A series of TikTok videos has ignited the latest debate over flight etiquette: How should you exit the plane?
As flying becomes an increasingly exasperating experience due to airport disruptions and travel strikes, onboard behavior is facing scrutiny.
Controversies have arisen over whether seat reclining is permissible, if refusing to switch seats is rude, and who should control the armrests.
Now, TikTok is delving into the topic of disembarking from the aircraft. Here’s what social media users think about how you should exit the plane.
TikTok Debate Erupts Over Correct Exit Etiquette
The debate over disembarking etiquette was sparked by a video posted by TikTok user Quincy Philbin earlier this month.
In the clip, she demonstrates how her boyfriend helps her navigate the rush to leave the aircraft.
She shows how he stands in the aisle behind her, effectively blocking those in the rows behind him so that she can exit easily in front of him.
In the on-screen caption, she describes the gesture as “simple yet sweet.”
The video quickly amassed over two million views and hundreds of comments. Many users praised the man for his actions.
Others considered it unremarkable, “the most normal thing ever,” and something that “everyone does” for the people they are with.
However, some commenters viewed it as disrespectful and rude to passengers behind them in a hurry to leave the plane.
“Not me thinking it’s actually a rude thing to do for all the other people waiting to exit the plane too,” one viewer wrote, sparking a series of responses.
Should Passengers Exit the Plane Row by Row?
The video prompted many viewers to comment that the correct way to exit a plane is row by row.
“The people behind her should wait regardless of whether he stops them or not. The plane should deboard from front to back,” wrote one viewer.
“For those with decorum and class, you usually wait for the seats in front of you to empty before pushing past them. Unless they’re seated,” said another.
Earlier in June, another TikTok user posted a video criticizing those who crowd the aisle attempting to disembark first.
“Since when did the airplane etiquette of exiting row by row end?!?!” the on-screen caption reads.
Commenters described it as their “biggest pet peeve” and something that drives them crazy. Others agreed but made exceptions for those with tight flight connections.
Some airlines may have begun to enforce row-by-row disembarkation. “The last time I flew JetBlue, they actually displayed a message on everyone’s screen reminding us to do just that!” said one commenter.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, euronews.com
