Comments on: Feel free to move about the cabin http://12angrymen.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/feel-free-to-move-about-the-cabin/ Sermo humanus per verba irata Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:46:13 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Angry Overeducated Catholic http://12angrymen.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/feel-free-to-move-about-the-cabin/#comment-11394 Angry Overeducated Catholic Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:26:47 +0000 http://12angrymen.wordpress.com/?p=1578#comment-11394 I have to admit, I have a real problem understanding these airports (and airlines) that don't deplane folks for extended periods. I can understand a several hour "hold" where the ATC system keeps jerking the pilot's chain with 15-30 minute holds stacking up. You don't want to deplane folks because deplaning and boarding will take 20-40 minutes at a minimum which means you might miss an opportunity to depart. But once you know the ground hold will be more than 2-3 hours, and <i>especially</i> if you know it's going to be overnight, there is absolutley no reason not to park the plane at a gate, get folks off and let them crash in the gate area. The customs excuse, in particular, is completely stupid. Customs occurs well after deplaning under normal conditions without any ill effect. At worst, this concern would require posting a couple of customs officials or police officers to keep an eye on folks. And to the extent, if any, that this happens because of airlines hating to eat humble pie by returning to the gate, well, obviously that's the worst excuse of all, by a mile! I have to admit, I have a real problem understanding these airports (and airlines) that don’t deplane folks for extended periods. I can understand a several hour “hold” where the ATC system keeps jerking the pilot’s chain with 15-30 minute holds stacking up. You don’t want to deplane folks because deplaning and boarding will take 20-40 minutes at a minimum which means you might miss an opportunity to depart.

But once you know the ground hold will be more than 2-3 hours, and especially if you know it’s going to be overnight, there is absolutley no reason not to park the plane at a gate, get folks off and let them crash in the gate area. The customs excuse, in particular, is completely stupid. Customs occurs well after deplaning under normal conditions without any ill effect. At worst, this concern would require posting a couple of customs officials or police officers to keep an eye on folks.

And to the extent, if any, that this happens because of airlines hating to eat humble pie by returning to the gate, well, obviously that’s the worst excuse of all, by a mile!

]]> By: mildlypiquedacademician http://12angrymen.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/feel-free-to-move-about-the-cabin/#comment-11393 mildlypiquedacademician Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:45:30 +0000 http://12angrymen.wordpress.com/?p=1578#comment-11393 You know, that sounds absolutely wonderful. I had a similar experience flying into JFK about six months ago, but we were in the air... and we circled around for quite a while. I was hoping we wouldn't hit "bingo" fuel.... You know, that sounds absolutely wonderful. I had a similar experience flying into JFK about six months ago, but we were in the air… and we circled around for quite a while. I was hoping we wouldn’t hit “bingo” fuel….

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