But if you don’t get up when you hear the ding,I guarantee you somebody will be standing right next to you.
FACT: If everyone checked their bags, boarding and de-planing would be 80% faster. I would guess that 90% they’ll let you check your bag for free. Check your damn bag!
@Lightwave – SW doesn’t charge to check a bag and they still have a lot of carry on luggage. It isn’t just the cost (most of us don’t pay bag fees anyway) but the convenience. If I’m gone for less than 5 days no way I’m checking a bag. Why stand at baggage claim and possibly risk it getting lost or stolen?
People.
I am 6’5″, 265 #. I have severe Arthritis in my body, especially my knees.
Using common sense, I get up, every 45 minutes to an hour. Typically, I take that time, and go to the bathroom. It allows me to stretch, and relieve myself. Noone has ever complained to me about getting up several times during a flight. And, except on long, international flights, I rarely find anyone else in the aisle, except to go to the toilet.
Why would anyone, wait until landing, to get up and exercise your legs? I’m at a loss as to “why”.
The trouble is if you don’t stand up folks in the way back come charging up to crowd in front and you still can’t get your bag down. You’ve got to stand up just hold position.
As a frequent flyer, nothing, NOTHING annoys me more than people who immediately get up knowing damn well they aren’t getting off any time soon.. blocking the aisles for no reason.. knowing damn well you have to wait for an eternity to get out… Blocking people’s view and air
It’s actually common courtesy to stay seated until it gets to your row, especially if you’ve reached your final destination. This keeps the aisle clear for people to deplane first if you have a connection.
At unloading: I will stand when plane stops. Get circulation back, if I don’t someone else’s butt will be in my face.
Waiting till my route exists is the polite way.
I do like the free check bags in. Carry ons should fit under seat. No overhead bins.
Loading:. I’ve noticed we all wait as people load their overhead bins as we stand waiting or turn.
If we load from back of plane loads first, loading would go far, far faster.
These comments are hilarious. “Common courtesy to stand and give middle seat room”, “rude to stand and block the isle”, it’s like the reclining seat arguments. Just rest assured, whatever you do, half the people will think you are an inconsiderate @ss, and the other half will agree that’s what you should have done. So do you. Lol
Lot of people in these comments with bad circulation.
No you should wait till it gets to your row. That’s called waiting in line. People that crowd you from the back to pass you are douchebags.
Some people, like myself, have back issues or other health issues. So by time the plane lands I stand up ASAP in order to help alleviate my pain.
This is a good article, and grateful that the author took the time to write it. The unique thing about air flights is that certain passengers will have excruciatingly tight connections, in which case, some airlines, such as forward-thinking United Airlines, announce to the entire load of passengers that there are indeed some among them who would welcome deplaning quickly in order to catch their super-tight connections. United graciously asks any passengers who have extra time to remain seated or to hold back, to allow those with the time-sensitive connections to get going fast.
what really bugs me is the people who get up before we stop at the gate and the seatbelt sign goes off. I wholeheartedly approve of any pilot who refuses to move the rest of the way to the gate until they sit back down, and honestly wish some of those people would be met by security at the end for interfering with flight operations. I don’t even mind if it makes me miss my connection, I despite them that much.
Last night, I connected through Houston. The flight attendant looked up the connections, and while we were taxinging to the gate, the lead fight attendant listed about 5 connections with short connections, one at a time, and asked them to push the call button. He asked those of us not in a row with a light on to stay in our ride until the people with short connections left the plane.
We all agree that the “me first idiots” should be shoved back into their seats. At least I hope we agree.
I fly Southwest more than once a month, but they arevnot the onlyvairline with this problem. I am mobility challenged. I don’t EVEN try to stand up until most people are off the plane. I have been pushed, elbowed and cursed at too many times because it takes me “too long” to stand and get my bag down and move to the exit. Seldom has anyone offered to help. Often, as I try to stand from my seat, others rush by to make sure I do not inconvenience them by ensuring I cannot get up even though they see me struggling to get upright. Even though I do have a wheelchair waiting for me on the jetbridge, I will stay seated until all of those who are determined to be fast have deboarded and tip my attendant a little more for waiting for me.
I disagree, sir!
It’s really uncomfortable to stand up when there already many passengers in that narrow aisle. On top of that passengers try to get their carry-on luggages from overhead bins. Also, it’s possible their luggage could be in some other bin other than where you are sitting
Gary, you’re correct in your logic however the problem is not people standing beside their seat, it is passengers moving ahead with their bags impeding people in rows ahead from getting up. This is the cause of the delay.
My question is why are all these people wearing masks when masks are not required anymore and masks do not work it’s been proven by science that masks do nothing but yet these morons still continue to wear masks I don’t understand
I’m in the window seat or middle seat I stay seated and don’t push out the row behind me. But, if the person in the isle seat doesn’t cut people out I’m not worried about it. I have had people behind me who were standing rush ahead. It’s simple, there’s not enough room for everyone to stand up and there is plenty of time to wait your turn and my legs are freaking killing me too, but I wait my turn.
Seriously? Our country is about to embark on a major recession. Many citizens, due to absolutely no fault of their own, are forced to live from paycheck to paycheck. (Unlike you, flying anywhere is not even a financial possibility for many Americans. Therefore the purpose of your article is complete nonsense to them.)
Interest rates are out of control. The homeless are struggling just to find a hot meal and a warm, safe place in the middle of a brutally cold winter for them, their children, their parents and their families to lay their heads at night; the housing crisis is out of control; and the Covid pandemic is now interlaced with RSV and one of the worst flu outbreaks in history. Yet the main issue that concerns you is when to stand up on a commercial aircraft. Please leave your shallow, self entitled, narcissistic world that revolves solely around you like a padded coccoon, take off your luxury cooling eye mask so you can clearly see reality, and return to the REAL WORLD immediately. After all, you seem to believe you know how to solve the fictitious apocalyptic issue of standing on a plane. Perhaps you can address and fix those actual serious world issues mentioned at the beginning of this reply. Once you have done that, we might possibly be ready to entertain your travel plans.
The answer to this travel quandary is ……………”there is no answer”
Flight attendants have asked politely and directly all over the world .The passengers WILL do what they choose predicated on the fact that the flight attendant or fellow passenger will not confront the situation in a real way .Ive been on so many flights and no matter the circumstances ,it depends on the crew and the blend of passengers .Sometimes its pretty unbelievable the amount of very rude people gathered on a plane .Not just talking about standing up . I would LOVE to see one small carryon …it would be very entertaining 🙂
Respectfully disagree with the author. You can stand up or sit down when the plane comes to a complete stop and you hear that ding. However, you’re not going anywhere until the people in front of you start moving. I find it more uncomfortable to stand awkwardly in the aisle or even worse underneath the overhead compartment. I stay seated until the people a few rows ahead of me start moving. That gives me plenty of time to grab my things and keep the line moving.
Been flying since 1966, since seats were comfortable and carry-ons were only the size of a shoulder bag for a magazine.and some toiletries.. Never imagined flying would be like the 8am New York subway. I guess it was subsidized then or perhaps they underpaid staff. Lately we’ve been required to check our carry-ons and they’ve been quite quick at the carousel. Of real note is that now on AA they are requiring exit row heroes to confirm their ability to communicate with staff and public AND to be able to gauge conditions outside the exit door window as safe enough to pass through. My biggest concern these days is a recline button that is unusable!! Cramped coach seating will hinder evacuation…no doubt people will be trying to get their items out of overhead bin as the plane goes bottoms-up. Still safer than the highways.
The problem is people in the back of the plane rushing forward in an attempt to get off the plane sooner. If people simply stood but waited their turn, that would be one thing, but many don’t. The only way to prevent that? Have everyone remain seated until it’s their turn.
Back in the day maybe as recently as 20 yrs ago.. everyone who was sitting on the aisle got up first got their stuff first and got off the plane first then the people in the middle then the people at the window it was part of the reason you chose those seats and it was a much faster way to deplane I’ve stood behind people slowly taking their bags off when I’ve got mine and so is everyone behind me and we’re waiting for that one person who could have just let everyone else go people are naturally selfish
I disagree with the author and a bit surprised he isn’t backing up his de-plane efficiency hypothesis with any data but rather just his hypothesis confirming gut feel… but, hey, I have old school courtesy hang ups – ie, I don’t recline my seat either – so I guess the joke is on me.
I’m sure to enjoy many of these commenters midsections in my face for 10 min when I’m patiently seated in the isle of row 28.
That said, the real truism for the truly travel hardened – “to each their own!” Safe travels all.
Misinformed article with a deceptive title. Nobody was admonished. One group of people was complemented for the manner in which they conducted themselves. Equating that to admonisment of those that did not conduct themselves in a similar manner is the thought process of a child. It matches the childish position of the me centered article. Any process carried out in an orderly manner, particularly where humans are involved, is always the most efficient.
I agree with the author. I do not rush forward but appreciate being ready to deplane ASAP!
Last several times I flew Southwest, people from the back just about knocked you down rushing rudely up the aisle (only to have to wait to deplane) . However their standing in the aisle kept me from being able to stand or get into the overhead. Their rear in my face was not pleasant. If they want to deplane first they should pay the extra cost to board sooner and this have a seat closer to the front.
I’ve had 9 back surgeries, I have 6 metal rods and 19 screws in my back and it hurts to sit even one minute longer than necessary. So when the seatbelt sign goes off I am going to stand up and anybody who doesn’t like it can blow me.
Those in rows further back who stand up and move to the rows closer to the exit should be called out for their rude behavior. Sure, they may not have a bag and can leave immediately, but that doesn’t entitle them to jump ahead and block others from leaving their seat and causing them a delayed exit.
Please. Just admit that if you’re standing up that you’re not allowing your entire row to stand. It’s SELFISH. Stop with the lame excuses. Keep your butt seated like everyone else. An extra 5 minutes isn’t gonna kill ya.
I guess Gary boy here would be that one guy that would knock over a 90 year old lady just to get off the plane 3 seconds faster. All he does this entire article is a tirade about how his way is better and examples of how his way works better for him. Well Gary boy, your way is very rude, and it shows you have zero compassion or empathy for your fellow man.
Just to throw another gallon of gas on the fire, why should someone that is flying just TO the hub wait to get off because the airline didn’t operate their flight on schedule or schedule enough connecting time to give people sufficient time to make a comfortable connection?
Everyone here wants to impose requirements on other people.
If you feel compelled to do something that YOU think might be beneficial to someone else, DO IT.
But don’t expect anyone else to do the same thing or even think with the same values that you do
‘
I check my bags. I stand up at my seat wait to watch the passengers that did not check their bags. Or the pasengers that need assistance get their bags. Who made the rules on gettiing of the plane? Anyone who is raller, heavier, is uncomfortable in these smaller seats so getting ready to exit plane should. Everyone needs to do what feels right for them. Live and let live. If you dont like it dont fly.
Try to sit patiently and you end up last person on that plane. Once people start moving, you almost can no longer grab your overhead luggage. If the airlines had more legroom, people will deplane more efficiently.
Maybe if the passenger wasn’t crammed in like a sardine there wouldn’t be a pressing need to relieve an aching body, just saying….
I’m sorry, but if I’m in the middle seat, or even the window seat, and you get up after the plane reaches the gate, and smack me in the face with your jacket, hand, butt, or whatever else sticks out, that just irritates and annoys me more than having to wait a few extra seconds to stand up. You’ve been on that plane for a couple hours, what’s another 2 or three minutes going to do. You’re not going anywhere soon!! The door hasn’t even opened yet. Do people on long bus trips do the same thing? I’m curious? Keep your a** in the seat till it’s your time to go!!
I agree with the guy who had a connecting flight. If the airline has enough time to figure out who’s connecting flight will need to rush off the plane the others can wait just a bit longer. I had to endure this coming home from Korea. Once we got to Los Angeles after being on a flight from Seattle for about 2 hours, we had to run to the next plane to get to Texas. We only had like 5 minutes to spare and people were taking their sweet ass time that weren’t connecting like us.
Is this satire? If not this is the most foolish thing I’ll read for day, if not for 2022. What a reach! You went to some great lengths to rationalize something that makes no sense at all, wow. There is absolutely no room for all passengers to stand up and occupy the aisles so no one is getting off the plane any faster. Deplaning would be easier if more bags were checked, period. This post is so absurd that now I have no intention of reading any of your other musings. If the 59 additional seconds whilst taxing after an hours long flight is painstaking for you, grow up.
This is an idiotic thing to target. With the decline in air travel niceties, the unpacking and repacking and redressing at security and the uncomfortable seating on top of delays and lost luggage, stop asking passengers who are paying tons of money to keep reducing their experience and cater to some misguided idea for some fake “betterment of travel”. If you don’t like people standing when the plane lands, who gives a fly f. No one cares if you like to sit until your row goes or until the plane empties. If tgis is the biggest issue in the life of someone who has the privilege of flying, I challenge you to look for why your life has no meaning. Leave people who are hurting no one by standing alone. FFS don’t we have bigger problems!?
Now yall want to tell meople when to stand up? After paying all that money? First it was don’t kneel. And a t-shirt as a treat?
Is there any research or study to back your claim that it takes longer? Seems odd to not provide any support when that’s your main premise.
Please let’s go back to those little cages we used to have to put our carryons in to measure proper size for over head bins. All bags that do t fit need to be checked. And only put your bag above your seat. Think of others. It’s not hard to wait for a few rows ahead to leave before standing and getting your bag. Such a First World Ptiblem!
Bad take. I think the premise of the shirt isn’t standing up, it’s the rude people who push past when they need to wait their turn. I’ve got no problem with people standing up, just don’t push ahead unless you have a connection. But I guess it is also a bit quicker to grab a bag if able before you unload.
Sounds like the writer of this article is part of the problem group. Probably one of the ones that carry a max sized carry on bag, a back pack, a purse, a laptop bag, and tell the airline it’s all necessary to have on board, while other people get asked to check their bags because there’s no more. Do I sound bitter?
this is the dumbest thing i’ve ever read
Blah Blah Blah, just wait your turn, stop complaining be civilize. Most of the time it’s your choice where you’re setting by getting to the airport early or paying the extra money for better seat, if you can’t do one or the other what can I say, take a chill pill.
This is a nonsensical article, written to defend something you probably don’t ever deal with. How often do you actually travel coach anymore?
All it does is congest the aisles so that people with connections have a harder time getting out and, if like what happened on a recent flight of mine, people start getting ahead of themselves by trying to get off because they’re ready but the people ahead of them aren’t, it makes deplaning frustrating, and take longer than needs to.
I just got off a plane to Puerto Rico, here’s what happens when you stand up acting the fool trying to do the *me first thing*, our plane landed in a small airport so we had to use the stairs to deplane, but because every single passenger stood up in the back of the plane trying to get off first the plane tilted back and litterally the plane angled upwards lifting the plane almost 2 feet from the stairs, now the crew asked begged pleaded people please sit down especially in the front of the plane so the weight could be taken off the back, did even 1 person sit? Nope instead more stood in the front pushing and cramming themselves in the isle. I get everyone wants off, I think that the airlines are ridiculous cramming so many people in a tube, but orderly disembarking front tot back or back to front can easily be done and doesn’t take that much more time. Also your reasons where…just…really??
Can you show me your lab results and report where you tested which method deplanes faster?
Those who jump up immediately upon landing aren’t doing it for increased efficiency, making connecting flights, physical comfort or any other lame excuse the author rationalized. It’s pure self-entitlement and disregard for others. It’s also unsafe. The carry on size limits are rarely enforced and if I’m still sitting, someone prying a bag out of the overhead bin can and has smacked people below them in their zeal. If the aisle is packed with people, where does the author think their loads of carry on luggage, backpacks, oversized purses, etc. Land?
I’m all for the flight attendants taking more control of the process, enforcing the size and number limits for carryon items and simply demanding that everyone stay seated so those with close connecting flights be allowed to deplane first.
Here’s the problem… people aren’t just standing up. They’re pushing forward and not letting people ahead of them out, causing even more travel rage. It’s not so much the standing as the pushy, inconsiderate behavior.
Seriously? Why is this a post. Click bait has hit rock bottom. Airlines are changing rules that keep passengers from getting on their flights. You want to focus more on what you expect the passengers to do. If I want to stand up, by God I will.
I have yet to be disappointed by Southwest I have booked package deals plus just single flights..never been rude too by an employee…always been helpful checking in… don’t really feel comfortable with online check in…i have highly recommended the company.. you’d be surprised on how many people don’t know they do package deals..always ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
100% Bonnie! Airlines are the root of all this displaced anger and impatience.
Bryan.
What is the difference, regarding the weight, if people sit or stand? Are you suggesting, when people stand, it adds weight to that part of the airplane?
What an amazing story!
There is nothing wrong, with the current deplaning system. The problem, lies with the idiots who don’t follow the system.
No offense, but I have been flying for close to 5 decades… and unless I absolutely have a need to stand? I’d rather wait until folks with small children, the elderly and other passengers requiring assistance have deplaned.
We learned about lines in pre-school for a reason. I think the point here is to understand that you shouldn’t grab your stuff and rush up the aisle as far as you can. This makes it hard for those aisles to stand up and grab their bags.. I get it.. you are in a rush.. but so is everyone else and you are not more important than everyone else on that plane. Get it together America.
Utter nonsense Gary has spilled on us.
Next up — Gary thinks it’s OK to rush the gate before they call you because…um…several seconds.
I have the solution. A traffic cop on every flight. Biden is doing away with Air Marshalls, who don’t participate in deplaning. Get a New York traffic cop, and the problem is solved.
Deplaning is NOT a baggage problem. It’s a people problem.
I always get a window seat. I decided long ago not to try to deplane until the rest of the impatient morons have left the aircraft. The aircraft is not going anywhere soon and someone has to be the last to deplane. The extra few minutes I spend sitting down really have no effect on my well being. After deplaning, I am not stressed out and continue on my way. Try it, you might like it.
People that don’t stand are probably the same ones that come and sit next to you at the gate when there are open seats everywhere. I also don’t understand why people care if others stand. Pushing forward is not the same. I don’t fly coach much any more but when I do my back hurts before we take off. I stand as soon as I can to get away from the fatty in the middle seat and be more comfortable. It doesn’t impact anyone else if I’m standing in the aisle or sitting in my seat. Also, I wouldn’t fly a middle but if I was stuck there I’d be pissed you didn’t stand and get away from me.
Nah, you’re wrong. What slows deplaning down is everyone jumping into the aisles to grab bags even though the 10 rows in front of them haven’t moved yet. All the jostling with people in front and back slows everyone down.
I’ve been traveling a lot this year and let me tell you when people just stay sitting it takes forever to deplane. Plus I typically move around a lot and to be sitting for anything more than an hour is torturous to me so getting up when I can is the best feeling. Also there are so much bigger problems in the world right now who gives a shit if someone decides to stand honestly.
Only mouth breathing smooth brains think it’s a good idea to rush to the front of the plane to get off first. Extremely ignorant.
Sorry, but I’m standing up when I want to, and that’s going to be immediately. I’m not pushing anyone, I’m not hurting anyone, I’m just standing up and waiting my turn to start walking. Southwest can shove it.
I’m 6’5″ tall. Trust me when I say flying is not a comfortable experience. By time the plane lands my back, butt and legs are screaming in pain. Is it a big deal if I stand in the isle next to my seat to gain a small measure of relief?
Feel free to stand up, move to the aisle, and get your bag.
JUST DON’T MOVE FORWARD PAST YOUR ROW.
I prefer to stand and stretch my legs after being crammed into the seat for several hours. For people in the aisle seats, it also gives them a chance to get their bag from the overhead and speeds up deplaning. If everyone just sat and waited, it would take forever for people in the rear of the plane to get off.
For those of you who take your bags from under the seat or overhead during taxi are blocking the exit area. If you need to evacuate, the aisles are blocked because of your luggage. So keep your bags stowed until the seat belt sign goes off. That’s safety! I was a flight attendant for 41 years, and no one understood the reason you don’t taxi with your bag in your lap!!!
Please stay seated until at least there is room try being considered of others. Not everyone has a connection flight. If you’re standing you probably have an offensive part of your body engaged in the seated person’s face which is probably your intention.
This sounds like a ploy to get passengers to pay for the more expensive seats .
I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and being seated in SWA seats are extremely painful after about an hour. I would never purposely impose on my fellow seatmates, but standing for some is only for pain relief.
I don’t mind if the person in the aisle seat stands to remove their carry on and then holds that position.What is very rude is when they rush ahead before the passengers in the seats in front of them have the chance to stand,remove their carry on and deplane.
I think this more about getting up and rushing the isle to advance forward and maybe gain 3 steps. Wait your turn like everyone else or sit in the first few rows. If trying to make a connection make it know and politely move forward as most people will not mind.
Just wait your turn ,stop crowding and excuses about your problems you could drive, take a train or a bus!
I travel for work, 50 weeks out of the year. I also require a cane for mobility. What bugs me is when passengers put their bags in an overhead bin 20 rows forward of their seat and rush to get to it the moment the plane lands. Then they proceed to stand there, blocking those who are actually seated there which typically results in an awkward situation where others are ready but a whole row is basically held hostage due to someone’s poor manners.
I need a little extra time and space, so I always pick an aisle seat and I get up as soon as an opening allows me to move into an empty row in front of me where I wait for everyone else to deplane before I get my bag and leave.
I was on SW flight 431 on Sunday afternoon, December 18th. After landing in LAS, a passenger shoved his way past passengers in front of him to deplane, when an older passenger refused to move more quickly, it resulted in a verbal reprimand by flight attendants of both passenger, not the guy in a rush to leave… . and then that passenger waited to assault the older passenger, he punched punched in the mouth, in the jetway.
Departing planes is just another example of “it is all about me” culture….everyone is up immediately as they believe their departing is far more urgent than any other passenger.. sad commentary of society.
As a frequent flyer who is almost always seated in the back of the plane to save money, I draw two conclusions about the author from this article: 1) the author is rude; and 2) the author the author is selfish. Wait your turn to deplane! It does *not* take any longer. Get over yourself and be mindful of others!!
I agree with the organition and I’m one of those who doesn’t mind waiting until the line to deplane reach me. However, there should be considerantion when the plane is delayed and some people may miss the connection flight. It almost happened to me Flying from MAF to OKC, stopping in HOU
This is a horrible reach of a rationalization for people just being impatient and rude. None of the reasons you sited hold much water. I am an “old” middle aged man and yes being cramped into an airplane seat for hours is uncomfortable, but jumping into the aisle the moment the plane pulls up to the gate doesn’t really accomplish much. Just be patient and respectful of other people’s space and wait your turn. Pretty simple.
YOU are part of the gigantic problem that currently exists in the world…YOU and YOUR time are more important than EVERYONE else in front of you on the plane right?..just like when you drive down the highway. I bet you are that idiot that rides slowly in the left (passing lane) instead of getting out of the way to let people pass you. Thanks for passing on the horrible self-entitled ideology Jack ass! Stop posting this crap!
For years, I have felt that it would be more efficient for people in the aisles to deboard planes first, then people in the middle seat, and finally, people in window seats (assuming that there are only six seats per row) following the logic that Gary has described here.
If I have my bags and can quickly walk past other passengers, it seems inefficient for me to have to wait for people to get up in other rows and remove their bags. Yes, there have also been flights where I have gladly let other people who have their bags and are ready to walk go past me, because it is more efficient.
I have wondered why so much has been done to study efficiency in boarding airplanes, but little has been done to study efficiency of deboarding airplanes in regular circumstances.
I have been flying for over 60 years. When the plane has indicated that the seat belts come off I believe that’s when the passengers in the aisle seats need to get up, stretch and be able to safely retrieve their belongings. We are not talking about abusive pushing or going forward when it’s not your aisles turn. We are also not talking about someone who can’t handle the bag that they have brought on. The time it takes for let’s say 25 people to stand up and retrieve their bags happens within the first 2 minutes after the seat belt sign comes off. Now if the airline wishes to wait until each row has gotten their bags and are moving forward for the exit before the next row can get up and retrieve their bags, that will add up to a lot of lost time. One quarter of the passengers are ready to go when their aisle comes up to exit. It is definitely a quicker system. For those who need to stretch more to be able to retrieve their bags and walk out without abusing their joints it helps to stand up before it’s your aisle turn to exit. Excellent article!
Let’s be honest, most people who stand up immediately are just impatient and trying to leave before others.
It’s simply rude to get out of your seat and move up the aisle before it’s your row’s turn. This isn’t ‘Nam. There are rules.
I have no problem with people standing up in the aisle, but they’d better be ready to go when a gap opens up.
It’s those people who rush backwards 8 rows for their rollaboard and then just block the aisle waiting for the slowpokes ahead of them to slowly get up and get into the aisle (and get their jackets, and then separately their rolling bag, then extend the handle, then thread their laptop bag onto the handle and realize the wheel is caught on something) that kills me. I could have been off the plane before they even got their second bag down!
If airlines made being trapped in a metal can for hours on end a more pleasant experience maybe I wouldn’t feel like I needed to GTFO. But since it isn’t, and since I know I can clear your row before you even scoot your butt past the second armrest, you have no reason to be mad at me for deplaning ahead of you.
Also: it’s much more efficient to store your bag in the OH bin across from your seat. You can stand up, grab it and go, all in one move. I actually love it when I’m “forced” into this situation.
And please stop thinking that pack on your back isn’t hitting anyone, because it totally is. And so is your clip-on neck pillow.
This has to be one of the worst “articles” of the internet today. It’s obvious the author is one of those impatient fliers who immediately gets up and starts trying to force himself down the aisle when the plane lands. He probably wrote this article out of spite, when a more rational passenger told him off for being so selvish. In fact whenever I see someone trying to get off and cut down the aisle I try to always stand up and block them to let the passengers in front of me have to courtesy of deboarding at their turn.
I remember when flying was fun and now it sucks. People used to be somewhat nicer too.
If you want to fix the deplaning process don’t let fat slobs take a stack of carry-ons on and jam one whole over head compartment full.
Have someone at the gate enforce carry-on rules.
Those old people that pre board leave their seats until everyone else gets off either. It’s bullshit how they are wheeled down the ramp only to pop up and bounce to their seats and then want off first. I’m old, so I can say this.
Maybe put all the snot nose little shits in the back too.
I think there are two parts of this that may need separating. 1. Stand in place – long flights, makes sense IF your legs need an extra stretch and your not being rude and putting your “below the belt” items in your neighbors face. Not everyone needs this at the same exact moment. 2. Let’s be honest, because as a travel expert you should know this, everyone standing up upon landing is jockeying to get up, get their bags, not carrying that they and their bags are now in their seat neighbors face, get into to the aisle, and cut Infront of others to get off 2 minutes faster. That’s an a-hole mentality and the travel expert author sound like one of those people and is trying to justify his ride & entitled behavior.
I recently traveled in Peru. They were organized and civilized on the flights. I took many domestic flights during my stay.
The flight attendants asked people to stay seated until their row was called.
People could stand up and stretch but not grab their luggage and try to push ahead. It was quick, orderly and fair. In addition to that they knew who had tight connections. Their names were announced and they got off first.
Being well over 6′ and being in my late 50s, my knees hurt after sitting for 2 or 3 hours. So I don’t have an issue with people standing up and stretching, just be careful swinging backpacks and luggage. Same when boarding, keep your backpack and purses from hitting me in the head, walk with it directly in front and not on one shoulder.
Standing up doesn’t slow anything down, because the people behind you are supposed to let you go first. Just don’t shove ahead of the rows closer to the exit(s). Some folks need to get the kinks out to be able to go when it’s time. If you want to wait until everyone else deplanes, let the people behind you know so they don’t wait for you.
I stand up because after I get my bag down I need to put away my glasses, my book, my medication and put my coat on, and I won’t have to hold up the people behind me if I’m ready to go.
I don’t have an issue with people standing up, getting their bags and then waiting until it’s your rows turn. But yes, once you have your bags down, get back in your row.
I’ve been on a flight where I had to put my carry ons in a bin a few rows behind me, and even when it was my rows turn, I couldn’t get back there because the aisle was crammed with people. I ended up missing my connecting flight because of it.
The passenger across the aisle from me was telling these people to get back in their rows until it was their turn and a big yelling match broke out, it was so stupid. Yes, stand up, just don’t be in the aisle.
You brought up a real good point. Best of both worlds,ready to go, but yet out of the way.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgAbWVmsxqP/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
No one said, do not stand up and get your bags down. If that’s all they were doing would be one thing, but we all know 6 ppl per row cannot stand with luggage in the aisle. However, if you are those people who rush forward knocking over the row in front of you. Your RUDE and INCONSIDERATE. Have some Airplane etiquette and remain at your row until your time to deplane. If there is a break in the line as there usually is, then kindly fall in 1-2 at a time. Not the whole damn rear of the plane running over the ones who just now are able to get to the overhead bin.
I stand up to get into the aisle for the sole purpose of stopping idiots who want move forward of their row.
I was on a flight and as soon the plane as the landed a woman from the very back of the plane rushed forward so she was first in line.
I usually just wait for everyone else to empty out. I am a window seat person also, so I’m not in the way of anybody.
Kalon S – I also will wait until most if not all others have deplaned. I can not think of a time where it was necessary for me to join the mad rush in order to “save” a few minutes when deplaning. Herd mentality on display – Pavlov would be proud…