The situation is familiar to everyone who has flown: the plane has landed and finished moving along the taxiway, but passengers are not allowed to get off. The doors open after 10-15 minutes, sometimes even later. What happens during this time? A pilot explains.
After landing, a whole series of tasks must be completed to prepare for passenger disembarkation, and they begin only after the engine has completely stopped. Workers inspect the aircraft for external damage, 16-kilogram chocks are placed under the landing gear, and cones are placed under the wingtips to make it easier for ground vehicle drivers to maneuver around the liner.
First time at the airport: what to do?
Security personnel обязательно approach the aircraft, and if the flight is international, border guards as well. When everyone is assembled, they bring up the airstairs. In small airports, this is done by the same person who places the chocks and cones, so it takes him more time.
There are two types of airstairs: mobile and jet bridges. Mobile airstairs on wheels carefully approach the aircraft, passengers descend along them, board a bus, and drive to the terminal. Passengers enter the terminal directly via the jet bridge. This is more convenient, but its installation takes more time. Using a remote control, a specialist directs the structure, manually adjusting the height and direction so that the transition from the cabin to the airstairs is level. Sudden movements in this process are unacceptable – there is a risk of damaging the airstairs or the aircraft, so everything happens slowly and carefully.
When all these measures are completed, the doors can be opened. For international flights, this is allowed only in the presence of border service officers. When the doors are open, the crew exchanges the necessary information and documents with the airport staff: sometimes it is necessary to transfer mail, to say what kind of service the aircraft needs during its parking time. Only after the completion of these negotiations are passengers released.
Why can’t you bring liquids on a plane?
So, there is no need to rush to get up and move towards the exit immediately after the plane lands. In addition to those listed, there are other reasons:
- If the plane has finished moving, this does not mean that it will not start moving again, so you need to stay in your seat while the “fasten seat belts” sign is on. It is turned off by the captain of the crew when the aircraft is already on the parking brake, that is, its movement is definitely finished.
- If you checked in your baggage, there is no need to rush even more – unloading it takes quite a long time, and you will have to wait for your things at the baggage carousel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disembarking a Plane
- Why is there sometimes a delay in getting off a plane after it lands? Delays can be caused by various factors, including waiting for ground crew to connect the jet bridge or airstairs, security checks, baggage handling procedures, and waiting for clearance from air traffic control.
- What are the safety procedures that take place after a plane lands? Safety procedures include inspecting the aircraft for any damage, securing the plane with chocks and cones, and ensuring all passengers remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the plane comes to a complete stop.
- What is the difference between a jet bridge and airstairs? A jet bridge is an enclosed, elevated walkway that connects the aircraft directly to the terminal gate, allowing passengers to disembark without going outside. Airstairs are mobile stairs that are driven to the aircraft, and passengers disembark onto the tarmac and then take a bus to the terminal.
- What happens if there is an emergency situation after the plane has landed but before passengers can disembark? In the event of an emergency, the crew will follow established procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers, which may include using emergency exits and slides.
- Are there any specific rules or etiquette passengers should follow when disembarking a plane? Yes, it’s important to remain seated until the seatbelt sign is turned off, follow crew instructions, and be patient and courteous to other passengers when retrieving carry-on baggage and exiting the aircraft.
- Can passengers request to disembark the plane first or last? In general, no. Disembarkation order is typically determined by seat location or passenger needs, such as those requiring assistance.
