China Airplane Adventures

For those of us who've been on many airplane rides we understand that we can't get out of the airplane as soon as it touches down to the ground. We first must taxi to our gate or place of exit, which can sometimes take a little while. So we obey the flight staff and remain in our seats with our cell phones powered off (right? ;) ) I'm not sure that people in China quite understand this yet. Either that or they're all just too excited to get out of the plane.

As soon as the plane touches down people nearly spring out of their seats to get their things - as if someone else will snatch them if they don't. Sometimes the flight staff make an effort to stop them, but really, I think I'd give up after a while of people not listening as well. There's not much thought as to the possibility that items may have shifted in the overhead bins and could fall on your head when you open them while the plane is still moving. (I know this is terrible, but I have thought a couple times that maybe someone would learn their safety lesson if only something did fall out onto them or someone else.) And what do people do once they have all rushed for their bags? Obviously stand in the aisle - sometimes for a good long time as well (especially since I somehow always seem to end up at the back of the plane!) - until we all leave the plane at the same time. While many crowds in China can be maneuvered through, an airplane line up isn't one of them. Sorry friends.

Recently I was seated in the middle seat when both people around me felt the need to lurch out of their seats to do this. I refused to be moved from my seat. So there I sat while the man to my left stood squished in the aisle and the girl to my right barely stood in between the seats. At least I now had 2 empty seats to put my bags on. Maybe they beat me out of the plane by 2 people. What an accomplishment.

Well, if you want competition you've got it! I'll beat you out of the airport with my speed and 4 wheeled carry-on bag and no checked luggage any day. HA! Take that!

I'm choosing adventure, not irritant, right?

Yes, certainly. Bring it.