'Domino effect': Flight attendants want you to stop doing this when you board
The task of boarding a plane is fraught with plenty of frustrating moments - gate lice crowding the area, having to wait for your boarding group to be called, and people complaining about, well, anything.
So the thought of getting within metres of finally being able to settle into your seat, only for someone to be standing in the aisle unpacking their carry-on in front of you, feels like a slap in the face.
And it's something that annoys not just passengers, but flight attendants as well.
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Boarding a plane can be fraught with frustrations already. Getty
Parade spoke to flight attendant Hailey Way, from the now-closed airline iAero Airways, and she said it is something people need to stop doing when boarding.
"This causes boarding congestion, which has a domino effect on the punctuality of our (and everyone else's) flight schedule," she told the publication.
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"Passengers should board, be seated, and once everyone is boarded, go about grabbing items from their luggage."
Though she adds, even doing it at this time should be done "quickly".
"It happens all the time. I know most are self-aware, but many individuals somehow leave their flying etiquette at home," she said.
Don't try and unpack your carry on during boarding by standing in the aisle. Getty
The thought was echoed by another flight attendant, who previously shared a video titled "A flight attendant's do's and don'ts when boarding an airplane" online.
US cabin crew member Cici shared three things she regularly sees travellers doing that they need to stop.
When you come to your assigned seat, Cici said "don't dig through your bags blocking aisles, looking for chargers, books, headphones, etc."
Instead, she recommended the use of a cross-body bag to have all the small things you need ready and accessible.
In the comments on her viral video, plenty of other travellers also agreed.
"People wait hours to board, but decide to get their crap out the suitcase once they get to their seats, blocking the passage," one person wrote.
While another added: "But these are just common sense?? I hate that people still block aisles."
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Flight attendants want people to be more self-aware when boarding. Getty
It comes after a packing expert warned against a common carry on suitcase choice.
Sharing advice with travel firm Flash Pack, it would help with this particular problem as well.
"Canvas duffle bags are a much better choice for your carry-on luggage," they said.
"It's also more likely that you can stow it under your seat, within arm's reach of everything you need, rather than running the gauntlet of overhead lockers."
So there you have it. Either prep your items before getting on the plane in the first place so you can stash them in the seat pocket straight away.
Otherwise, wait until people have boarded.
