THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 9, 1995 TAG: 9509080063
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Larry Maddry
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
``I'M SORRY, SIR,'' the overworked flight attendant said as the man tried to squeeze by her enroute to the restroom. She wanted to know if he couldn't go back to his seat until the beverages had been served.
The man, wearing a sportscoat and slacks, appeared to be in his 80s. He turned and walked back to his seat, anguish written on his face.
It happens all the time.
The airline has found that the cheap way to keep passengers happy on long flights is serve them beverages. Then passengers want to use the restrooms.
But there's a problem.
The beverage carts are almost exactly the width of the aisle, give or take a foot. So no one can pass the cart while it's in the aisle and go to the restroom.
We were at about 40,000 feet, roaring along in a Boeing 757 toward California from Detroit. The plane was a high-tech marvel, speeding toward the destination with TV monitors in the ceiling for in-flight movies, enough electrical capacity to light a small city.
Yet people were waiting to use the restroom. Quite a few experiencing discomfort in the process I suspect.
Since it was a long flight, I had plenty of time to think about the problem. The solution didn't seem to require a degree in aeronautics or rocket science.
Why couldn't the airlines simply use slim beverage carts that were half the width of the aisle?
They could use two of them instead of one. I'll bet the answer has to do with toppling. The airline is afraid a slim cart might fall over if the ride becomes bumpy. OK, then why not rig them so that they can be hooked together, side by side, during rough weather?
And while they are at it, why not do the same with the in-flight meal carts that create the same problem?
I dunno.
Ever notice how often when the flight attendant is reading off the gate numbers for people who are changing planes at the terminal the intercom system goes haywire or someone coughs loudly so you miss your gate number?
If the plane has TV monitors in the ceiling, why don't they simply put the gate numbers on the screen? If that's not possible, why not post the gate numbers on the walls of the enclosed boarding ramp? That way, passengers don't have to wander around looking for a TV monitor in the terminal with their flight's gate number on it. Be especially helpful for foreigners, I suspect.
Ever get a seating assignment beside an emergency exit? The ticketing clerk asks if you think you are strong enough to uncrank the emergency door. If you say ``yes,'' you are place near the exit. And given instructions on how to open the door, which has arrows indicating the way the crank unlatching it operates.
The airline obviously thinks it important that you be able to open one of the exit doors in the event of an emergency landing. But I've never opened one of the doors. Why don't they put one in the terminal so you can practice and get the hang of it? Wouldn't cost much. Could save lives.
If you have a suggestion that would make commercial air travel easier or safer, drop me a line. Or fax me at 446 2414. Like to hear from you at 150 W. Brambleton Ave. 23455. by CNB