Waiting for the Jetway Driver

Nov. 23, 2010
My informal poll of customer complaints shows that second to lost bags and going through security, what rankles passengers most is arriving early at their destination and then having to wait to deplane.  Bad enough waiting for a gate, but then having to wait for the jetway produces significant frustration.  As soon as the parking brakes are set and the captain beeps that it’s safe to stand, the aisles are filled with passengers and all their carry-on bags.  The crowded conditions and jostling are exacerbated when the wait for a jetway is prolonged.  I myself have waited as much as 20 minutes.  And I have seen inexperienced jetway drivers have to make multiple attempts in order to line up the cabin door and the jetway opening.  On a number of occasions, I have seen the aircraft have to be moved to get the jetway to line up.   This is clearly annoying from the passenger perspective.  On the ramp these delays equal time and money.  If the plane can’t be brought quickly and efficiently to the gate and passenger deplaning commenced, this ties up resources needed to unload the aircraft and get it ready for its next flight.  I know that service cuts throughout have cut staffing to the bone at many airports.  But this is a problem that begs for a solution.  Any thoughts out there?