21 unwritten rules of Air Travel (per Thrillist) (1 Viewer)

[kupcho1]

Still doesn't mean you should be able to take a week's worth of clothing as a carry on.  I agree it's crappy to charge for checked bags in the first place but that shouldn't stop them from enforcing the carry on restrictions.  Or they should just automatically gate check those monster bags.  No charge to the customer, room in the overhead bins...everybody wins.

I take a week's worth of clothing as a carry on with no problem and without having a steamer trunk.  Of course I'm a seasoned traveler and not a n00b.  And while I agree that oversized bags should be excluded as carry on, that's rarely the problem. 

More often you've got people without airline status caught short since they're at the back of the boarding line, trying to carry on the same suitcase that Phil Frequentflyer already stowed in the overhead bin. 

Airlines are for profit; I get it.  But charging to check a bag often results in the family heading off on vacation foregoing the fee and carrying on.  Probably a lot of small business owners and/or employees of ultrafrugal companies that would rather check having to carry on as well. 

As it stands, there's usually an announcement at the gate offering to check bags - for free! - that might have been checked in in the first place.  This just slows things down at the choke point where you've got a crowd jockeying to board the plane as early as possible so they can store their bag. 

Lunacy.

If airlines would eliminate charging to check, a lot of this issue would go away.

 

[Gawain]

I am not trying to be a Richard but, do you think anyone purposely books a middle seat if there is a window or aisle available?  

Flew DFW to IND in American economy two weeks ago. I'm on the aisle, woman (19 yo or so) in the middle, window seat is free.

Doors close and I say, "looks like we lucked out, window's open." She replies, "Oh no, I don't sit by the window, what if something goes wrong?" and proceeded to stay in the middle for the flight.

First leg of the flight was JFK->DFW flying Delta economy plus. Had to gate check b/c regular economy boarded early and threw their burlap sacks wherever they pleased. (econ+ is supposed to have dedicated overhead space).

 

[E-Z Glider]

I hate checking may bags.  So the rush is to ensure I get overhead space for my roller bag.  

But I admit part of it is some unnecessary anxiety.  Even on American, where I have status, I get anxious when I see all those other gate crowders and feel like I need to get up there.

Like I said, I hate myself for it.

I guess Ive just never been on a flight where they make you do this. They usually ask for volunteers (which I typically do - the only reason I carry a giant carry-on is because Im too cheap to check it). If not, occasionally Ive had to walk back the isle a little further to find a spot, which is no big deal to me.  

I suppose if there was some sort of cut-off where they said everyone after this person HAS to check their bag, then I would understand the need to be a gate crowder. Does this happen often (I really only fly 4-5 times a year)? And why do people still crowd the gate even when this isnt happening?

 

[sbonomo]

Flew DFW to IND in American economy two weeks ago. I'm on the aisle, woman (19 yo or so) in the middle, window seat is free.

Doors close and I say, "looks like we lucked out, window's open." She replies, "Oh no, I don't sit by the window, what if something goes wrong?" and proceeded to stay in the middle for the flight.

First leg of the flight was JFK->DFW flying Delta economy plus. Had to gate check b/c regular economy boarded early and threw their burlap sacks wherever they pleased. (econ+ is supposed to have dedicated overhead space).

I am sure she was wildebeest looking

 

[tdoss]

Aisle...for the love of God...AISLE.

 

[General Malaise]

My brother tried the train once, from Cleveland to somewhere in Louisiana to pick up a car he bought online. He thought it would be a great experience and fun. He did not get a personal room just sat out in "coach". He said it was the most miserable 30 hours of his life. 

Train travel in America is a damn shame.  Used to be a nice way to travel.  Now it's a razor thin step-up from the bus.  I thought taking Amtrak to Seattle from Portland would be pretty cool too.  It was like sharing a moving metal box with Jerry Springer guests.  Plus, all the damn stops.  Just......GO!

 

[Kanil]

I travel about once a month for work and then probably another 3 or so times for fun.

If the trips 2 nights or less, everything goes in a backpack that I toss under my seat.  In this case, I'm usually the last one on the plane because screw sitting in that hot ####ing plane for 30 minutes while people board.

3-4 nights, I always carry on but will gate check if it's a non-stop flight and they ask for it.  On any flight with layovers, gate checking feels like a higher % chance of lost luggage so I always either upgrade to the first boarding group after snowflakes and 1st class to ensure I get a spot for my bag.

Anything longer than 4 nights I check a large bag and carry-on a backpack on with my laptop, a change of clothes, and a toothbrush.  I don't even use the overhead at that point and just toss everything under the seat.  In this case, I also get on last.

 

[Waingro]

Do people actually ask permission or give a heads up to recline? I have never had anyone do this. Ever. They always just recline. 

 

[belljr]

I guess Ive just never been on a flight where they make you do this. They usually ask for volunteers (which I typically do - the only reason I carry a giant carry-on is because Im too cheap to check it). If not, occasionally Ive had to walk back the isle a little further to find a spot, which is no big deal to me.  

I suppose if there was some sort of cut-off where they said everyone after this person HAS to check their bag, then I would understand the need to be a gate crowder. Does this happen often (I really only fly 4-5 times a year)? And why do people still crowd the gate even when this isnt happening?

Every time I fly there is mandatory check in for carry ons because they ran out of room.

It starts with volunteers bu they never have enough.

Me - I never bring a carry on.   Just a back pack with a couple things 

 

[General Malaise]

Do people actually ask permission or give a heads up to recline? I have never had anyone do this. Ever. They always just recline. 

I just hope I find a flight where somebody reclines and the other person goes berzerk.  I've never seen that but reading some posts here, man....bound to happen! 

 

[Pipes]

Every time I fly there is mandatory check in for carry ons because they ran out of room.

It starts with volunteers bu they never have enough.

Me - I never bring a carry on.   Just a back pack with a couple things 

Yeah me too.  I only fly once or twice a year but almost everytime I fly it's a full flight and a good chunk of the passengers end up gate checking their bags. 

 

[E-Z Glider]

Every time I fly there is mandatory check in for carry ons because they ran out of room.

Mandatory for everyone or just mandatory for the people at the back of the line? Trying to get a better understanding of the rationale behind the gate crowders here...

Also, I understand not wanting to check your carry-on if you have no other luggage, but why wouldnt you want to check your bag if you already have other bags checked? Its basically another free checked bag?

 

[SWC]

id lay 8 to 5 that people who get mad about stuff on flights are probably major road ragers as well if the shoe fits you gots to acquit take that to the bank brohans 

 

[RokNRole]

I just hope I find a flight where somebody reclines and the other person goes berzerk.  I've never seen that but reading some posts here, man....bound to happen! 

That's the only way it's going to change. Unfortunately it will take a violent incident before the airlines stop allowing passengers to make other people's flight miserable.

 

[Pipes]

Mandatory for everyone or just mandatory for the people at the back of the line? Trying to get a better understanding of the rationale behind the gate crowders here...

Also, I understand not wanting to check your carry-on if you have no other luggage, but why wouldnt you want to check your bag if you already have other bags checked? Its basically another free checked bag?

Usually just the back of the line.  But if you are on a smaller plane for a connecting flight they will automatically gate check many normal size carry on bags because they just won't fit.

I find it funny that a poster named E-Z Gilder has better airport experiences than most of us.

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Train travel in America is a damn shame.  Used to be a nice way to travel.  Now it's a razor thin step-up from the bus.  I thought taking Amtrak to Seattle from Portland would be pretty cool too.  It was like sharing a moving metal box with Jerry Springer guests.  Plus, all the damn stops.  Just......GO!

That's right, he said it seemed like every time finally reached maximum speed they would begin a long decrease in speed as they were stopping at the next stop. Seems like he said every 15-30 minutes they stopped. That seems like a lot? 

 

[El Floppo]

15. Don’t grab the back of every seat when you walk down the aisle. Your fellow passengers don’t deserve to be yanked around every time you rise. Don’t use the back of the seat for momentum on your long crawl to the bathroom. If you're wearing a backpack while boarding, take it off and carry it by your side, because as soon as you turn, both your butt and your backpack are going to smack into someone's head.

looking back at these, this is a good one. tougher for older or short people who cant reach up to the luggage rack area to help balance themselves. but so frustrating to be dozing in your seat and have the person behind you slam you backwards as they use you and your seat as leverage to stand up. eta... and then sit back down.

 

[Tom Servo]

Flew DFW to IND in American economy two weeks ago. I'm on the aisle, woman (19 yo or so) in the middle, window seat is free.

Doors close and I say, "looks like we lucked out, window's open." She replies, "Oh no, I don't sit by the window, what if something goes wrong?" and proceeded to stay in the middle for the flight.

But was she hot?

 

[Tom Servo]

Flew DFW to IND in American economy two weeks ago. I'm on the aisle, woman (19 yo or so) in the middle, window seat is free.

Doors close and I say, "looks like we lucked out, window's open." She replies, "Oh no, I don't sit by the window, what if something goes wrong?" and proceeded to stay in the middle for the flight.

But was she hot?

 

[E-Z Glider]

Usually just the back of the line.  But if you are on a smaller plane for a connecting flight they will automatically gate check many normal size carry on bags because they just won't fit.

Thanks for helping me understand this.

So the "acceptable gate crowders" are the passengers who only have one carry-on and are on a flight where they are only making people at the back of the line check their bags, and the rest of the gate crowders and their families are ####s? I still feel like that is a small number of acceptable gate crowders compared to the 90% who seem to do it.

 

[General Malaise]

That's right, he said it seemed like every time finally reached maximum speed they would begin a long decrease in speed as they were stopping at the next stop. Seems like he said every 15-30 minutes they stopped. That seems like a lot? 

Seattle to Portland is roughly 175 miles.  Absent any traffic, it's a 3 hour drive, though there's almost always bad traffic in and out of the cities.

The train takes about 4 hours and stops in Vancouver, Kelso, Centralia, Tacoma and then Seattle.  It's like riding with a woman who has to pee every half hour only that woman is flea infested and smells like Virginia Slims and talc.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

That's the only way it's going to change. Unfortunately it will take a violent incident before the airlines stop allowing passengers to make other people's flight miserable.

Agreed.  The airlines should have the seats permanently fixed in a comfortable semi-reclined position.  Screw that seatbacks fully upright for take off and landing, I want to be comfortable during the flight.  We are a country of slouchers, accommodate us.  Who wants the ramrod posture of sitting completely upright, except those who enjoy a ramrodding.

 

[RokNRole]

Agreed.  The airlines should have the seats permanently fixed in a comfortable semi-reclined position.  Screw that seatbacks fully upright for take off and landing, I want to be comfortable during the flight.  We are a country of slouchers, accommodate us.  Who wants the ramrod posture of sitting completely upright, except those who enjoy a ramrodding.

It's going to happen eventually. Someone is going to stab another person in the neck with the blunt cutlery.

 

[belljr]

Mandatory for everyone or just mandatory for the people at the back of the line? Trying to get a better understanding of the rationale behind the gate crowders here...

Also, I understand not wanting to check your carry-on if you have no other luggage, but why wouldnt you want to check your bag if you already have other bags checked? Its basically another free checked bag?

Mandatory at a certain point.  So yes the later boarders because they ran out of room.

I agree it's a free checked bag but you would have thought the airlines caught on to that scam by now lol

Over pack a carry on to get it checked

 

[belljr]

Thanks for helping me understand this.

So the "acceptable gate crowders" are the passengers who only have one carry-on and are on a flight where they are only making people at the back of the line check their bags, and the rest of the gate crowders and their families are ####s? I still feel like that is a small number of acceptable gate crowders compared to the 90% who seem to do it.

Oh God yeah gate crowds are the worst

 

[Quint]

I just hope I find a flight where somebody reclines and the other person goes berzerk.  I've never seen that but reading some posts here, man....bound to happen! 

about 10 years ago i flew to Maui (economy)

no sooner than the back wheels left the tarmac and the guy in front of me goes full recline like he was at home in his Lazy Boy. no nod, no look over the shoulder, no nothing. 

since he was now basically in my lap, i tapped him gently on the shoulder to see if he could take his seat up a few inches, i'm happy to find a middle ground. guy ignores me completely, pretends to be asleep. i asked the stewardess if she could do anything to help me out, and she gives me the    .

with no other options, i then proceed to Air Drum - well, more like kick and punch - on his seatback for the next 5 hours, under the guise of "rocking out" to my iPod. people next to me though i was insane. i regret nothing. 

 

[Gawain]

Curious how you guys would handle this for reimbursement. No official travel policy.

Flying NYC to Stockholm. Norwegian, a budget carrier flies out of JFK, most others in the office depart from EWR. Their tickets are more expensive.

Arrive at 11:00 am on a Monday and have to be ready to work the entire day. Ticket upgrade $430. Depart on a Thursday and will be in office on Friday, Ticket upgrade $210.

I asked specifically for guidance and was told "don't do anything stupid, like fly F." Even premium on Norwegian is pretty cheap (as you can see by the costs above). I'm OK eating the cost if I upgrade on a domestic flight, but curious if I should be turning this charge back to company, especially for the Monday flight where I'm going to get right into it.

 

[Short Corner]

about 10 years ago i flew to Maui (economy)

no sooner than the back wheels left the tarmac and the guy in front of me goes full recline like he was at home in his Lazy Boy. no nod, no look over the shoulder, no nothing. 

since he was now basically in my lap, i tapped him gently on the shoulder to see if he could take his seat up a few inches, i'm happy to find a middle ground. guy ignores me completely, pretends to be asleep. i asked the stewardess if she could do anything to help me out, and she gives me the    .

with no other options, i then proceed to Air Drum - well, more like kick and punch - on his seatback for the next 5 hours, under the guise of "rocking out" to my iPod. people next to me though i was insane. i regret nothing. 

I would have complained to the flight attendant.

 

[Don't Noonan]

I would have complained to the flight attendant.

You would not be allowed to recline if I am sitting behind you, sorry

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

You would not be allowed to recline if I am sitting behind you, sorry

Interesting.  He paid for a reclining seat.  Your purchased passage understanding that seats recline and that you are subject to such use.  What would you do and why so certain of your conviction?

 

[Capella]

Interesting.  He paid for a reclining seat.  Your purchased passage understanding that seats recline and that you are subject to such use.  What would you do and why so certain of your conviction?

He wouldn't do anything. 

 

[parasaurolophus]

about 10 years ago i flew to Maui (economy)

no sooner than the back wheels left the tarmac and the guy in front of me goes full recline like he was at home in his Lazy Boy. no nod, no look over the shoulder, no nothing. 

since he was now basically in my lap, i tapped him gently on the shoulder to see if he could take his seat up a few inches, i'm happy to find a middle ground. guy ignores me completely, pretends to be asleep. i asked the stewardess if she could do anything to help me out, and she gives me the    .

with no other options, i then proceed to Air Drum - well, more like kick and punch - on his seatback for the next 5 hours, under the guise of "rocking out" to my iPod. people next to me though i was insane. i regret nothing. 

What airline were you flying that the seat could recline that far. 

I swear this thread is like the twilight zone. I have flown at least 20 round trip flights per year for the last 5 years and haven't encountered half of the stuff brought up in here. I dont recline and I dislike when the people in front of me recline, but I would never expect them to ask me to. I mostly have flown Southwest, frontier, and delta. 

 

[Joe T]

#20 (filing out in order) doesn't seem like it should have to be explained, but so many people have problems with this. 

I've noticed Euros have a big problem understanding this.

 

[Don't Noonan]

Interesting.  He paid for a reclining seat.  Your purchased passage understanding that seats recline and that you are subject to such use.  What would you do and why so certain of your conviction?

Because I am so tall my knees go right into the seat in front of me and it is physically impossible for someone to recline into me.  Many have tried and failed.

 

[shuke]

Trying to get a better understanding of the rationale behind the gate crowders here...

For many it might be a fear of not getting overhead space.  For me at least, I don't have a good rationale.  I just see people start crowding and I get pissed off at them.  Sometimes I have the urge to do it myself, because #### these people.  I can't explain it.  I'm working on it.  I'm usually near the end of my boarding group.

 

[cashman88]

Because I am so tall my knees go right into the seat in front of me and it is physically impossible for someone to recline into me.  Many have tried and failed.

I'm not a recliner -  but your height is your problem, not the person's in front of you.  If you can't stretch out your legs so that the seat won't hit your knees, then you should book a seat with extra leg room (economy plus, first class).  It's no different than an obese passenger who can't fit into one seat.  You shouldn't impose on other people's rightful space because of your body type.  The seat in front of you is meant to recline, you know it before you buy, so don't act surprised or angry when it happens.

 

[sbonomo]

about 10 years ago i flew to Maui (economy)

no sooner than the back wheels left the tarmac and the guy in front of me goes full recline like he was at home in his Lazy Boy. no nod, no look over the shoulder, no nothing. 

since he was now basically in my lap, i tapped him gently on the shoulder to see if he could take his seat up a few inches, i'm happy to find a middle ground. guy ignores me completely, pretends to be asleep. i asked the stewardess if she could do anything to help me out, and she gives me the    .

with no other options, i then proceed to Air Drum - well, more like kick and punch - on his seatback for the next 5 hours, under the guise of "rocking out" to my iPod. people next to me though i was insane. i regret nothing. 

Now that's what i am talking about - Stick it to the man!  I have perfected the art of pulling out of the computer where i proceed to move the monitor hundreds of times which just so happens to correspond with the seat in front of me being hit.  After about the 4 or 5th time the person generally gets the idea and moves the seat back up.  if not, similar to your tactics, i will hit the seat the entire flight just as they are nodding off.  Passive aggressive i know but very effective none-the-less.   

 

[parasaurolophus]

Because I am so tall my knees go right into the seat in front of me and it is physically impossible for someone to recline into me.  Many have tried and failed.

My wife has a 37 inch inseam. He knees dont hit the seat in front of her unless she scoots forward. So you must be like what 6'7"? That has to be miserable on a plane. I often see those guys just linger in the back. 

 

[Scoresman]

Because I am so tall my knees go right into the seat in front of me and it is physically impossible for someone to recline into me.  Many have tried and failed.

Same here.  It really is an awesome feeling watching someone try in vain to get their seat to go back. 

 

[EYLive]

Has anyone enrolled in the TSA precheck program? 

I'm looking into this for my wife and me. We'll fly for leisure about 3 times a year, is it worth it to join the precheck program?

 

[5Rings]

Has anyone enrolled in the TSA precheck program? 

I'm looking into this for my wife and me. We'll fly for leisure about 3 times a year, is it worth it to join the precheck program?

At major airports during busy times, it is 100% worth it. 

I fly out of puddle jumpers (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara) and its worthless when I depart....but coming home from major airports like Vegas, DC, NY, Orlando, Chicago, etc....oh hell yes, it is awesome.

 

[EYLive]

At major airports during busy times, it is 100% worth it. 

I fly out of puddle jumpers (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara) and its worthless when I depart....but coming home from major airports like Vegas, DC, NY, Orlando, Chicago, etc....oh hell yes, it is awesome.

I'm filling out the online application and I need a birth certificate for the appointment. I have no dang idea where mine is... :(

 

[The General]

id lay 8 to 5 that people who get mad about stuff on flights are probably major road ragers as well if the shoe fits you gots to acquit take that to the bank brohans 

Not enjoying the bu####tery that is modern air travel is a sign that you aren't an insane person.

 

[The General]

Has anyone enrolled in the TSA precheck program? 

I'm looking into this for my wife and me. We'll fly for leisure about 3 times a year, is it worth it to join the precheck program?

Yes it is worth it.

It is slowly becoming the norm but you still get through security in under 5 minutes the majority of the time.

 

[The General]

I'm filling out the online application and I need a birth certificate for the appointment. I have no dang idea where mine is... :(

I did NEXUS Global Entry which gives TSA Precheck and they asked for that but didn't need it when I did the interview.

 

[The General]

You would not be allowed to recline if I am sitting behind you, sorry

This is an age old argument. It sucks if you are in the regular seating without the extra legroom that most carriers now have, but the seat reclines, it is your seat you can recline it.

This one you just have to let go if you are on the plane and chalk up to "flying sucks balls". The airlines are cramming as many people as they can onto the planes and have shrunk the legroom in the back of the plane to a ridiculously small size.

When you get some status you will get a better seat where you don't notice this as much or you can always pay to get the better seats.

 

[Jobber]

I'm filling out the online application and I need a birth certificate for the appointment. I have no dang idea where mine is... :(

I lost mine too. Went to the city DMV/licensing bureau and they printed out a new one on the spot for like $20. Official, embossed government paper and everything.

 

[The General]

Do people actually ask permission or give a heads up to recline? I have never had anyone do this. Ever. They always just recline. 

No. I try to only recline a bit anyways just to get a better angle for the back. If the guy behind me was some type of giant I'd maybe give him a sorry but I fly all the time am about 6'3" and it's just part of the fun experience.

 

[kutta]

I guess I don't get the anger over reclining. I fly a LOT. Over 120k miles so far this year. Granted, most of it is in first class, but I've paid my coach dues. I usually try not to recline the entire way in coach, but the seats do recline, and people should be comfortable. It kind of sucks when someone reclines all the way, but is it really that bad? I'm a pretty big guy - 6 foot, 200 - but I just deal with it and watch my movie and chill.

 

[sbonomo]

Has anyone enrolled in the TSA precheck program? 

I'm looking into this for my wife and me. We'll fly for leisure about 3 times a year, is it worth it to join the precheck program?

If you only travel three times per year it is a coin flip.   I have had if for years now but i travel frequently for work.  Pro's usually a much shorter line and you don't have to take off jacket or shoes.  It used to be the fast lane but many infrequent travelers are now clogging up the line.  Only Con is the cost and setting up the appointment ($85 or so).  If you do get it please act like you have traveled before and keep the line moving quickly.