TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Think getting off the plane takes way too long? Here's why
When a plane lands, there is always a sigh of relief that everyone can get off into the roomier airport. After hours of uncomfortably seating next to strangers, it’s nice to have room for yourself again.
Change Size
Standard safety procedures may make deplaning annoyingly slow, but it's all in the name of safety. (Shutterstock/File)
W
hen your plane lands, there is always a sigh of relief that soon you’ll soon be able to stretch your legs in the airport. After hours of sitting squashed next to a stranger, it’s nice to walk around a bit and breathe some fresh air.
But then the plane finally stops, and you find yourself just waiting around for the doors to open. Why are they taking so long? What are they doing? There are a few standard procedures that the crew must perform – in the name of safety – to make sure everyone gets to their destination in one piece.
First of all, the pilot needs to power down the engines and turn off a blinking red light called an anticollision light. This signals to the ground crew that the plane is ready for the jet bridge.
Read also: Six essential tips for frequent business travelers
The jet bridge is then maneuvered in place against plane’s door. When the flight attendants have been given a signal that it’s securely in place, they can open the doors.
This may seem straightforward enough, but there are other things that can happen during this process, according to Travel+Leisure, for instance, mechanical-related problems, heavy traffic on the runway or simple human error.
While the procedures may seem overly cautious and long to the tired passengers, they are in place for a reason, and they are the reason why flying remains one of the safest ways to travel. (ezr/kes)
