Are you hopping on a plane to head to Disney World or somewhere else exciting?
Flying to Disney World
Well, you know that feeling when the plane finally lands, and you’re just waiting for people to exit in an orderly fashion? Yeah…that rarely happens. If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably encountered the chaos that is deplaning. But there’s this one thing that makes the process even worse: Aisle Lice. Let’s break down what they are and why flight attendants hate them.
What Are Aisle Lice?
The term “Aisle Lice” describes those travelers who are, shall we say too eager to get off the plane. The moment the aircraft comes to a stop and the seatbelt sign turns off, they spring into action – grabbing their bags, pushing into the aisle, and inching forward long before it’s their turn to deplane.
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What’s the problem with that? I’m glad you asked! Airplane etiquette (and efficiency) dictate that passengers exit row by row from front to back. But Aisle Lice ignore this unspoken rule, making the process chaotic and frustrating for everyone else. Instead of letting the rows ahead clear first, they block movement by awkwardly standing in the aisle, sometimes even cutting in front of other passengers.
Why Flight Attendants Hate Aisle Lice
Flight attendants are pros at handling all kinds of in-flight chaos, but Aisle Lice make their jobs harder. Here’s why:
- They Slow Everything Down: You’d think these impatient travelers would actually speed things up, but nope – it’s the opposite. Instead of a smooth and orderly deplaning process, Aisle Lice create bottlenecks by forcing others to maneuver around them.
- They Create Safety Hazards: Picture a bunch of passengers standing, crammed into the aisle with their bags, while others are still seated or trying to get up. It’s a recipe for injuries, dropped luggage, and just general chaos.
- They Ignore Basic Courtesy: Flight attendants (and seasoned travelers) appreciate good airplane etiquette. Cutting in line to deplane isn’t just annoying – it’s pretty rude. Everyone is getting off the plane eventually, so there’s no need to shove your way forward like you’re in a race for the last seat on Space Mountain.
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It’s Not Just Aisle Lice
Aisle Lice aren’t the only offenders ruining the airport experience. Here are two other types of passengers that drive flight attendants (and fellow travelers) crazy.
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- Gate Lice: If Aisle Lice make deplaning miserable, Gate Lice make boarding a nightmare. These are the people who hover around the boarding area way before their group is called. Even though they know they’re in Group 5, they’ll start creeping forward when Group 1 is called, blocking priority passengers from getting through. Some even try to sneak on early, only to be sent back when the gate agent checks their boarding pass.
Why do they do it? Mostly to secure overhead bin space. But their hovering and line-cutting just add to the general stress of boarding.
Please sit in your assigned seat
- Seat Squatters: Seat Squatters are the travelers who take a seat that isn’t actually theirs, hoping no one will notice – or that they can pressure someone into letting them stay. Maybe they want a window instead of their middle seat, or maybe they’re trying to sit with their family without paying for seat selection. Either way, it’s a headache for flight attendants who then have to referee the situation.
Just Be a Considerate Traveler
Look, as we all know, air travel is already stressful enough without people making it worse. Aisle Lice, Gate Lice, and Seat Squatters don’t actually gain much from their behavior. It just creates frustration for everyone else.
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So the next time you fly, do your fellow passengers (and flight attendants) a favor:
- Stay seated until it’s actually your turn to deplane.
- Wait for your boarding group instead of crowding the gate.
- Sit in the seat you actually booked.
Flying will always be chaotic, but a little courtesy goes a long way in making it smoother for everyone.
Be safe when traveling
Until then, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.
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This is without a doubt the best article I have read in a long time about travel. If only the airlines would adopt a no “LUGGAGE” in the overhead bins all would be great. When my son and myself fly, we each have two bags that are checked, No carry on luggage. Only my purse and a satchel for the electronic devices. What would be better is limiting the size of the bags that people can put in the overhead bins. Unfortunately you can’t fix people who think they are the only ones that matter. In any event, great article.
I agree with Donna with the fact that a lot of people goes in cabin with too much cabin luggages and I think the solution of gate lice is to control at the gate.
Another thing and I can write it because I m French but the aisle lice is unfortunately more than common in France (even a « rule » ) and maybe the explanation is that in flights to WDW there is a lot of French people who make that… I’m so sorry that my compatriots are so rude and it’s so stupid to see when I return in France (national flight to my home from Paris) this kind of behavior : they jump out of their seats as the wheels have just touch the ground and stay 10 long minutes in the corridor and if you don’t make the same you have to wait until the plane is empty… I just love the American politeness each time I’m in US. don’t loose it !