The way getting off an airplane usually works is one row at a time. Passengers in one row deplane, and then passengers in the next row deplane. Sometimes, though, someone will try to push ahead. And sometimes a passenger is particularly slow getting moving – they aren’t ready yet, they’re still organizing their bags – and so it makes sense not to wait on them.
Well, when people were skipping ahead and not ‘waiting their turn’ one passenger shares their decision to take revenge.
The front of the plane started deboarding and as soon as one of the ‘early standers’ would see an opening, they would cut off the rows in front of them enjoy their small victory of getting off the plane a few minutes sooner. After witnessing this happen a few times, I was ready to do something about it.
There were only a few rows left until it was my turn and I can already see a few more of the ‘early standers’ eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cut in front of people. To make matters worse, there were passengers in my row who were clearly in no rush to get off the plane, so these cutters could sneak their way past after me.
As soon as I got up, I blocked the aisle with my body and asked the other passengers in my row if they needed help with their bags. One by one, I SLOWLY got their carry-ons out of the overhead bins and waited for each one to go on their way. Then I turned to the row opposite of mine and did the same for them. Probably only took ~45 seconds total, but felt great/petty knowing that the cutters were unable to cut off at least my entire row.
This person seems to think anyone standing up in their row is trying to get off early, cut the line. That’s just not true – they probably are tired of sitting in an uncomfortable seat and ready to stretch.
And when other passengers aren’t getting up and into the aisle, there’s no reason to wait! The mere fact that someone hadn’t waited ‘their turn’ offended this passenger. And their actions to slow down their targets slowed down everyone else, too. They got it wrong across the board.
Now, the world’s best deplaner can make it from the rear of the aircraft to the front before other passengers even get up.
Wait your turn is a basic norm. You might think the passenger in this video is causing others to stay on the aircraft longer by jumping to the front, and that it’s unfair. But he’s getting off the plane quickly! If everyone got off quickly, everyone would be on the plane for less time. Fast deplaning also keeps flights running on time, allowing airlines to turn aircraft more quickly. And quick turns, along with on-time operations, keep costs down and fares low.
Generally speaking, there are three reasons to get up right away – why it benefits you and most importantly benefits your fellow passengers.
- Getting ready to deplane, including getting things out of the overhead bin, speeds up the process. That means getting everyone off the aircraft a couple of minutes faster. And that means more people make tight connections (which is polite to your fellow travelers). It also means allowing those couple of minutes for cleaners to get on board and clean the aircraft (polite to the cleaners, letting them do their job, and polite to the next passengers on the plane). It helps with the airline’s operation, too, which makes them more efficient and holds down costs and ultimately fares.
- It’s polite to the middle seat passenger who’s been stuck in place for hours when the person in the aisle seat gets up into the aisle. When you no longer have to have seat belts fastened, you want to take advantage of all of the space in the aircraft. The aisle seat passenger gets into the aisle, the middle seat passenger now has the space of the aisle seat to spread into, and the window seat passenger has a bit more elbow room as well. Why wouldn’t you use all of the space in the aircraft for comfort?
- You’ve been stuck in an uncomfortable seat for hours, why not stand as soon as you can? Especially in an era of less-padded slimline seats, it’s time to give your back a rest.
There’s really little benefit to remaining seated until it’s your row’s turn to deplane. While there’s no real obligation to cram into the aisles immediately (except perhaps an obligation to make a little room for the passenger in the middle seat to stretch out), it’s certainly not reasonable to criticize passengers for getting up to stretch, and to get their carry on bags down in order to deplane efficiently.
You should get up as soon as the seat belt sign turns off especially if you’re in the aisle. That doesn’t mean you should shove ahead of other passengers. You should not. But if other passengers are taking their time getting up, and there’s an opening where you won’t block anyone else or slow them down, by all means go ahead of them. That keeps the disembarkation process moving, and gets everyone else off the plane quicker.
I usually jump up and start running towards the front when the plane is still parking. The trick is to time it so when the the sky hags start to pick up the interphone to yell at you on the seat belt sign goes off.
Hmmm… “Outrageous Vigilante” is likely also the person driving 5 under in the far left lane… just to make sure other people don’t speed.
I always say that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they drive. Those who weave in and out at high speed would be good to avoid in business (and to my mind as a partner) as well as on the road. It’s the same thing here. Folks, we’re talking about a few seconds and unless your connection has become insanely tight there’s no reason to do more than stand up and stretch a little while waiting. Have patience and remember that, like waiting for your luggage or going through immigration, sooner or later those pushy drivers are going to hit a red light.
I’ve always been so impressed by the people immediately standing up and in a hurry to disembark. They must be really important people with very important business to conduct. Actually no. Everyone recognizes them for being selfish jerks or worse. Just sit down and wait until your turn.
@drrichard, the most temperamental colleagues I’ve had were all very calm drivers.
@Zebraitis, I never understood the hate against slow drivers in the left lane. Just switch lanes and pass them. What’s that? It’s illegal to pass on the right? First, no it’s not, but second, it’s illegal to speed which you’re probably doing. Most slow left lane drivers are already going over the limit, just not as much as drivers in other lanes.
@Andys, it amuses me when I hear that the plane is on an active taxiway and can’t move until everyone is seated. Then the plane moves before everyone sits back down.
@Gary Leff, Reddit is mostly losers. Why share their posts?
@jcil, you must be from a part of the country that contributes very little to GDP. Every high end professional knows hustle is the way to win. It can be done politely. Nobody should be yelling or pushing, but simply not dawdling is what propels our economic engine.
What a bunch of sad b*******!
Civility and good manners seem to have disappeared along with commonsense.
High Class professional – Didn’t you get the memo? – Zeb is one of those entitled liberal narcissists that knows all and enjoys nothing more than making you aware of it.
I’m always amazed to watch the previous flight deplane while waiting to board at the gate.
I don’t get how it can take over 20 min to deplane a 737. I see unrelated passenger deplane in group after group with large gaps in between. Is the first person of the group clueless, have never flown before or are going to the gallows and doesn’t want to deplane?
If the passengers in the row in front of me are not trying to stand up and attempting to get their crap together I quickly go past them while they contemplate how the process works.
If I’m flying with my wife I book the isle seat and book her the window seat as I’m a foot taller and 100# heavier. This way a middle seat passenger can upgrade to the window seat IF they prefer.
When the light goes out I stand up and block the isle from our row back. An NFL fullback can’t get around this old tackle. I pull down my wife’s carry on or bag and put it on my seat floor. I then have my hand on my bag and pull it out as I start to walk off after seeing if there is anyone in the previous row that is still trying to exit. I also carry my bag on my shoulder avoiding hitting the exit signs as the narrow isles often catch bags on the seat backs slowing down deplaning. I bear hug the bag once I approach the exit door and drop it to the ground once away from the exit. This is the fastest way of deplaning I have developed in 50 years of flying coach and millions of flight miles.
Anything more than 5 min and your playing with ____
@jcil How does my standing up affect you in the least? Of corse, it doesn’t, but in makes you think you little life is better. Go ahead and take those imaginar victories.
Speeding is illegal. So is riding in the left lane blocking traffic from passing on the left. Left lane riders justify their illegal behavior not knowing that they are in a passing lane. Many arent familiar with left lane passing lane laws. It rarely is enforced.
On arrival, many road warriors love to run from the back of the aircraft to be among the first passengers to deboard. They want to be first in line to wait 20 minutes on the jet bridge for their gate-checked luggage.
Pet peeve is the PAX who start packing their tablet, phone, charger, book, & snacks while searching for their eye glasses, etc; while standing in the aisle. Then want you to help them remove their two ton carry-on from the overhead. Oh,…did I mention this PAX was part of the miracle walkers and got early boarding.
Yep, I have passed them up on more than one occasion.
I would compare this to road rage, where someone interprets other’s behavior as a personal affront.
How about we are all in a vehicle, just be as helpful as possible.
People really do completely lose what little minds they have when it comes to traveling on an airplane. Good grief this is insane.
@Exit Row Seat, I am one of your hated preboard Customers. Yes I sit close to the front of the aircraft for reasons none of your business. However, I make sure my belongings are secure as soon as the final is announced and retrieve my small, and I do mean small carryon and cane when standing is appropriate. If chair is not available, I duck into a vacant row to allow others to pass. I will be courteous to all who are courteous to me. The so called miracle walkers are not impeding your progress. Nor am I.
I always get up as soon as I can, if in an aisle seat, and block the row from people behind me. That’s the unwritten way to deplane, front to back.
Obviously if the flight attendants have some people who need to replace first, I will wait.
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@jcil I call BS on your theory First if i have been in a 22″ seat for x hours my legs are telling me to get up. I pay to sit in that asile row seat because I know i need to stretch and move. Even when i am in F an B class with lay down flat seats I still need to stand.
If you do not like me standing then you other options to travel, bus, car , bike or even walking from North America to Europe.
Gary-there’s not enough room in the aisle for every aisle seat passenger to stand when the plane lands–have you seen the average American? We’re not a country full of slender people -lol
Wondering if it is possible to develop greater use of the rear door to board/deplane? When I’ve deplaned using stairways in Burbank and Long Beach, I’ve been amazed how much more efficient the process takes. While there is still competition among different speed passengers, the stakes do not seem as intense. A quick internet search suggests back doors have also been used at SMF, LGA, BOS, and DCA.
When I was younger and more capable, I was a speedster; now in my mid 70’s I find the pressure to make a tight connection is exacerbated by ambitious speedsters. Thus, I deeply appreciate the occasional respectful person who will block the aisle for that extra 20 seconds so I don’t bruise my aged skin getting out and grabbing my bag. Thanks to all who believe maintaining civility is an important part of flying.
To those who say it is “legal to pass on the right”… yes, but:
In Colorado:
“Some conditions that permit passing on the right include:
When the vehicle being passed is making or indicating a left turn
On a street with unobstructed pavement that has two or more lanes of moving vehicles in the direction of travel of the passing vehicle
Colorado law also states that the left lane is only for passing. Most drivers in Colorado and elsewhere typically move to the left-hand travel lane when passing on divided or controlled-access highways. ”
So, can you? Sure!
However the point that I am maki.g is there have been tomes where ot is obvious thar a driver in the left lane appears to be doing this.
Is it legal for them to do this? Sure!
Just like it was “fine” that the person discussed in the article was perfectly “helpful” in slowly removing bags and assisting people to slowly bet out of their aisle.
The point that I’m making is that when peopleappoint themselves to be the arbiter of what is “just”, problems usually occur.
@David R. Miller.
Mr. Miller – Please note, my name is not “Zeb”. My surname is Zebraitis and if you wish to address me in polite conversation, I would prefer if you refer to me as Mr. Zebraitis.
However, as you have said this site is dead to you, please keep your word and leave.
For those honestly interested in each states “keep right” laws:
htt ps://ww w.m it.edu/~jfc/right.html
(Copy and remove spaces)
I guess you recycle this article, because it invariably results in plenty of responses w/o changing anyone’s behavior – because that is the world we live in.
No one cares if **their** perspective doesn’t make sense to someone else and esp. not the majority.
The biggest hindrance to being alert and considerate is the cell phone… there is always something to distract you from reality.
Put the thing down long enough to see your surroundings, get your stuff together, and move not just whether you have some place to go but because someone behind you might – or simply wants to get out of a metal tube crammed fuller than anyplace else except a subway where the doors open a whole lot more often
I prefer to get up and if possible get my luggage in order so when the time comes, I can exit as fast as possible. Having been cramped in a coach window seat, stretching my legs is what I want to do even if I have to twist my head so I can stand. If the line of people deplaning is not close, I sometimes will sit down again unless I have made it to the aisle (but never isle.) I dislike aisle seaters lording over me by waiting until all people in front have started deplaning walking before they get out of their seat. They make the grabbing of luggage at the last minute stressful. To me it seems a form of being passive-aggressive.
I’m an early stander unless I’m in Business class, which is rare for me on domestic flights.
I’m not looking to sneak off the plane. I just want to stand and stretch my legs. Airline seats are essentially terrible, and I’d rather not sit in them a minute longer than I need.
Try flying in the third world. Some get up and start to get their bags before the plane has exited the runway. They’ll be told to sit down maybe. Then someone a few rows away does it, as if the rules are different for them.
I am one that immediately stands if in aisle seat. I do block anyone who is trying to get ahead. But I always wait my time and allow others to get their bags. Since most have to get an agate checked bag, it doesn’t make a difference. For anyone with a close connection, the flight attendant usually will announce that and have people cooperate. People can be jerks these days unless you show that they can’t be one today.
It’s petty to even worry about this. If one person is in such a rush to get off the plane and it delays me by a few seconds, it’s not worth ruining my day over. That person might have a tight connection, a full bladder, a wedding to get to or any number of things.
As for those who want to twist this into a vehicle traffic discussion, you can’t say “the law says” because each country and each US state has different laws.
In some places, passing on the right is illegal. In some places, using the left lane except for passing is illegal. In no place that I know of is there a traffic law with an exception if you are keeping someone else from speeding. If the law says slower traffic keep right, and the left lane is moving 10 mph above the speed limit, then moving into the left lane is illegal. Any argument about what other drivers should or shouldn’t do is irrelevant. If you are slower traffic and are not keeping right, and the law doesn’t say “slower traffic keep right unless…” then you can’t make excuses.
@High class professional
In my state it IS actually illegal to pass on the right! But it’s the car on the left that gets the ticket, so the person being inconsiderate of the flow of traffic the person who has to pay.
I book aisles because I do want to stand and stretch as soon as I can upon landing. I get my bag down and offer to get those bags for others around me. At times I have. tight connection made worse by having to change terminals/gates so I get why someone may need to deplane before me. . If the FAs ask us to be seated until those with tight connections pass of course I will wait after checking with the middle and window seat passengers in my row. I am not the only one that does this too.
I can tell you why line cutting bothers me…because the line cutter ends up occupying aisle space next to my seat so I can’t stand up. It doesn’t speed anything up more than a few microseconds and it’s just super annoying and selfish.
@jc In Australia, they have passengers seated in the back rows exit the jetway for the tarmac and climb stairs to the farthest aft door. With airfares that typically include a checked bag, there never seems to be a problem fitting carryons. The boarding process is quite quick.
@ High class professional:
Passing on the right is one of the more dangerous things a driver can do.
In my state (Texas) it’s illegal to drive in the left lane unless actively passing another vehicle. Texas Transportation Code Title 7 Sec. 545.051.
I always exit the plane last. As i walk up the aisle I pick up purses, laptops, wallets, tablets, phones and anything else valuable that people forgot in their haste to get off first. It pays for my vacations and put my kids through Harvard! Thanks everyone!
@CTP; exactly. This is what I do. I can often get stuff down for both sides of the whole row. As a result everybody deplanes faster. Those gaps in deplaning are caused by people in middle and window seats struggling to get their stuff out of the overhead.
I also stand on the right side of an escalator. Something that 9 out of 10 Americans haven’t figured out
The airlines in Mexico deplane row by row, with the flight attendants standing in the aisle to direct (just like ushers in church guide you to the front for the Eucharist). Everyone is calm and remains seated until their row is called. Too bad we don’t have manners here in the US.
The Donald will pardon him .
Sometimes the people that jump up and are in a rush are people with connecting flights – particularly is the first flight is running late…
Anyone bother to think that just maybe one or two of those going for a quick exit have a
connection to make with little time to get to the next gate. Oooops, that requires thinking and
the comments here show there is very,very little of that. Sad.
@jcil or maybe just maybe they are trying to make a tight connection? Did you ever stop to think about that? Like seriously unless they are shoving people out of the way what the heck is the problem if the people who are ready to go deplane? Its uncomfortable for many of us on the plane so why should we all stand around waiting on people who are extra slow to get their act together? Let those of us with short connections go and then the people who want to take their time can take all the time they want.
I think most veteran travelers are on your side despite the haters.
I’ve had my own experiences:
https://www.kirkstravelstories.com/post/frontsies
I take an aisle seat and stand as soon as “legal” for the three reasons given above that are kind to those in my row. ALWAYS there are some who have pushed their way past many rows and glare are me in the aisle, often “accidentally” bumping into me with their carry-on suitcase.
Yeah, the fourth reason for standing in addition to comfort is to stop the cheaters.
People weaving in and out of traffic because the other drivers refuse to “keep right unless passing”. On a 3 lane highways/interstate, driving fast in the right lane is actually faster than driving in the left lane. The number of folks that drive the middle lane is crazy.
Some people have had to put their carry on down rows from where they were sitting. Since Covid I know longer expect civility on an aircraft occasionally a gentleman will retrieve my bag for me. Glad I don’t have to fly often.
I saw someone mentioned cell phones as being a major reason for slow deplaning. Bingo-just like driving, when people in the left turn lane have decided that is the time to text someone. On a plane people immediately decide they have to begin exchanging messages or even more annoying, begin a conversation and pay little or no attention to the process of gathering their belongings and getting the hell off the plane.“““““““““““““““1““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`
@Andys – love the ‘sky hags’