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It's The People, Not the Airport! People rag on the TSA about causing travel trouble. But the real problem is the passengers. Here’s why they’re so aggravating! Monday, October 22, 2012 Glenn Haussman

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Talk about your first world problems. I got plenty of them; especially when it comes to airports. No, this is not going to be one of those pieces where I make fun of the TSA. Too easy (just kidding TSA I love you, please don’t put me on a no fly list).

Instead I want to discuss what is truly the most annoying thing about airports; all the people there I swear must be getting paid to irk the heck out of me. One of the hazards of having a job that takes you around the country is dealing with people at the airport and on planes. It’s a pressure filled environment that lets the annoying side of people shine through. Here are some of my favorite personalities that have mastered the art of aggravating me.

Rushing the Gate People
They have to know their ticket says zone 5, yet every flight I take there are people that attempt to board when zone 1 is called. You see it as soon as they start to board travelers who need a ‘few extra minutes.’ They rush the gate agent, pushing first class passengers aside and then try to board when they see fit. Poor gate agent. I see her every flight exasperated beyond belief trying to be politely when telling those people their zone has not been called yet. I know what she is really thinking of them because I am thinking the same thing too. Then they come back when zone 2 is called and again with zone 3. Please stick to your zone so we can all board this flight!

Can You Move People
I am not sure on the etiquette on this one, but I am pretty sure these people need to stop being afraid of being alone. I appreciate that you would like to sit with your spouse, partner, significant other, frenemy, whatever. But it really frustrates me when folks think it is their right to constantly ask me to move my seat; just because I am alone. Once in a while I get it – just switched the other day in fact – but it happens way too much. And to be honest, your back of plane middle seat does not compare with my front of plane aisle seat that has extra leg room.

When I fly I am all about being left alone and try to send out body language that says go away politely. Yet they do not and I am repeatedly being asked to give up my space. Is it really that hard to be separated from someone for two or three whole hours? You will have plenty of time to get reacquainted at the baggage claim, unless you brought in on board. In that case…

Can I Move Your Stuff Folks
I always a check my bags and put my laptop and other gear right by me. But so many people are bringing their bags on board it is getting tight. Worse yet, everyone believes they have the right to put their giant bags they should have checked. My small and appropriately sized one is just where it should be. It’s not that I am being difficult it’s just I do not want to have my bag relocated to far away from me just because you do not feel like checking yours and bring three on board. That’s your risk and if you can’t find a place for it, gate-check it. Just leave me and my poor bag alone.

Won’t Shut Up Guy
Probably the most frustrating of all is the guy who needs to hear himself talk and doesn’t care that you have no interest in listening. These people are easy to spot because they start talking to you as soon as they sit down and won’t relent. For those talkers out there that might be confused about the policy, here it is: When you sit down exchange pleasantries and if you seem to click with the person than a little more. A little more, it is not an open invitation to share your life’s story. And though you may think you are highly entertaining you are not. Further, no one wants to listen to you talk about your unyielding affection toward Cabbage Patch dolls and collectibles the entire way across the country. When I put my headphones on please understand it’s not because I want to listen to the new Justin Beiber album – which I hear is amazing! – It’s actually a signal that you need to zip it.

Nothing personal but I do not know you and I do not care about Cabagge Patch travails or your poodle Snookers who you miss terribly.

Won’t Power Down Guy
The worst of them all is the dude that refuses to shut down his electronics when asked. I say dude because I have not yet seen a woman do this. Not sure why these men feel they can continue to talk on the phone while the plane is moving on the tarmac or why they feel compelled to leave the power on even after being asked to shut it down repeatedly. What kind of bizarre power move are you making? Or is it just the overwhelming desire to be a jerk that has absolutely no regard for their or other’s safety? I get that leaving you cell phone on probably won’t bring the plane down, but in case it does I hate to think while we are plummeting to the ground it was because this guy next to me absolutely has to get in that look at his Facebook page because one of the his ‘friends’ just posted they are eating some incredibly tasty flapjacks. Yes they look tasty but that can so wait to we get to Phoenix.
 
I Gotta Get Up Guy
I sit on an aisle any chance I get because I hate to be this guy. Dang it is so frustrating getting asked to get up every 20 minutes because someone has to pee. I recognize I have the bladder of a 9 year old so I plan accordingly. Of course they ask me to move the second I doze off, which ruins my ability to sleep for the rest of the flight. I know you need to be patient here, but let’s make a rule that you can get up once every 90 mins or so. Or if you see me getting into snooze position then please ask right then and there. Thanks!

What are some of the things that irk you about the travel process? We’d love to hear them!