We've all been there: the plane has just touched down at your sunny holiday destination, the seatbelt sign pings off, and a wave of relief washes over you. But your path to freedom is instantly blocked by a scrum of fellow travellers who have leapt from their seats to clog the aisle, determined to be first off the aircraft.
The Annoying Reality of 'Aisle Lice'
This infuriating behaviour now has an official nickname from those who see it every day: 'aisle lice'. The term, revealed by flight crew, describes passengers who jump up the very second the plane arrives at the gate – sometimes even before the seatbelt sign is switched off – and push past others to wait at the front.
As American flight attendant Cecily Anderson explained to Reader's Digest, this is more than just a breach of manners. "It's not just annoying, but it also slows everything down, making them even less likely to get what they want," she said, emphasising that deplaning rules exist for a reason.
Why Proper Disembarking Protocol Matters
The correct process is designed for safety and efficiency. Passengers must first wait for the seatbelt sign to be turned off. They should then gather their belongings and exit row by row from the front of the aircraft, moving in an orderly fashion towards the door.
This system isn't about arbitrary control; it's crucial for allowing those with tight onward connections or mobility needs to disembark quickly without a chaotic scramble. The rush created by 'aisle lice' undermines this entire process, causing delays and frustration for everyone.
Online forums are filled with complaints about the phenomenon. One Reddit user described the discomfort of "having someone's rear end standing beside my face while waiting to deplane." Another shared an alarming experience on a flight into Manchester, recalling two passengers who stood up and retrieved their bags dangerously early, as soon as the thrust reverse engaged upon landing.
How to Avoid Being Part of the Problem
For those eager to stretch their legs or genuinely in a hurry, there are courteous ways to behave. Angela McMurray, an international flight attendant, advises that it's acceptable to stand and stretch, but you should try to remain within your own seat area.
Her top tips for a smoother exit include:
- Use the waiting time to gather all your belongings and double-check you have everything.
- Avoid being the person who only starts fumbling for bags when it's their turn to move.
- And, as she wryly notes, "put your darn shoes on" before you try to leave.
Ultimately, a little patience and consideration for the established procedure ensures a safer, faster, and less stressful exit for all passengers and crew. The battle against 'aisle lice' is one of common courtesy, fought one orderly queue at a time.
