Why does air travel turn people into such huge jerks?

[1gobluedem]

I flew back to Michigan from Florida today; we were a few minutes late because of strong headwinds and had to wait ten minutes at the gate because the jetway guy wasn't there. Yes, people had connections but we were all trying to get off the plane. A man behind me actually began shoving me shouting "Move, please, we have to catch a train in thirty minutes." My poor seatmate had to make her connection in just ten minutes and I was trying to let her out. This guy kept shoving me and shouting and practically knocked me flat getting off; since I have to walk with a cane in airports (balance issues and slopes) I just stood aside and let him go as soon as I got on the jetway but my instinct was to smack him with it. First of all, since the trains don't even go to the airport in Detroit, he should never have allowed such a short period of time to catch his, but more to the point, couldn't he see that everyone was affected by the delay? Honestly.

[AlCzervik]

1. Because they were jerks before they got on the plane.

air travel is like money, it brings out the worst in people.

[trof]

2. Yeah, if you're a jerk it just makes you jerkier.

[DarkTirade]

5. Mmmm... jerky...

[trof]

3. Had a guy like that on a flight several years ago.

FIGHTING his way up the aisle.
Very IMPORTANT!
"COMING THROUGH! COMING THROUGH! I have a close connection!"
I stood up in the aisle to let my wife and daughter out and put a hand on the seatbacks on either side of me, blocking the aisle.
"Take it easy. We all have connections to make."
He stopped and fumed, but he stopped.
Folks around us laughed and a few clapped.

I wasn't particularly brave.
I'm 6' 3" and he was about 5' 7".
;-)

[petronius]

15. I've pulled that move a few times, too - it's pretty much always met with local approval

More often, I do it subtly - and the only acknowledgement is when my wife finally busts out laughing as we go through the terminal...

:)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. If he was in such a hurry he could have opened the door and blown the slide,

like this guy:

http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/605831/man-jumps-from-plane-as-it-taxis-on-runway/Default.aspx

Of course, they hauled him away for a psych evaluation...

[dana_b]

6. I pondered that every day for the 5 years I was a flight attendant

that was before 9/11 when no one was required to treat the flight attendants with respect. Granted, flying is stressful and usually not pleasant, but for a large percentage of people it's like they stop using their brains and become more primitive. "I'm gonna get mine so watch out!"

[pink-o]

8. I still work for an airline, as a ground employee.

My coworkers and I have a theory that the minute you come through the airport doors, you check your good manners and your ability to dress yourself, think for yourself, wait for an answer when you ask your stupid questions, and most of all...

You check your indoor voice.

[dana_b]

9. yep!

I felt soooo bad for the gate agents. They seemed to get the most shit from people. Of course then the folks would come on board and continue with the behavior but damn... God bless gate agents.

i remember asking an agent if the flight was full. His answer "yep! an asshole in every seat!". the first time I had ever heard that and I just about spit up from laughter.

[AlCzervik]

11. the people with their over sized carry on bags that spend 10 minutes trying to get it seated in the

overhead while everybody else has to wait.

[dana_b]

12. "Sir - I'm sorry. There's no room. We're going to have to check it"

RUUUUNNNNN!!! The look in his eye gets demented and red. He's going to kill me.

[AlCzervik]

13. i don't understand that, i check my bag because i always over pack, that's what i do and that's not

going to change, if it's just a 3 day trip i take the carry on that will fit under the seat.

they know their bag should have been checked.

[av8rdave]

17. It's no better now

Now there is an attitude that anyone in a uniform is fair game.

Thank God for the cockpit door!

[hippywife]

7. I dunno.

When I used to fly for business. I just stayed in my seat until all the pushy asses got off.

[Deja Q]

10. Frustration for being unprepared for the mile high club...

that or the planes need more bathrooms so more people can get there simultaneously.

:hide:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. Overheard on an airplane as one of the last passengers boards:

Flight Attendant: I'm sorry, sir, but all the overhead bins are full. We'll have to check your bag.
Blustering Passenger: But -- but -- I'm in first class!

[ElboRuum]

16. It all started when...

...air travel turned from an occasional luxury into a bus service.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

18. You should have seen me when I got salad dressing sprayed to me on a flight from Seattle to Newark

There was HELL to pay.

[MrScorpio]

19. They're worried about the snakes nt