Originally Posted by
tfar
Phlying, I am surprised you'd do something like this. You always seemed like a reasonable person from the other posts I read.
LOL.
Originally Posted by
tfar
1. Why would it take people in the summer longer? I'd think the winter with coats and heavier shoes that must be laced and unlaced takes longer, plus scarves and such.
Tfar, the difference is that it's once or twice a year summer travelers unfamiliar with TSA requirements, and if I may gingerly say so, checkpoint etiquette. I just flew LAX-SMF this afternoon and while waiting in line at the LAX T7 checkpoint, there were two families in front of me as I arrived at the conveyor belt. They were sorting out strollers, diaper bags, those little pink pre-K rollaboards things, camcorder, etc. I asked one of the matriarchs if she wouldn't mind me going ahead. I don't think I was out of line. My laptop bag, shoes, jacket and I only jumped past six or seven people trying to get their stuff together.
Originally Posted by
tfar
2. Are you basically stepping up to the line and walk by, say 20 people, to the front of the line, then you ask if it's ok to go ahead because you only have your briefcase? Even if you are not in a hurry? I mean a hurry caused by something outside of your control. If you just arrive late at the airport because you know you will skip the line and gain time, that is even more outrageous.
I don't do what you describe above. However, when I get to the conveyor belt and people are rummaging through their stuff, I will cut in front of them. I do this even if I am early, because I don't see the point of standing around when I could just walk around a couple of people who are not quite ready / getting their stuff together. Me standing there waiting does no one any good. OTOH, in my estimated 600+ journeys this decade, I can only recall a couple of times when airline staff have escorted me to the front of a line due to lateness/flight change.
Originally Posted by
tfar
If that's the case you are breaking the social contract. Seriously! That is not acceptable and very rude. There might be others who also only have a briefcase but they are waiting. It really would screw things up badly if everyone did. In some airports they have lines for experienced users and non-experienced users. That's a good system. But you can't just step in front of a general line just because you are an experienced user with little luggage.
Yes, I'd prefer it if others didn't join in.
Originally Posted by
tfar
3. I would only see two exceptions to that rule. One is that you have waited in line and it is almost your turn. But the person right ahead of you obviously takes a lot of time. You then ask him if you can step ahead. Even that would be impolite by strict standards but it wouldn't give you the ahole certificate.
Yes, this is what I do.
As an aside, I am the guy that accredits the organization in charge of issuing ahole certificates.
