Did the airlines help create the unruly passenger problem by treating customers badly?
unruly passengers are a growing problem. I fully support the zero-tolerance approach that the FAA and FBI are taking. Unruly passengers put all occupants on the airplane at risk. The rules for carriage are clearly stated during the ticket purchase process and then repeated by the flight attendants. It’s clear what level of behavior is expected of passengers. Why doesn’t the government put air marshals back on planes to control unruly passengers?
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Airline employees are still people. As such, there are wide variances in how stressful situations are resolved. My experience is that there are many, many more helpful professional agents than condescending ones.
It is one of the most stressful situations they face. However, the FAA rules are mandatory and must be carried out.
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Why does it seem like the descent toward the destination airport is faster than the climb after takeoff? I always have a harder time dealing with pressure in my ears when descending than I do during climbing despite wearing special ear plugs for flying.
– S.A.M., Seattle
The descent portion of the flight is actually often slower than the climb. The cabin descends at 300-500 feet per minute.
Your difficulty in clearing your ears is due to the direction of the airflow in your eustachian tube. When descending, it puts pressure on your eardrum, which can be painful. Clearing your ears reduces the differential pressure.
Getting your Eustachian tube open to allow air to match the surrounding air pressure can be helped by yawning, chewing gum or holding your nose and blowing against it. Ask your physician for advice.