The British and Flying

[Ducati]

Why do us Brits feel the need to stand and block the aisle as soon as a plane comes to a stanstill? There is often 10 mins before the doors open.

Any ideas? This has always annoyed me, for one thing, if I am in an aisle seat I invariably get a big fat a4se in my face while they clamour for their bag, which they presumably think is going to disappear in a puff of air if they don't get it immediately - I prefer to just sit there reading my book until the plane is empty, and then leisurely make my way to baggage reclaim, where nine times out of ten my bag is already there.

 

Have flown on internal flights in China, South America and Austrailia, and it didn't happen, so it strikes me that this is a Brit thing.

[Dom Tuk]

Its not just a brit thing. It happens on most flights that have landed. I am surprised that you mention china/s.america and australia where your experience has been different. On varig, the staff were beating the passengers off the doors. But there are some good reasons for getting off planes first in some countries where the immigration queues can be lengthy (like USA) and if you have a connecting flight or train to catch. First out of plane, first at immigration queue thus connections not missed. However if you have no such worries then there is no need to get off the plane. Similarly if the seats are marked on your boarding pass there is no need to queue to board a plane (unless you have a lot of hand luggage and need the overhead space)

with regards to the fat a4se in your face, you would get that even if there was no rush to get to the door if you see my point.

[secretsquiz]

i love that bit of a flight! the thing that does it for me is that people get up and start grabbing their bags, literally about 2 seconds after the pilot announces "please remain in your seats until the plane comes to a complete stand still at the terminal" genius!

and, no i don't think it's just a british thing

[milly143]

It is the same on trains as well. when you are waiting for the doors to open so you can get off there are always people waiting to get on who stand right in front of the doors. It annoys me sooooo much! It helps if you actually let people get off the train so you can get on. Its just plain rude!

[Peri]

Definitely not just a brit thing Ducati and I agree with you unless as Dom Tuk says you have a connecting flight to make. 

[mystress]

Hi Ducati,

I am definitely with you on this.I just sit and wait,and as the luggage usually takes so long to appear you don't lose anything by sitting.

I agree with the others,it's not just a Brit thing,it seems to be built in to some humans!

I just love the expression on people's faces as they see you sitting,they look as if to say "quick get off,the plane may take off again without warning"

[Clanad]

Southwest Airlines, here in the U.S. has an unusaully energetic cabin crew and encourages, within some boundaries, innovation in their announcements.  One I heard recently was a very petite lead attendant (forward cabin) announce, as the aircraft came to a stop and the seat belt sign was turned off, " Be the first in your row to standup, annoy other passengers searching for your carry-ons, stumble about, shift from one foot to another, and be 1 minute ahead of other passengers exiting the aircraft"... Not one passenger stood up...

Problems really do occur if the aircraft has to stop short of the gate for some reason and everyone stands up, begins collecting their carry-ons and now the Captain announces the aircraft still needs to move the final 100 feet to the gate.  Everyone has to sit down, and all the carry-ons have to be re-stowed before the aircraft can safely more.  I've seen this process take 30 minutes or more...

[Cheekyteddy]

The people are excited to arrice on holiday. You are obviously a frequent traveller and no longer excited or anxious but 98% of the people on the plane will not be like that.

I think that to be personal re other peoples behinds is a bit un called for. Maybe you could ask for a window seat to avoid this happening to you. Or maybe you want an aisle seat so you can get a jump on getting off quickly!!!! lol

[jno]

In my case, eager to stretch my legs and avoid deep vein thrombosis. No way I want to sit with my knees slung over my ears a second longer than I have to.

Suppose you could ask at check-in for a non-fat-*rse seat, explain that you always get airsick unless seated next to supermodels...

[Bob A Job]

When travelling with my little sister recently she asked why, upon landing the airplane made

beep,beep......beep,beep noises.

I thought she meant the seatbelt signs until i noticed half the airplane had already switched their mobiles back on and were getting F#$�ING TEXT's! (sorry, hate mobile phones)

[Emily Ball]

I reckon it's the same compulsion that makes them get up and queue for the lavatories as soon as they are out of their seat belts.