Air Travel Pet Peeves (2 Viewers)

[Fat Nick]

Oh and I'm firmly anti reclining.... one of the added benefits to Exit Row (I always go for exit row aisle if not flying first). Have long since contemplated getting a set of these Knee Defenders but I only fly a half dozen times a year now .

I'm in the no-reclining camp too, but until they actually remove the function, I'll recline if the person in front of me reclines, simply so I'm not 4 inches from their head...

If someone had the nerve to put one of these Knee Defenders on the back of my seat, we'd have issues. I'd guarantee these things have caused conflicts on planes before.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Chet coming off like a complete tool in here. shocking.

WTF are you?

A good judge of character?

 

[Big Cat]

I've relaxed on most of mine, but one still drives me crazy; When you exit the plane, the stampede of people from the back who don't have the courtesy to let people in the front out. It isn't about people in the front being more important than people in the back, it's simply the lack of courtesy for acknowledging that someone else is trying to get off the plane too.

If I see someone rushing up front, I will place a bag in the ailse to block them.

I remember one flight where our gate was occupied and so we had to wait for the plane to clear. I was near the back on a full flight, and a guy sitting across the aisle from me was going nuts--screaming about needing to get out and letting everyone know how important he was. #######

Should have told him if he was that effing important he wouldn't be on a commercial flight.

 

[Politician Spock]

Haven't read the whole thread, so I apologize if this has been posted.

People who book windows seats, but can't get through the drink service without having to get up to pee.

 

[Oracle]

Goodness there is a lot of #####ing and moaning in this thread. I guess when you fly from Japan to the states a few times a year (sometimes a 30 hour day due to layover etc.) you learn to let the little crap go.

 

[Don Quixote]

People who get annoyed by my camera bag in the overhead, because I can alternatively fit it under my seat. If I'm bringing it, I've checked my luggage, and that's all that I am putting in the overhead.

Nothing wrong with that in my book! It's very simple. 1 in the overhead, 1 under the seat...if you only have 1, it can go in either place. It IS amazing how much issue people have with such a simple concept.

Disagree. On a full flight, you should maximize the space by putting small items under your seat. If you have space under your seat and your small bag in the overhead causes someone to check their luggage, it's a jerk move.

It's perfectly legit to only consider yourself, but my attitude is for people to be courteous and work together on a flight. You are going to be stuck together in a metal tube for a while.

It's a jerk move to make someone check their luggage, when I already checked my luggage? I maximized space by checking my suitcase. My camera bag is half the size of somebody else's luggage that they are trying to stick in the overhead bins, so I'm taking up less space.

 

[Big Cat]

And why in the hell would you expect to sit anywhere besides your ticketed seat.... yeah, I'm talking to you, family man, who thinks he needs to sit with his wife and screaming brats. Here's a tip: plan ahead and buy your tickets together.

 

[MTskibum]

Holy cow, lots of people whining in this thread. I am a United Platinum member and a Delta silver member. The more that I fly the less the little stuff bothers me.

The one minor annoyance that I encounter is when people turn on their lights on a long redeye flight. It makes it more difficult for other people to fall asleep. However this is such minor issue that it doesnt really bother me.

 

[Apple Jack]

The applauding thing seems to be a Latin culture thing. Or an extraordinarily hairy landing (hey now). But just about every time I've flown to a Latin country there have been applause on landing. I think these people appreciate that you've just flown through the air like a bird at 600mph and survived and are giving it up for the universe for allowing that to happen. The Amish don't get to do that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpUNA2nutbk

 

[17seconds]

People who get annoyed by my camera bag in the overhead, because I can alternatively fit it under my seat. If I'm bringing it, I've checked my luggage, and that's all that I am putting in the overhead.

Nothing wrong with that in my book! It's very simple. 1 in the overhead, 1 under the seat...if you only have 1, it can go in either place. It IS amazing how much issue people have with such a simple concept.

Disagree. On a full flight, you should maximize the space by putting small items under your seat. If you have space under your seat and your small bag in the overhead causes someone to check their luggage, it's a jerk move.

It's perfectly legit to only consider yourself, but my attitude is for people to be courteous and work together on a flight. You are going to be stuck together in a metal tube for a while.

It's a jerk move to make someone check their luggage, when I already checked my luggage? I maximized space by checking my suitcase. My camera bag is half the size of somebody else's luggage that they are trying to stick in the overhead bins, so I'm taking up less space.

Maybe they checked 3 large pieces of luggage. Doesn't matter. Everyone is bringing items on the plane within the rules and what matters is making efficient use of the space. Unless you don't want to help a stranger.

Why do you think the flight attendants tell everyone to do it this way? "Please make sure your smaller items are under your seat". They say it all the time.

If a flight attendant is on their game they'll notice the small bag taking up a space for a larger bag and ask whose it is so it can go under the seat. Then you'll tell them to #### off?

FWIW, I've never run into this issue or cared.

 

[Apple Jack]

Sorry, if I have something that's going to impact my leg room, it's going overhead. That's taking the flow a little too far, to where your time to have it tagged and checked is infringing on my comfort. Sorry, br, but my comfort is more important in this context. Mind you, I'll often put my bag at my feet, but that's because I have supplies in there I want to get to conveniently, not because I'm trying to keep you from having to take a minute to check something that isn't going to get us there any later.

 

[Politician Spock]

People who get annoyed by my camera bag in the overhead, because I can alternatively fit it under my seat. If I'm bringing it, I've checked my luggage, and that's all that I am putting in the overhead.

Nothing wrong with that in my book! It's very simple. 1 in the overhead, 1 under the seat...if you only have 1, it can go in either place. It IS amazing how much issue people have with such a simple concept.

Disagree. On a full flight, you should maximize the space by putting small items under your seat. If you have space under your seat and your small bag in the overhead causes someone to check their luggage, it's a jerk move.

It's perfectly legit to only consider yourself, but my attitude is for people to be courteous and work together on a flight. You are going to be stuck together in a metal tube for a while.

It's a jerk move to make someone check their luggage, when I already checked my luggage? I maximized space by checking my suitcase. My camera bag is half the size of somebody else's luggage that they are trying to stick in the overhead bins, so I'm taking up less space.

I've seen flight attendents remove small items from the overhead because they waste space. Smaller, odd shaped items don't fill up the overhead like a carry on bag does unless someone else on board has the perfect item to match the odd shape, like Tetris. When the perfect shape item does not exist, and someone has a carry on looking for a place, they pull the smaller odd shaped item and hand it to the guy who amazingly enough has nothing under his steat.

 

[17seconds]

Sorry, if I have something that's going to impact my leg room, it's going overhead. That's taking the flow a little too far, to where your time to have it tagged and checked is infringing on my comfort. Sorry, br, but my comfort is more important in this context. Mind you, I'll often put my bag at my feet, but that's because I have supplies in there I want to get to conveniently, not because I'm trying to keep you from having to take a minute to check something that isn't going to get us there any later.

I've never had anything under my seat really impact leg room. My feet slide under the bag if necessary. I've been on 12 hour flights in coach like that, it doesn't really matter.

 

[Don Quixote]

Maybe they checked 3 large pieces of luggage. Doesn't matter. Everyone is bringing items on the plane within the rules and what matters is making efficient use of the space. Unless you don't want to help a stranger.

Why do you think the flight attendants tell everyone to do it this way? "Please make sure your smaller items are under your seat". They say it all the time.

If a flight attendant is on their game they'll notice the small bag taking up a space for a larger bag and ask whose it is so it can go under the seat. Then you'll tell them to #### off?

FWIW, I've never run into this issue or cared.

I prefer the leg room/comfort of not having it by my feet. For a shorter flight, it is not too terrible, but for a longer flight, I'd definitely want it overhead.

I wouldn't tell the FA to #### off, but I would let the FA know that it was the only object that I had in the overhead.

 

[CurlyNight]

... The reason I opt to put everything in a suitcase and not mess with a carry on... Pain in the ### putting up in the bin and taking it down with the masses wanting to get off yesterday...

 

[-fish-]

From now on, I'm bringing a can of tuna in my carryon. If there's a freaking couple with aisle and window seats, I'm going to sit between them, refuse to move and open that thing while farting all flight.

 

[gmbacm]

Another A/V one... The giant video controller box that keeps you from putting your backpack under the seat.

seatguru is your friend.

 

[17seconds]

If any noises on a plane bother you, get noise cancelling headphones. Godsend. A brat can scream all they want, doesn't bother me a bit.

In flight it reduces your annoyances to movement and smells.

 

[Politician Spock]

If any noises on a plane bother you, get noise cancelling headphones. Godsend. A brat can scream all they want, doesn't bother me a bit.

In flight it reduces your annoyances to movement and smells.

So does alcohol.

Overpriced on a plane... but worth it.

 

[matuski]

I only fly 2-3 times year, but it seems to me that many people are on their absolute worst behavior as soon as they enter the airport. It's like a Hobbesian state of nature sometimes. I agree with almost all the stuff you listed. (Kid-related issues don't bother me personally).

You probably travel the same 2-3 times per year other amateurs do.

As a professional (I'm that good) flyer I try damn hard not to fly during vacation seasons where I will inevitably end up being subjected to some sort of rookie behavior or false sense of entitlement from Fred who last flew in 1985.

 

[GroveDiesel]

People that bathe in perfume/cologne/Axe body spray. It's not a night club. I don't want to smell your wh0re's bath for 3 hours. And I certainly don't want to be sneezing for 3 hours because I'm allergic to the $5 drugstore knockoff you've doused yourself in.

 

[mquinnjr]

If any noises on a plane bother you, get noise cancelling headphones. Godsend. A brat can scream all they want, doesn't bother me a bit.

In flight it reduces your annoyances to movement and smells.

So does alcohol.

Overpriced on a plane... but worth it.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2012/01/alcohol

I am deploying this on the way to Vegas next weekend out of Philly Int'l., will report back.

Make it even more worth it on a plane. Thinking so the crew doesn't ask questions mid-pour out of the airplane bottles, buy 2x Diet Coke bottles in the terminal and load'em up.

 

[Major]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

 

[mquinnjr]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

I flew Singapore Air once round-trip, and it was by far and away the hottest crew evar.

I was told they recruit the hottest girls to work there, and aren't bashful about it.

 

[Apple Jack]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

Yeah, that became the reality 20-25 years ago. Probably time to accept and move on. Or fly Swiss Air everywhere you go.

 

[El Floppo]

Nothing about reclining #######s? Person in front of me needs to recline into my space they are getting a knee shot sporadically throughout the flight.

You must not fly much. Most people recline. The seats are designed with that in mind. You are absolutely the ###hole in this scenario.

I don't fly much, I hate it and am in a bad mood from security to landing. So F off.

It might help you relax if you recline your seat.

lol.

IIRC, there was a pretty lengthy thread about this topic, and guess what.... people who don't like reclining didn't change their minds. Also, people who like reclining didn't change their minds.

 

[El Floppo]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

20 years ago, there was always a young, cutish (6.5) flirty FA on board just looking to hand out the extra cookies to anybody roughly her age... if you catch my drift.

 

[Apple Jack]

If any noises on a plane bother you, get noise cancelling headphones. Godsend. A brat can scream all they want, doesn't bother me a bit.

In flight it reduces your annoyances to movement and smells.

So does alcohol.

Overpriced on a plane... but worth it.

Alcohol is overpriced everywhere outside the home. Planes are one of the more affordable places I booze.

 

[El Floppo]

btw- I agree with every one of BB's list.

Another...

- People who hang their elbows and feet out in the aisle both while boarding and in flight (former is worse).

- Ok.. I'm a dad with two small kids (2 & 6), but I still hate when a kid starts screaming and the parent is completely inefficient in dealing with it. I understand there are reasons I will never know why your kid is screaming, but since telling them to "shhhhh" isn't working how about trying something... ANYTHING... else?

 

[Sarnoff]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

Yeah, that became the reality 20-25 years ago. Probably time to accept and move on. Or fly Swiss Air everywhere you go.

I miss the good ol' days when Flight Attendants were taught, above all else, "Teeth and T##s"

 

[El Floppo]

Leg room is too precious to put anything under your seat.

...So is it worth not bringing so much crap with you? That's the question people need to be forced to ask themselves.

It's worth not bringing much on the plane with me but I don't see how that reduces the amount of stuff I travel with overall.

I could give 2 ####s how much stuff people travel with overall...what I hate is that in an effort to save money by not checking bags, people make already cramped quarters even more cramped, and inconsiderately take more than their share of overhead bin space. Ultimately, it's the airline's fault for all these BS baggage "fees," but the result is, for me, what has made flying so horrible.

Oh, you want to PICK your seats so you can sit next to your wife? Sure, for $35 extra. Want to take a bag? That's $25. Would you like a snack? $13. Did we mention that you can board early, watch new release movies, AND surf the web? ...For $25, $15, and $13 respectively!

I'd much rather flying just go back to how it was before, when a ticket cost more, but included all the amenities.

btw... some airlines make families pay to pre-board.

 

[Buckfast 1]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

20 years ago, there was always a young, cutish (6.5) flirty FA on board just looking to hand out the extra cookies to anybody roughly her age... if you catch my drift.

Those same flight attendants are still there...they are just 20 years older and are the middle-aged FAs that everyone is complaining about now. The airlines can't just get rid of the older flight attendants due to federal age discrimination laws.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I have no problem with people clapping when the guy manages to successfully land the 700,000 pound metal cylinder travelling 600 mph.

People who have problems showing appreciation for that task must be miserable in all aspects of their lives.

If your pilot is trying to land at 600 mph, you'll discover the cross country ability of the aircraft as you shoot off the end of the runway with no chance of stopping in time.

 

[Major]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

I flew Singapore Air once round-trip, and it was by far and away the hottest crew evar.

I was told they recruit the hottest girls to work there, and aren't bashful about it.

Big fan of Singapore Air. High marks to SAS, KLM and just about every Brazilian airline. If Im flying international and have a choice, Im sure as hell not taking a US airline.

 

[El Floppo]

I have a problem with the lack of cute FAs working for US/domestic airlines. Has the quality taken a significant dip in the last 15-20 yrs? It seems now all you get is a bunch off middle aged offdee 2s with attitude problems. Big fan of many foreign airlines. Such a better experience, not only the service but the wimmemz working the flights.

20 years ago, there was always a young, cutish (6.5) flirty FA on board just looking to hand out the extra cookies to anybody roughly her age... if you catch my drift.

Those same flight attendants are still there...they are just 20 years older and are the middle-aged FAs that everyone is complaining about now. The airlines can't just get rid of the older flight attendants due to federal age discrimination laws.

So eventually they just die and we all take the train?

 

[DSP]

Ive heard they have mobile strip club buses in las vegas. Why hasnt anyone made an airline like this?

 

[jon_mx]

Ive heard they have mobile strip club buses in las vegas. Why hasnt anyone made an airline like this?

There was a Hooters Airline. I am not sure why it was deflated.

 

[DSP]

Ive heard they have mobile strip club buses in las vegas. Why hasnt anyone made an airline like this?

There was a Hooters Airline. I am not sure why it was deflated.

Because hooters is lame.....im talking about naked strippers as flight attendants

 

[jon_mx]

Ive heard they have mobile strip club buses in las vegas. Why hasnt anyone made an airline like this?

There was a Hooters Airline. I am not sure why it was deflated.

Because hooters is lame.....im talking about naked strippers as flight attendants

Because the stripper poles would interfere with beverage service.

 

[DSP]

Ive heard they have mobile strip club buses in las vegas. Why hasnt anyone made an airline like this?

There was a Hooters Airline. I am not sure why it was deflated.

Because hooters is lame.....im talking about naked strippers as flight attendants

Because the stripper poles would interfere with beverage service.

They can be removeable

 

[The General]

Haven't read through the whole thing so may have been mentioned. Biggest no-no should be excessive farting. Control your ####### bodily functions.

When I am on a super early morning flight and the old guy next to me gets the coffee I know i'm in trouble. When the giant fat ### brings the bag of McDonalds I know I'm in trouble. After the first class section gets served a desert I know I'm in trouble.

 

[Chaka]

I have no problem with people clapping when the guy manages to successfully land the 700,000 pound metal cylinder travelling 600 mph.

People who have problems showing appreciation for that task must be miserable in all aspects of their lives.

If your pilot is trying to land at 600 mph, you'll discover the cross country ability of the aircraft as you shoot off the end of the runway with no chance of stopping in time.

HARHARHARHARHARHAR!!!

BRILLIANT REBUTTAL!!! SERIOUSLY THAT WAS RICH AND CLEARLY WELL CONSIDERED!!! I APPLAUD YOU!!!

 

[pizzatyme]

People who get annoyed by my camera bag in the overhead, because I can alternatively fit it under my seat. If I'm bringing it, I've checked my luggage, and that's all that I am putting in the overhead.

Nothing wrong with that in my book! It's very simple. 1 in the overhead, 1 under the seat...if you only have 1, it can go in either place. It IS amazing how much issue people have with such a simple concept.

Disagree. On a full flight, you should maximize the space by putting small items under your seat. If you have space under your seat and your small bag in the overhead causes someone to check their luggage, it's a jerk move.

It's perfectly legit to only consider yourself, but my attitude is for people to be courteous and work together on a flight. You are going to be stuck together in a metal tube for a while.

It's a jerk move to make someone check their luggage, when I already checked my luggage? I maximized space by checking my suitcase. My camera bag is half the size of somebody else's luggage that they are trying to stick in the overhead bins, so I'm taking up less space.

Maybe they checked 3 large pieces of luggage. Doesn't matter. Everyone is bringing items on the plane within the rules and what matters is making efficient use of the space. Unless you don't want to help a stranger.

Why do you think the flight attendants tell everyone to do it this way? "Please make sure your smaller items are under your seat". They say it all the time.

If a flight attendant is on their game they'll notice the small bag taking up a space for a larger bag and ask whose it is so it can go under the seat. Then you'll tell them to #### off?

FWIW, I've never run into this issue or cared.

If you only carry on one bag, which one is smaller? If someone asks me to put my $3500 camera bag full of equipment under my seat, I'll gladly tell them to piss off. Especially when it's to allow them to get their effing Hello Kitty roller in my spot. Why should I have to be inconvenienced? I purchased my ticket, I boarded before you, I'm entitled to my space.

BTW, this is one of the reasons people crap the front bins full who are sitting in the back. They'll never get asked about their luggage 20 rows in front of them.

There is a horrible use of overhead space on most flights.

 

[John Bender]

I have no problem with people clapping when the guy manages to successfully land the 700,000 pound metal cylinder travelling 600 mph.

People who have problems showing appreciation for that task must be miserable in all aspects of their lives.

If your pilot is trying to land at 600 mph, you'll discover the cross country ability of the aircraft as you shoot off the end of the runway with no chance of stopping in time.

 

[massraider]

This isn't a pet peeve of mine, as it kind of makes me laugh every time but:

There's two kinds of people in the world: Those who leap to their feet the moment the place stops, grab all their stuff, and then stare around stupidly, and those who remain seated, wondering where the heck they think they are going.

 

[pizzatyme]

How about those in the concourse with Boarding group 3/4/5 on their boarding passes who crowd the gate?!

@#% #$@%#@!

 

[pizzatyme]

Or this one...Southwest flight and I take the Exit row. Plane is just over half full with plenty of window and aisle seats. Dimwit comes on board and takes the Center seat beside me. I said, you know, there are plenty of seats available, look around. No go. So, I get up and sit in the empty row behind the exit row and proceed to do everything I can to make life hell for my new friend.

 

[Sarnoff]

This isn't a pet peeve of mine, as it kind of makes me laugh every time but:

There's two kinds of people in the world: Those who leap to their feet the moment the place stops, grab all their stuff, and then stare around stupidly, and those who remain seated, wondering where the heck they think they are going.

Seriously. It's as dumb as the race to board. Y'all ain't leaving til I'm on board, and I'm not going to stand around like an idiot in the lounge, in the jetway, and again in the aisle. When they start boarding, I go to the bathroom, the gift shop, and the cafe... I'll see you all in 20 minutes.

 

[Wingnut]

If any noises on a plane bother you, get noise cancelling headphones. Godsend. A brat can scream all they want, doesn't bother me a bit.

In flight it reduces your annoyances to movement and smells.

So does alcohol.

Overpriced on a plane... but worth it.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2012/01/alcohol

I am deploying this on the way to Vegas next weekend out of Philly Int'l., will report back.

Make it even more worth it on a plane. Thinking so the crew doesn't ask questions mid-pour out of the airplane bottles, buy 2x Diet Coke bottles in the terminal and load'em up.

I take minis with me every time I fly. Sometimes Ill put them in a zip lock for my carry on and sometimes I just carry a couple in my pocket. I've never had anyone say a word to me during a flight. I do try to keep it on the down low just to be safe, but FAs have seen me pull out a mini of vodka and pour it into my bloody mary mix, no problem.I usually drink one or 2 straight out of the bottle as we hit the runway, just to take the edge off since I cant get a mixer until we get to cruising altitude...other passengers have given me looks like 'now why didn't I think of that' a few times, and I just shrug and wink.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I have no problem with people clapping when the guy manages to successfully land the 700,000 pound metal cylinder travelling 600 mph.

People who have problems showing appreciation for that task must be miserable in all aspects of their lives.

If your pilot is trying to land at 600 mph, you'll discover the cross country ability of the aircraft as you shoot off the end of the runway with no chance of stopping in time.

HARHARHARHARHARHAR!!!BRILLIANT REBUTTAL!!! SERIOUSLY THAT WAS RICH AND CLEARLY WELL CONSIDERED!!! I APPLAUD YOU!!!

I guess you are comfortable in your ignorance, if not a bit sensitive. Carry on.