What Is the Correct Etiquette When Exiting an Airplane?

Back in August 2018, two passengers on a Frontier Airlines flight exchanged threats that eventually escalated into a brawl upon exiting the plane; According to eyewitnesses, one passenger collided with another while trying to get his bag out of the overhead bin, sparking a fight.

Our social media editor Tim recently ran into a similar (albeit less hostile) controversy when trying to grab a bag after landing. Instead of waiting, Tim decided to immediately pick up his carry-on baggage behind his row and, as soon as the passengers were allowed to get up, another passenger openly expressed his disapproval of his actions.

“I’ve taken matters into my own hands and will do it again,” Tim said coldly.

Readers, is Tim a monster? The Washington Post recently covered airplane etiquette and who can get to the gate first. The basic rules for getting off the plane shouldn’t come as a surprise if you assume that you are flying with the only exit in front: passengers in front and behind them – in the back. And first the aisle seats, then in the middle and by the window, which goes without saying. (The passenger in front always takes precedence over those behind them, even if they are in the aisle.) The main reason for applying these rules is to allow passengers to exit the aircraft with the least friction and to ensure a smooth ride. transition between flights.

However, there are a few exceptions to these rules. First, if it takes you a long time to unfasten your seat belt, it’s okay for others to act before you. No one has to wait for you, and it can take the pressure off you if you struggle to get out of your seat.

If you have a fast connection, I will also let you through if you report this request to other passengers; yes, you will meet a passenger who grumbles at the request, but for the most part we have all dealt with the experience of rushing to leave. ( The Post recommends informing the service staff in advance so that they can provide you with exit information or find a seat ahead of you upon landing.)

Tim’s situation is unique and he makes a compelling case; after all, he would have been the last to leave the plane if he had not grabbed his bag in advance. Unfortunately, this is not the best practice. As we wrote earlier, the space of the above-ground compartment is a commodity in turn; If you’re the last to sit down, you’re out of luck. And if you sit up late and have to clean up your bag after you, I’m sorry Tim, you’ve been knee-deep in shit.

On the other hand, he had several alternative solutions to his problem. The first response would be some polite pushing, telling the other passengers to grab his bag. If the bag was close enough to his seat, he might as well ask the passenger to help him. (Admittedly, he wouldn’t have friends doing this, but others might be more sympathetic.)

Another, easier option is to wait until he sees an opportunity to go for his bag, when those behind him stop. Of course, there isn’t much you can do if your bag is so far away from you, but it might have been worth it.

So, we ask our readers: do you get annoyed when passengers jump out of their seats upon landing? How to get off the plane correctly? And Tim is an insensitive sociopath?

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