ANYONE who has ever been on a flight is all too familiar with the immediate chaos that ensues once the pilot turns off the seatbelt sign.
Some passengers jump to their feet, open overhead lockers, and stand impatiently as soon as the plane is finished taxiing.
‘Aisle lice’ have been named the latest scurge on air travel, according to travel experts (stock image)[/caption]
This deplaning phenomenon is quite common, and has earned the term “aisle lice”.
“Aisle lice” can be used to describe airline passengers who stand up and cluster in the aisle as soon as the plane arrives at the gate.
This often occurs before the seatbelt sign is even turned off.
The term is related to the concept of “gate lice”, which refers to the airline passengers who crowd the gate area during the boarding process, before their group number is even called.
Expert opinion
“Anyone who has been on a commercial flight in economy knows the cramped nature of deplaning,” Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going told Huff Post.
“Elbows in faces, bags coming from all angles in the overhead bins, and of course, the impatient people who crowd the aisle.
“Regardless of seat assignment, some people will rush to the front of the aisle in an effort to deplane as fast as possible.”
Aisle lice typically refers to those who refuse to wait in their designated seat until it is their row’s turn to deplane.
However, the term might also apply to passengers who stand and take up space in the aisle at other inopportune moments.
While it primarily refers to air travel, aisle lice can also be found on trains, buses, and even boats.
Experts have described aisle lice behavior as “a mix of impatience, anxiety, and a desire to be among the first off the plane”.
However, standing prematurely doesn’t speed up the deplaning process, according to the pros.
It can actually create unnecessary congestion and tension in tight cabin spaces.
Travel fines
Katy Nastro also spoke about the potential reprussions this bad habit could result in.
“Aisle lice has become an even hotter topic in some places,” she explained.
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“Recently, Turkish Aviation Authorities have implemented a fine for people who stand up too early in the deplaning process, specifically when it is not safe to do so.
“These are extreme cases of people really going beyond deplaning etiquette.”
While Turkish authorities approved the fines on May 28, no cases have been confirmed publicly.
Passengers could be forced to fork out up to £52 if they are charged with the offence.
And in places where passengers are not fined for bad deplaning behavior, experts suggest taking a different approach.
“Stand by and let pass, or kill ’em with kindness,” the travel pro advised.
“If someone does rush ahead, you can consider politely asking if they have a connection or emergency, and if not, just explain that there is a general deplaning etiquette that ensures everyone gets off as efficiently as possible.
“If the other person isn’t willing to oblige, well, you tried to do your part.”
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Meanwhile, the best low-cost airlines in America have officially been named.
And airline passengers have been warned against making a common phone mistake.
Passengers who immediately stand up when the plane lands could face fines in Turkey (stock image)[/caption]
