Is it just me or are air-passenger a bunch of £$:@s?
Discussion
just reading through a different thread where the poster mentioned that the economy cabin had managed to fill all the overhead luggage compartments so cases had to go into premium ec & business.
Why on earth don't airlines say "...this is as much as you're allowed on-board, you'll have to leave it here (or sling it into the hold for another £100)..."? I've seen people get aboard with cases they struggle to lift to chest height - let alone into one of said overhead lockers. I'd say that surely people can't be that dim (yes, they can - and are!) but shouldn't the airline stamp down hard on these idiots (and likewise give totally unambiguous rules on allowances)?
Why on earth don't airlines say "...this is as much as you're allowed on-board, you'll have to leave it here (or sling it into the hold for another £100)..."? I've seen people get aboard with cases they struggle to lift to chest height - let alone into one of said overhead lockers. I'd say that surely people can't be that dim (yes, they can - and are!) but shouldn't the airline stamp down hard on these idiots (and likewise give totally unambiguous rules on allowances)?
PositronicRay said:
When a service becomes price driven, this is the result.
Is the correct answer, I also don't understand the issue with using spare capacity in the other classes either but then I'm not a snob. I always put my main luggage in the hold, if I do have a carry on it's very small and will have essentials should the worst happen to the hold bag.
The rules Are unambiguous on all the flights I've taken, and people tend to stick to them on the whole.
Not sure I blame passengers, who'll naturally try and bring on as much as they're allowed.
The airlines make a calculation on how much overhead storage is required according to their rules, but often seem to get it wrong resulting in last minute chaos.
Having said that, many people still don't seem to cotton on to how big the under-seat storage usually is - enough for a decent sized rucksack or a couple of smaller bags. I rarely ever rely on the overhead storage as it's just asking for hassle.
Not sure I blame passengers, who'll naturally try and bring on as much as they're allowed.
The airlines make a calculation on how much overhead storage is required according to their rules, but often seem to get it wrong resulting in last minute chaos.
Having said that, many people still don't seem to cotton on to how big the under-seat storage usually is - enough for a decent sized rucksack or a couple of smaller bags. I rarely ever rely on the overhead storage as it's just asking for hassle.
I was the poster the OP was referring to, and I blame the airlines for not policing their own policy.
But yes, air travel seems to bring out the worst in people. My pet hate is those who collect their possessions from the plastic trays that have just passed through the security scanner, and despite the numerous signs requesting that they remove the trays, walk off leaving them, and therefore blocking up the scanner for the people behind them. It’s just completely selfish and ignorant behaviour. In my fantasy not so benevolent dictatorship, they would immediately be sentenced to 3 months hard labour.
But yes, air travel seems to bring out the worst in people. My pet hate is those who collect their possessions from the plastic trays that have just passed through the security scanner, and despite the numerous signs requesting that they remove the trays, walk off leaving them, and therefore blocking up the scanner for the people behind them. It’s just completely selfish and ignorant behaviour. In my fantasy not so benevolent dictatorship, they would immediately be sentenced to 3 months hard labour.
My favourite story re the moronic behaviour of some passengers.
I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm f
king done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off.
Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm f
king done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off. Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
To be fair, being kept waiting for something that isn’t going to happen is surely the definition of absurdity?BoomerPride said:
I don't think they are dim. They are just selfish. It's all about them and they push their luck to satisfy their own needs.
Though as above, I don't see much of this.
Contrary to the above posters, I saw this every week when I was flying regularly. Though as above, I don't see much of this.
If you fly regularly, you learn very quickly about busy flights and hand luggage. Man, I don’t miss that crap!
It is the FOMO when waiting to board the plane that does my head in. People forming a pre boarding queue before the boarding group number is even called. Then the same people trying to board the plane even though they are in a completely different group.
Certain "groups" of people are particularly prone to this sort of behaviour.
Why are they so desperate to board, everyone has an allocated seat and it is not as if they are going to get there any quicker.
These are usually the same people who have their belt off and are collecting their overhead luggage before the plane has even stopped. They then stand in the aisle waiting to leave even though it is clear first class is leaving first and we all have to wait.
As I said, I don't get it, what exactly are they worried about missing out on?
Oh and people taking their shoes off and the smell of their absolutely rancid feet.
Oh and people who have clearly not had a shower for a week, usually the same people desperate to get on the plane before their group is called.
I have a flight to Australia in two weeks, I am dreading it already
Certain "groups" of people are particularly prone to this sort of behaviour.
Why are they so desperate to board, everyone has an allocated seat and it is not as if they are going to get there any quicker.
These are usually the same people who have their belt off and are collecting their overhead luggage before the plane has even stopped. They then stand in the aisle waiting to leave even though it is clear first class is leaving first and we all have to wait.
As I said, I don't get it, what exactly are they worried about missing out on?
Oh and people taking their shoes off and the smell of their absolutely rancid feet.
Oh and people who have clearly not had a shower for a week, usually the same people desperate to get on the plane before their group is called.
I have a flight to Australia in two weeks, I am dreading it already
DeejRC said:
BoomerPride said:
I don't think they are dim. They are just selfish. It's all about them and they push their luck to satisfy their own needs.
Though as above, I don't see much of this.
Contrary to the above posters, I saw this every week when I was flying regularly. Though as above, I don't see much of this.
If you fly regularly, you learn very quickly about busy flights and hand luggage. Man, I don’t miss that crap!
Only happened when we were very blasé about boarding mind you. Pretty much the last few on.
We fly a lot and stuff that amuses / I see a lot
- bendy neckers when landed. They stand up immediately, doubled over because of the locker above. For ages...
- the truly ignorant - you can't get out because everyone else is disembarking and won't stop to let you out. On two occasions I've had to stick my arm out and firmly say STOP
- people who get up and go fetch their overhead luggage WHILST the plane is landing. Only seen Chinese do this so far. Twice.
- the princess who has to unpack, put on her headphones, neck cushion, take off her cardie, sort out her food, all whilst stood in the aisle with a massive queue behind her.
- farters. Enough said.
- boarding queue jumpers. Makes me chuckle as there really is no need to be on the plane first.
- extreme version of above. Coming back from Crete someone undid the barrier tape holding back all the non priority boarders and they all ran/stampeded to the plane, being screamed at by airport staff to come back :-)
- "speedy boarding" - at some airports everyone gets on the same buses, what was the point of that?......:-)
Flying seems to really bring out the selfish traits in people.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
My favourite story re the moronic behaviour of some passengers.
I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm fking done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off.
Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
Funny, and sadly, not surprising.I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm f
king done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off. Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
blueg33 said:
Re cabin bags.
IMO the airlines cause this by charging for hold luggage and making carry on free. They should charge for any carry on bigger than a laptop bag and make the hold free.
Not sure who you fly with but EU/UK low cost carriers have not allowed free overhead baggage for a long time. The only thing you can carry on for free is a bag small enough to fit under the seat in front. IMO the airlines cause this by charging for hold luggage and making carry on free. They should charge for any carry on bigger than a laptop bag and make the hold free.
These days hold luggage is on a par with carry on in terms of price.
Sure, the SE Asian airlines give you overhead for free but it's only 7kg. Most bags consume half that, empty. We travel with one overhead and one in the hold (liquids and heavy stuff). 7/15kg.
Joey Deacon said:
Why are they so desperate to board, everyone has an allocated seat and it is not as if they are going to get there any quicker.
After the third time of finding someone in my seat I like to get on ASAP.It got iffy about whether I’d be allowed to remain on a shuttle to catch a flight to the US when I had the same boarding pass as another guy. In the US, the person in my seat was on the wrong plane!
As other have said, it can also get very iffy about stowing overhead bags if you’re not on pretty handy.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
My favourite story re the moronic behaviour of some passengers.
I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm fking done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off.
Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
I love that story Twig, did you also have people blocking access to the carousel with their trolleys waiting for their imaginary luggage? It’s a pet hate of mine, but I think your post highlights the fact that some people undergo a change in personality when travelling by air, maybe it’s the stress of it. I live in the same London borough as Heathrow, and prior to T5 opening, they issued a general invitation to residents to visit T5 to test out it's signage, systems etc.
So the wife, 2 sons and I booked it and off we set. We met at a local hotel with free bacon rolls, then taken on a bus to T5. On arrival, we were given some empty cases, and a card telling us where our imaginary flight was to, and left to it. We had to check in, negotiate our way around, get to the gate, etc. You get the picture. We were off to Hong Kong, apparently. The idea was you completed the entire thing as if you were really going, and as you finally went on the walk to your plane, you'd done it and were given your next destination, and you started the process again for a new flight. The idea was you'd have 3 flights to negotiate. Free food and drink was provided thru the day, plus some travel related freebies (cushions, travel plugs etc). The kids who I guess were maybe 8 & 10 had a great day.
Anyway, we arrive at the gate for our pretend flight to HK. We have our boarding cards. And they make the call, "can passengers for BA1234 to HK, in boarding groups 1 & 2 please now board." We're group 5 so stay seated. People are at the gate and I hear the lady at the boarding gate say to this guy " we're boarding 1&2 , you're group 6, so please take a seat and we'll call you shortly." He gets angry, "oh really, does it matter, we've been here 15 mins already". The lady is polite but this bloke isn't having it. The his wife gets involved, shouting the odds. Escalates into a full blown shouting match. Eventually the bloke throws his boarding cards on the floor, says "I'm f
king done with this crap" and he and his wife storm off. Honestly true, they are arguing because they are being kept waiting for a flight they aren't actually taking. There's no plane, no trip. They just have a pathological need to jump the queue. That's the mentality of some people. Just crackers.
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