During my recent trip up to Seattle to pick up the Vanagon, the plane was taxiing after having landed, and an announcement was made explaining that there were a handful of people onboard with connecting flights leaving very shortly, and so it would be appreciated if the rest of us would remain seated while they deplaned first. I chuckled aloud when the plane came to a stop and, just like usual, everyone immediately jumped out of their seats to jockey for that silly coveted spot in the aisle.
Fast forward to yesterday morning, when my return flight to LA had just landed, and an announcement was made, this time asking everyone to remain seated so that a couple in the rear of the aircraft who had gotten sick during the flight could get off first. The plane came to a stop at the gate, and amazingly, no one moved an inch as we all watched the two unfortunate sickies hobble towards the front.
I'd like to think that yesterday's show of compassion was really just that, but the cynic in me wonders how may of the passengers stayed put out of real concern for the ill, and how many just didn't want to risk the slightest bit of contact with them. As the two slowly made their way towards the exit, an unmistakeable lean-away on either side of the aisle moved along with them, its wake lingering a bit longer than sincere compassion would allow. It reminded me of that idiotic "wave" thing that poser-fans like to do at sports stadiums. Probably a lot of the same people, I imagine.
Of course, a true cynic would wonder if the two sickies weren't just faking it to get off the plane before everyone else. If so, I'll admit that it was a brilliantly executed plan. Ballsy as hell, but nonetheless brilliant.
So anyway, 2013 is now upon us, I'm back in LA, and ready to resume this insane conversion project. Here's hoping I finish before 2014...
| To Simplify... | the pursuit of happiness through simple living on the open road |
Or another possibility is that when people are given a very specific reason why (sickness) versus a general reason why (connections) they tend to support the specific reason more readily. Interesting observation and post. Welcome "home".
ReplyDeleteWe were on twelve different airplanes in 2012, and every flight we take we can never figure out the mad rush to get out of your seat as soon as the plane gets to the terminal. It is one of life's great mysteries, but watching how people act on airplanes is really good entertainment. How about the several people who have to get up and go to the bathroom two minutes after takeoff as soon as the seatbelt light goes off? Are people really that bad at planning things??
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The one other time I saw people actually stay in their seats was when we asked to do so for military personnel on board to deplane. Just remembering that brings tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to have the attendant at the gate notice how tight my connection was and she changed my seat. Right up front. Bet that doesn't happen often.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Personally I couldn't give a rat's tiny behind if you planned your connection so poorly that you don't have enough time. Or whether you're about to pee your pants or not.
ReplyDeleteThat said, we remain in our seats (if we're back in steerage) until the eager crowd has thinned out a bit. We always catch up with them at the luggage pick-up area. The luggage ain't coming off that plane any faster!
Of course, if they're then crowded up around the belt, I like to take great pleasure in asking for a bag to be fetched for me. Works every time! Just about any strapping young lad will do you that little service without thinking because well, he's a strappin' young lad! I'm not going to elbow my way up to the front when I know full well what humans will do without thinking. It's that "without thinking" part that I'm counting on.
To me, people who get sick during a flight bring visions of vomit, they are more than welcome to go ahead of me & I'd be cautious as they walked by.
ReplyDeleteMy last thought is about people who have never had travel problems, people who cannot see a reason to ease up and let let someone slide by. It must be nice to have never had problems.
Glenn, I'm hoping your problems that come with this Vanagon trip are minor in nature and give your mind some exercise. If you have problems I'm hoping the people around you have had problems in the past themselves & can understand the place you're in.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you do.
I travel frequently by plane and the "connecting passenger" courtesy announcement occurs when there is some sort of delay beyond passenger control. Airlines will not make this announcement for a routine, on-time landing.
ReplyDeleteBob, these people are not poor planners, they are simply victims of an equipment delay, or traffic/weather problems.
Glenn's experience in Seattle is unusual. I've never seen a situation where passengers wouldn't wait in their seats and make sure the hurried connectors have moved forward. The LA situation is an example of this kind of good behavior. No need to be cynical- if fellow passengers were truly worried about getting sick, all of the people at the front of the plane would have bolted rather than waiting for the sickly couple to graze past them.
Have faith in humanity, folks. Most people are good.
Damn. You seem a wee bit down on humanity. And what's wrong with the wave!? People are just having a fun and groovy time, my brother.
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