Sanity is a disappearing commodity when it comes to travel. Yep, that’s what I’ve decided. Just think about travel today. Then, think about travel 20, 30 or 40 years ago. Kind of different, right?
With lockdown restrictions relaxing, more and more people are returning to public transport. They’re jumping on buses and hopping onto airplanes. But one thing that many people are forgetting to pack is patience. And what about manners? As the line from the 1997 film Donny Brasco goes, ‘Fuhgeddaboudit.” Not too long ago, Belgian bus drivers weighed in on the topic. They reported a startling increase in discourtesy, from people pushing to loud music and phone conversations. Patience has run thin.
Hostility is flying as high as the planes. Want a little shock factor? Usually the FAA investigates about 140 incidents involving passengers breaking the law or wreaking havoc. This year, that number nearly quadrupled in just the first five months of the year, mostly mask related. But more on that later.
From Yesterday’s Luxury…
I used to love hearing a Pan Am friend’s tales about the golden years of aviation. Gourmet meals served on a airplane with large, comfy seats. Crystal, china, champagne. Luxury, luxury, luxury. Today, you’re lucky if you get a glass of water and a package of peanuts. Years ago, people dressed to the nines to travel. Now, seats are smaller and closer together. Jeans, t-shirts and sports clothes seem to be de rigueur for most travellers. Let’s face it; we want to be comfy. And attitudes? People are crankier. Right?
Okay, maybe I’m a bit jaded. My parents grew up in an era when men opened doors for “ladies,” people dressed up to fly or travel “downtown,” and the young gave up seats on the bus for elderly travelers. We were taught those values, too. Remember when people didn’t have hissy fits at the airport? They pleasantly put up with the inconveniences of travel and were respectful to others — the airline staff, bus drivers and fellow travelers. I must be in an alternate universe. Those days are long gone. And what the heck is happening post-pandemic? Pandemonium!
Pandemonium in the Skies
Let’s take a look at the friendly, or not so friendly, skies. For the past 10 years, the US Federal Aviation Authority investigated about 140 cases of disruptive flyers each year. Maybe it was someone who had a bit too much to drink or tried to sneak a cigarette in the restroom. Okay, ready for this? US airlines have reported more than 3,000 cases of bad behavior since the start of the year. Are you shocked? I am. Time Magazine reported that more than 2,300 of those cases involved face masks!
Hello, unruly passengers. Do you realise there’s still a pandemic out there? And some people are refusing to get vaccinated or wear a mask. Americans had no problems wearing masks to protect themselves during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, although there were reports of some who poked holes in them so they could smoke. There are a few in every crowd, I guess. I’m wondering when caring for your community by wearing a mask become a political statement. And a battle cry.
Just last month, KING-TV reported a passenger attacked a flight attendant for not picking up her trash. Really? Passengers attacking each other or flight attendants, vile arguments over the requirement of in-flight masks and general nastiness. People have not only lost their common sense, they seem to have lost their minds.
Stop the Crap
The FAA is throwing the book and levying hefty fines for offenders. I say hurray! The agency is not taking any crap. Their new “zero-tolerance” policy is going to hurt bad travellers where they really feel it — in their wallets.
What have some of those financial bombs been, according to news releases from the FAA?
On June 22, the FAA announced it was proposing $124,500 in civil penalties against eight passengers who allegedly interfered with flight attendants. Infractions included refusing to follow cabin crew instructions and federal regulations, assaulting flight crew, drinking alcohol brought onboard and refusal to wear face marks. Behavior has been so bad that some pilots have returned to the airport to have law-breaking passengers removed from the aircraft, And the FAA has proposed more then $560,000 in fines. And that number keeps growing.
A Few Tips
Now, the good news is that the majority of passengers ARE respectful and follow the rules. For those who refuse, I have a few tips:
- Listen to the crew.
- Don’t break the law.
- Follow the rules.
- Wear your damn mask.
Don’t feel like it? Don’t worry, the FAA will help you make your decision — and help you reduce your bank balance. Oh, and while you’re at it, pick up your trash, try not to plunge your seat into the passenger behind you, be polite, and keep the volume down on those phone calls. We really don’t need any insights into your personal life. And take a minute to thank your cabin crew, whose jobs have become more difficult than ever. Okay, rant over. Safe travels.
This is what cheap fares get — cheap behavior. There is no reason for so many flights — flying used to be a luxury and that is why people dressed up and behaved. If you can’t afford to fly, stay home! Don’t complain about getting nothing because you are paying next-to-nothing.