Did you hear that an angry Chinese passenger opened the emergency exit of a plane? That can be so unbelievable but really happened.
The plane was on the way to the runway, but the runway was so busy that the plane had to wait until it was allowed to use the runway - all the passengers had already been stuck on their seat without air conditioning for quite a while. Suddenly, a passenger unfastened his seat belt and went to open the emergency exit (door). The passenger was arrested for his abrupt action.
Opening the emergency exit of a plane can be so dangeous. You're risking the lives of all the passengers on the plane, and you may damage the plane. Air safety is such a concern now - we have already lost several flights. Everybody should abide by the rules if you choose to take a plane. You should know flight delay is not uncommon worldwide (not just in China). China is now the world's second busiest country of air transport, so flight delay is inevitable - maybe we should get accustomed to it. You still need to pay attention to the travel etiquette wherever you go however fast your economy is growing.
Some people, however, may argue that the government or the airline or the airport is also to blame for the "air rage". Sometimes, flight delay can be so long and unbearable. Try to imagine you sitting between two big guys without air conditioning (not available since the plane is about to take off) - that can be such a nightmare. They should improve their service quality.
Nevertheless, I don't think it's acceptable to open the emergency exit of a plane just for fresh air or for getting off a plane quicker unless it's in an emergency situation, and no matter how intolerable the flight delay is or how angry you are.
Note:
If you want to write an argumentative essay/blog like this, you might like Expector's Writing Challenge: Argumentative Essay.
Comments
Doc, I have never seen the interior of a plane in real life but based from your story, it seems that anyone boarding the plane has an easy access to the emergency exit. Can we call it one proof of laxity on the part of the authority? If a guard was posted near the exit, the arrest could have been avoided unless there was a written warning note near the door.
Not all the people boarding the plane are familiar with flight rules and not all the people feel empathy towards their co plane boarders that they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. I don't think it's fair for that man to be arrested unless it was intentionally done. On the other hand, self gratification can be a crime (?)
@Tara
Thanks so much for the comment. Thanks for using the word "snap", which is just the one I wanted to use.
Yes, we need to be patient or understanding, even though there's really something wrong, since it wouldn't help to snap irrationally.
It's scary, isn't it? Travel nightmares can cause everyday people to become extremely agitated. You never know why some people snap. Maybe they have a medical condition or a family member who is very sick. Maybe they are trying to get to a wedding. Unfortunately, travellers often take their frustrations out on the airline staff. We all need to try to keep calm when we are traveling.
@shahab
You're welcome!
Thanks for mentioning the issue.
@fahim
Thanks for the comment. Yes, it can be so stuffy in an plane. They should improve the service.
@Luci
Yes, it's sporadic. I hope no such things happen in the future. In fact, people in China insist the passengers should be punished for the offence because such behaviour is sure damaging the image of the country.
You may want to read more about the incidents.
isn't it more about individual cases? I hardly believe such ppl represent Chinese nation and I personally take it as something unusual. Anyway, some people are with their ideas unpredictable as you can see and nobody is able to stop them! Your airlines should work on how to deal with delay flights BUT nobody can control the weather, so that's why people should show some understanding..
@noasl
Yes, recently several "air rage" incidents (including the hot water/noodles one) were reported - shame on those Chinese passengers.
With the rapid economic growth, more and more Chinese people can afford to travel both in China and abroad - Chinese visitors are everywhere. But unfortunately, some of the visitors failed to make a good impression on the people in which coutries they just visited - the way they behaved was often frowned on. The problem is that they may be totally unware of that.
I hope they can behave differently next time.
I've read the news. I was appalled with the action of that man, but at the same time the airline company also need to look at the comfort of its passengers when it was facing such a long delay. However, nowadays it seemed such common news reading about air rage especially relating to China or Chinese passengers. Once a passenger threw a cup of hot water to air stewardess when he ans his girlfriend were seated at different seats.
Travelers need to understand that sometimes delay is inevitable. They need to be patient when facing such situation.
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