Airplane travel etiquette

[bavaria]

I have flown on 4-6 trips during each of the last 2-3 years (both domestically and internationally) and the carry-on baggage can be very stressful. For that reason, I try to get a seat in the back third of the plane so that I load earlier. Most of this can be avoided by the flight crew announcing and enforcing the fact that only ONE bag per passenger goes in the overhead and that they must go in wheels first! Also announcing that once everyone is on board and if there is still room - THEN you may also put your coat up there.

Too many times I see the flight crew walk along and close bins that still have room in them when the plane is only 1/2 loaded.

It is rare that a flight crew actively manages the loading of the bins -- when it does happen, loading goes smooth and there is plenty of room for bags near passengers seats.

(Also agree that the bins above your seats do NOT belong to you!)

So I blame those who think the rules do not apply to them (just enough on the plane to hose everything up!) and also a flight crew that is not actively managing the situation.
.

I consider that an infrequent flyer pattern. On EVERY SINGLE one of my UA flights, the gate agents start announcing 15 minutes before boarding that too many/too big bags WILL be gate checked, and to do it now ie before boarding begins. The cabin crew repeatedly announce that one piece MUST be placed under the seat. They protect the bin space for those of us in bulkhead rows.

They DO do all of this, and still people are obnoxious or entitled enough to think that that doesn't apply to them. People on this website and even on this thread apparently don't understand or don't care to understand.

I would prefer to see what happens in the rest of the world; if you make it past security ie if you are on a connecting flight, and bring too much, you are sent back to landside to check in your bag, at your own time and cost. That means that people are forced to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions and not impact the rest of us.

 

[LoraJ]

People bringing ridiculously oversized carry-on baggage is nothing new. No doubt about it, it's worse now that the airlines are charging for checked luggage, but going back about 15 years ago, we noticed people shoving big suitcases into the overheads.

Why? Everyone around here is in a huge rush all the time and can not be bothered waiting for their checked bags to be unloaded. Yet they have no problem holding you up from exiting the plane while they pry their enormous bags out of the overheads. This is something that has annoyed me for years.

It's a problem that's likely to get worse before it gets better. The only way to solve it IMO is for the airlines start strictly enforcing the rules for carry-on baggage.

Well, the good news is, with everyone taking so long to get off the plane, there is much less of a wait at baggage claim.

Which reminds me of another rude thing at airports. When waiting for bags at the baggage claim, and there is plenty of open space to be had, don't double up behind people closer to the where the bags are coming out. You are not more important than them. They shouldn't miss grabbing their bag because you shove in front of them to get yours. If you don't want me to knock you over as I am pulling my bag off, then back up.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm glad to see this topic has struck such a chord. I don't even fly often (if I can avoid it). The problems I encountered were just so glaringly obvious, people were miserable, then angry, then belligerant. Nobody seemed to give a flip about anyone but themselves, and certainly not about how their actions may impact those around them.

I think if everyone just a) used a little common courtesy and b) complied with the directions of the airlines and crew, things would be a little more pleasant.

 

[bavaria]

Honestly? This week I have my last US flight for quite some time; I am happy that I am returning to the 'rest' of the world for a large number of flights over the coming weeks, so that I don't have to deal with all this drama that you have on your flights.

I enjoy flights that leave full, turn in 20 minutes, and have 1/2 empty bins. No fuss, no drama, no worry.

 

[joyjoy]

If your bag is legal and there's no room onboard you shouldn't be charged. If it's not your fault....you shouldn't be penalized.

Right, but the problem now is, as I stated in a previous post, people are working that system and bringing on bags they know won't fit, acting all put out and shocked when there is NO WAY it's fitting in the measuring thing, and then fake-reluctantly agreeing to check it. For free. Cheapskates. I swear to God, there were over 20 bags lying in the jetway that were clearly not regulation carry-on size. How'd they get past the agent at the boarding pass stage? I think the boarding pass/ticket agents don't even look at your luggage unless you're checking it.

I hate people sometimes. Don't get me started on the jerk behind me that grabs the top of MY seat to heave himself up, pulling my hair and yanking my seat back.

 

[bavaria]

joyjoy, some of those very same people posted on the Transportation Board, askng if they could sneak on their too big carry ons. When some of the regulars said 'no', and explained the impact on other passengers, we were attacked for being nasty and evil.

This is the challenge - there are clearly stated rules, and many of us only post on the Transportation Board because there is no black and white about those rules.

But there is also a contingent of pixie dust sprinklers who just like to spread good cheer, and they tell people that it won't matter, and that everything will be fine.

It is extremely frustrating, and many posters quit posting here as a result.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Which reminds me of another rude thing at airports. When waiting for bags at the baggage claim, and there is plenty of open space to be had, don't double up behind people closer to the where the bags are coming out. You are not more important than them. They shouldn't miss grabbing their bag because you shove in front of them to get yours. If you don't want me to knock you over as I am pulling my bag off, then back up.

And this is another pet peeve of mine. If everyone would just take a step back from the conveyor belt, I wouldn't have to push through other people to get to my bag. There's always lots of warning when you see your bag coming. If everyone stood four or feet away from the conveyor it would be so much easier for everyone.

 

[JerseyJanice]

If you don't want me to knock you over as I am pulling my bag off, then back up.

When we came back from Orlando in September, there was an older lady using a cane standing at the carousel exactly where the baggage comes out of the chute. I was wondering why someone else in her party wasn't waiting to grab their luggage and how she was going to manage lifting the bags while leaning on her cane. (She was on the same plane as we were so I knew she was traveling with a large group.) Would you let your grandmother who needs a cane to stand up fetch your luggage?

Well, I got the answers to my questions when the bags from our flight started coming out. A teenager from her group jumped in front of her so that she could act as a human shield to block anyone else from grabbing their luggage at that particular spot. I was somewhat surprised by the rudeness of this maneuver, but then I remembered I was back in Newark Airport.

Even old ladies on canes are tough as nails when they're in Newark.

 

[Briarmom]

I consider that an infrequent flyer pattern. On EVERY SINGLE one of my UA flights, the gate agents start announcing 15 minutes before boarding that too many/too big bags WILL be gate checked, and to do it now ie before boarding begins. The cabin crew repeatedly announce that one piece MUST be placed under the seat. They protect the bin space for those of us in bulkhead rows.

They DO do all of this, and still people are obnoxious or entitled enough to think that that doesn't apply to them. People on this website and even on this thread apparently don't understand or don't care to understand.

I would prefer to see what happens in the rest of the world; if you make it past security ie if you are on a connecting flight, and bring too much, you are sent back to landside to check in your bag, at your own time and cost. That means that people are forced to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions and not impact the rest of us.

Not surprisingly, I agree with you on every post you've made on this thread.

Annoying flyers are just one of the many reasons I'm so unhappy to be here.

 

[joyjoy]

joyjoy, some of those very same people posted on the Transportation Board, askng if they could sneak on their too big carry ons. When some of the regulars said 'no', and explained the impact on other passengers, we were attacked for being nasty and evil.

Wow. It's astonishing, isn't it? Yeah, I took a little peek over at your Transportation Board. It gets a little feisty over there.

I believe travelling is, for a lot of people, very stressful. The whole deadline thing, the crowds, the possible nerves... it just makes a perfect atmosphere for selfishness and rude behavior. I have actually had someone nearly knock me over saying "Move please! We have a plane to catch!". Really? Wow, aren't you lucky! The rest of us are here because of the awesome food and chic shopping opportunites.

 

[Briarmom]

Wow. It's astonishing, isn't it? Yeah, I took a little peek over at your Transportation Board. It gets a little feisty over there.

I believe travelling is, for a lot of people, very stressful. The whole deadline thing, the crowds, the possible nerves... it just makes a perfect atmosphere for selfishness and rude behavior. I have actually had someone nearly knock me over saying "Move please! We have a plane to catch!". Really? Wow, aren't you lucky! The rest of us are here because of the awesome food and chic shopping opportunites.

 

[bicker]

What bothers me about this is not the impact of service(although it does a little) but if they are cutting there, how are we to be assured that they aren't cutting back in the keeping up of the planes maintenance.

There are no guarantees in life, but federal regulators are on the job checking up on airlines to ensure that they aren't cutting corners on aircraft maintenance. By contrast, there are no regulations regarding customer service followed-up on a routine basis by federal auditors.

 

[bavaria]

The rest of us are here because of the awesome food and chic shopping opportunites

OOOH me me me!! I am specifically planning a shopping spree at MUC this weekend to stock up on some 'essentials' because they have a superb shopping mall which is even open on Sundays.

AND they have some wonderful dining experiences.

Wish that I could invite you to shop with me for Longchamp bags and eat Turkish food and have real Italian gelato with me Saturday.

 

[bavaria]

It gets a little feisty over there.

I am proud to be a poopyhead

 

[TLSnell1981]

Right, but the problem now is, as I stated in a previous post, people are working that system and bringing on bags they know won't fit, acting all put out and shocked when there is NO WAY it's fitting in the measuring thing, and then fake-reluctantly agreeing to check it. For free. Cheapskates. I swear to God, there were over 20 bags lying in the jetway that were clearly not regulation carry-on size. How'd they get past the agent at the boarding pass stage? I think the boarding pass/ticket agents don't even look at your luggage unless you're checking it.

I hate people sometimes. Don't get me started on the jerk behind me that grabs the top of MY seat to heave himself up, pulling my hair and yanking my seat back.

Not at our airport. The bag must fit in a "basket" or you don't even get through security.

 

[goofy4tink]

HEY! Unlock that thread so that we can continue the conversation please. That was a great thread, one of the classics.

Yeah, terrific, then I can give myself points for reopening a closed thread!!!

I have flown on 4-6 trips during each of the last 2-3 years (both domestically and internationally) and the carry-on baggage can be very stressful. For that reason, I try to get a seat in the back third of the plane so that I load earlier.

I am one that brings two carry-on's: one with wheels that fits wheels first in the overhead and one that goes under my seat. As I am boarding, I keep a close watch to see if there is space near my seat for my bag; however, if I am one of the last to board and it appears that there is no space, I will use a space further up in the plane, but as far back as I can.

I've seen people with bulging bags that take up two spots because they can't fit their bags wheels first. I've seen people bring their two carry ons and then put them BOTH in the overhead + their coat!! Then they stand there blocking the aisle while they proceed to get their magazines, etc out of the bag they just put in the overhead!!! THEN, proceed to close the bin even though there is still room.

Most of this can be avoided by the flight crew announcing and enforcing the fact that only ONE bag per passenger goes in the overhead and that they must go in wheels first! Also announcing that once everyone is on board and if there is still room - THEN you may also put your coat up there.

Too many times I see the flight crew walk along and close bins that still have room in them when the plane is only 1/2 loaded.

It is rare that a flight crew actively manages the loading of the bins -- when it does happen, loading goes smooth and there is plenty of room for bags near passengers seats.

(Also agree that the bins above your seats do NOT belong to you!)

So I blame those who think the rules do not apply to them (just enough on the plane to hose everything up!) and also a flight crew that is not actively managing the situation.

By the way, moving someone elses stuff could create a ruckus that could get YOU thrown off the plane! No lie, I've seen the flight crew threaten this before.

Additional note on etiquitte ... if you have a configuration of 3 and you have the window or aisle seat, please DO NOT HOG the arm rests! It's bad enough to sit in the middle without having two elbows from someone else pinning you in. I normally am on the aisle (pay for an aisle seat) and try to be courteous to the middle person.

Oh man...you've hit on so many of my pet peeves. The FAs, on my recent flights, have announced that only a bag that does not fit underneath the seat is allowed in the overhead bins..no coats at all. Why? The flight is full. But, of course, there are those who don't want to squeeze that bag under the seat and don't want to worry about their coat in their seat..so they put all their stuff in the bin!!! Thank heaven I have seen FAs going around and removing coats/jackets!!
Then there is that middle seat occupant who feels that because he has to sit in the middle, he gets both armrests!!! My worst experience??? On Jetblue, I was flying to MCO alone when a gentleman and his son sat beside me. I had the aisle, the son had the window and dad had the middle seat. Well, the son leaned against the window and fell asleep. Could dad have leaned that way a bit and put his arm over there? Oh no. He had to drape his left arm over the armrest to his left, to my right. Of course, that's where my TV controls were...so I had to keep excusing myself when I needed to make a change. You would have thought he would have figured it out in 3 hrs, but he didn't.
And there are those people that have to grab the back of the seat in front of them, to hoist themselves up. Drives me nuts. I had a soda in my hand one time....guy in back of me grabbed the back of my seat and pulled....soda all down the front of me!

Wow. It's astonishing, isn't it? Yeah, I took a little peek over at your Transportation Board. It gets a little feisty over there.

I believe travelling is, for a lot of people, very stressful. The whole deadline thing, the crowds, the possible nerves... it just makes a perfect atmosphere for selfishness and rude behavior. I have actually had someone nearly knock me over saying "Move please! We have a plane to catch!". Really? Wow, aren't you lucky! The rest of us are here because of the awesome food and chic shopping opportunites.

You need to head over to Transportation more often with that sense of humor!!!

I am proud to be a poopyhead

Yep, she went there....

 

[bavaria]

Yeah, terrific, then I can give myself points for reopening a closed thread!!!

Well, it would be something different for a change - you complaining to yourself about yourself! Are you going to send yourself a nasty PM too?

Am I in trouble because I mentioned what I wore today flying in F on the TSA thread?? It was completely relevant to the topic at hand, I promise, Mom!

 

[Tasmen]

Seems a lot of people traveling these days have a huge sense of entitlement and little disregard for others. Hey, they paid for their tickets too! It saddens me a great deal.

We fly a few times a year. I got a little annoyed our on last flight when people sitting behind us rushed to get off the plane before us. They actually gave me a dirty look when I tried to get our one item we stowed overheard (A gogo kidz carseat attachment) out of the overheard bin.

I used to love traveling on a plane. Lately it just leaves me kind of 'meh' inside.

 

[maxiesmom]

Well, it would be something different for a change - you complaining to yourself about yourself! Are you going to send yourself a nasty PM too?

Oh man, that is the funniest thing I have read here in a long, long time!!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

I want a link to that closed thread. I'd like to know if it's worth the points...