# Normal things you refuse to do on a plane **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 21, 2011, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307 "2011-06-21T16:55:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/61 "2011-06-23T09:43:21Z")
> [@Capitaine\_Zombie](#): > > I have experienced the same problem, but in airport toilets. I am seriously confused. How do you experience turbulence on the ground? Or, are there actually toilets that sit beside each other? ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/62 "2011-06-23T10:31:46Z")
I get on airlines only when forced to by my company, or due to exceptional circumstances. I picked “overhead bin”, since I travel really light and my small bag slips under the seat. ---
**Author:** ![Capitaine\_Zombie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/63 "2011-06-23T12:22:24Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > I am seriously confused. How do you experience turbulence on the ground? Or, are there actually toilets that sit beside each other? You sound just like the toilet janitor. He wouldnt believe my explanations of how huge gallons of piss bearing my distinct DNA had ended up on the walls of his private realm. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/64 "2011-06-23T13:23:46Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > There are the people who don’t get the hint, the people who think everyone in the world is as right wing and religiously nutty as they are and who spew their crazy theories and then are surprised that you don’t agree with them, I guess I’ve been lucky so far! ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/65 "2011-06-23T15:24:00Z")
I don’t sleep on planes. Everything else listed I’ll do, although I avoid getting items from the overhead bins. That’s just too big a disturbance to fellow passengers. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/66 "2011-06-23T15:48:29Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Seriously, I’m always a little confused by these threads where everybody complains about people reclining into their laps and shoving their heads into their faces. I haven’t been on a plane in more than a decade where the seats reclined more than two inches, if that. When you’re already so tall that your knees are rammed up against the seat in front, those two inches make a huge difference. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/67 "2011-06-23T15:52:26Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I’m surprised at how many people will not talk to strangers. Not being funny, but are you American? It is quite the stereotype that Americans try and start conversations in these sort of situation when others don’t want to and/or don’t understand that others don’t want to. I used to be on a website for Americans in Sweden. People on there used to always complain about not being able to start up small talk with Swedes, no matter how much they tried. Every time I read it a voice inside of me said “you just don’t understand. This isn’t the US”. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/68 "2011-06-23T16:45:01Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > Not being funny, but are you American? I’m an American. A shy and introverted American. Of Swedish descent. I should mention that I’ve never flown outside of the US, and about half of the conversations I have are initiated by the other person. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/69 "2011-06-23T16:57:16Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > When you’re already so tall that your knees are rammed up against the seat in front, those two inches make a huge difference. This times 1000. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/70 "2011-06-23T17:26:00Z")
> [@garygnu](#): > > Everything else listed I’ll do, although I avoid getting items from the overhead bins. That’s just too big a disturbance to fellow passengers. I’ve been wondering what all of the hesitation over the use of overhead bins was for. Unless you’re the guy by the window and have to keep getting in and out, how is the use of the overhead bin _on its own_ a disturbance to fellow passengers? ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/71 "2011-06-23T17:39:21Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I’ve been wondering what all of the hesitation over the use of overhead bins was for. Unless you’re the guy by the window and have to keep getting in and out, how is the use of the overhead bin _on its own_ a disturbance to fellow passengers? Obviously, you’ve never had the aisle seat where someone sticks their butt in your face while they fish around and push other people’s stuff out of the way trying to get that pen they just have to have. I once had someone hit me in the head with their overhead bag and then ask me if I could hold it for them while they tried to get their coat stuffed in another bin - with the sleeve with the big brass button repeatedly hitting me in the face . . . :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/72 "2011-06-23T17:54:33Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I’ve been wondering what all of the hesitation over the use of overhead bins was for. Unless you’re the guy by the window and have to keep getting in and out, how is the use of the overhead bin _on its own_ a disturbance to fellow passengers? > [@melodyharmonius](#): > > Obviously, you’ve never had the aisle seat where someone sticks their butt in your face while they fish around and push other people’s stuff out of the way trying to get that pen they just have to have. > > I once had someone hit me in the head with their overhead bag and then ask me if I could hold it for them while they tried to get their coat stuffed in another bin - with the sleeve with the big brass button repeatedly hitting me in the face . . . > > :smack: Also when they say items may have shifted in flight, that can happen at the beginning of the flight too. Someone opening one of those bins without due care can cause an avalanche of stuff on people’s heads. I was on one fairly turbulent flight and during a rare calm spot someone a few rows up opened the overhead bin. Two suitcases, assorted hats and a couple of duty free bottles went flying out. Luckily the only major injuries were to the booze. The rest of that flight smelled like a distillery however. Flight attendants moved the offender to the rear of the plane for his own safety as there were several people willing to do him personal harm. Overhead bins are for items you don’t need during flight but are unwilling to risk losing. Perhaps a couple days supply of needed medication and one change of clothes. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/73 "2011-06-23T17:58:22Z")
Usually I get away with flying first class, but not always. In coach, I make it a point to bump people when they recline on a small plane. I bump them a lot. I’m five two and I find my knees just a few inches away from the seat in front of me when fuckers do that. I don’t recline my seat unless there’s a small child behind me or it’s an empty seat or I’m in business or first. btw, if you ask the attendant for the can, they give it to you. I don’t check bags, but I don’t bring oversized carry-ons, either. Sometimes I have to use the overhead bin and then I just get mad at people who don’t pack properly. \>: ( I never go to the bin, though. I order snacks (I hate paying for that shit! grr) when my son is with me…which is almost always. He loves flying and it kind of makes it more fun. HE likes to talk to people, but somehow has the mature sense to figure out when adults like kids or not. They initiate the conversations, which, unfortunately, means I get dragged into them and can’t concentrate on my Kindle/Economist/whatever I’m doing. also: They ban needlepoint? But a ball point ben is about as dangerous as most needlepoint equipment! ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/74 "2011-06-23T18:04:09Z")
> [@michael\_b](#): > > I will NOT sit next to an overweight person. I have asked (successfully) to switch when I find myself in a situation. I also always try to sit in an exit aisle seat. Also, I try to avoid the restroom at all costs. I have peed on the wall several times due to turbulence. What the fuck? If you don’t want to sit next to an overweight person, book yourself a First Class ticket. Then the overweight rich guy next to you won’t be bothersome. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/75 "2011-06-23T18:09:50Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Curious about the air-boozers, but then I suppose there are folks who need alcohol to get through the day. Pity, really. Air boozer here. I don’t _need_ alcohol to get through my day, but I’ll admit unashamedly that I enjoy imbibing when possible. Pity? Really? No thanks, fuck you! ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/76 "2011-06-23T18:29:29Z")
> [@CitizenPained](#): > > What the fuck? If you don’t want to sit next to an overweight person, book yourself a First Class ticket. Then the overweight rich guy next to you won’t be bothersome. It’s not that they’re bothersome. It’s that they tend to encroach upon the space of their neighbors. Not their fault, but also not that comfortable for the person who has to share their space with the overweight passenger. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/77 "2011-06-23T19:48:45Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I’m an American. > > A shy and introverted American. Who are you, and what have you done with the real tdn? ---
**Author:** ![Jaledin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jaledin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaledin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/78 "2011-06-23T20:01:21Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Pity? Really? No thanks, fuck you! “Hear, hear” – it’s not the planes themselves that get to me – it’s the Unpleasant of spending hours in the world’s ugliest, trashiest malls on the planet waiting for a transfer. Heroin would work just as well – but some people can arrange their lives such that they avoid unpleasant, germed-up environments regularly. So they don’t need to do it every day, just around the rest of the people in those sucking holes of vapidity and loud, terrible music. Same with talking on the plane – I love talking to strangers, or at least being extremely pleasant to them, particularly after a pint or two of whiskey, but the brain needs a break sometimes, and the plane is the thing, I find. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/79 "2011-06-23T22:37:42Z")
> [@CitizenPained](#): > > I bump them a lot. I’m five two and I find my knees just a few inches away from the seat in front of me when fuckers do that. How is this possible? I am 5’ 7" and I always have room in coach even when the person in front of me reclines. How do you people sit that you are constantly bothered by the person in front of you? > [@CitizenPained](#): > > What the fuck? If you don’t want to sit next to an overweight person, book yourself a First Class ticket. Then the overweight rich guy next to you won’t be bothersome. I wouldn’t actually ask to switch but I’d be silently cursing them out the whole flight if they are so large that their flesh goes over the armrest and squeezes against me. I don’t want to spend 6 hours pressed against your sweaty flab, thank you very much. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307/80 "2011-06-24T00:16:50Z")
> [@melodyharmonius](#): > > Obviously, you’ve never had the aisle seat where someone sticks their butt in your face while they fish around and push other people’s stuff out of the way trying to get that pen they just have to have. Well, yeah, and I hate that, but _I_ don’t do that to others, and so I have no problems using the overhead bin during a flight. Thus I was curious as to why other people might object to accessing the overhead bin during the flight, unless they’re universally clumsy and thoughtless, but don’t want to admit it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-things-you-refuse-to-do-on-a-plane/586307.md?page=5)