Approval to disembark

[dylarr]

For a while now, I’ve noticed that a lot of JQ flights (especially those arriving at SYD) require approval from the ground crew to disembark. The plane will arrive at the bay with aerobridge connected and doors open then the crew will make a PA advising they need approval before anyone can disembark. Sometimes this can take up to 10 minutes before they will let anyone off the plane.

This doesn’t seem to be something other airlines including QF do, or at least from what I’ve noticed - normally once the doors are open they start disembarking quickly.

Does anyone know why JQ do this?

 

[TheInsider]

For a while now, I’ve noticed that a lot of JQ flights (especially those arriving at SYD) require approval from the ground crew to disembark. The plane will arrive at the bay with aerobridge connected and doors open then the crew will make a PA advising they need approval before anyone can disembark. Sometimes this can take up to 10 minutes before they will let anyone off the plane.

This doesn’t seem to be something other airlines including QF do, or at least from what I’ve noticed - normally once the doors are open they start disembarking quickly.

Does anyone know why JQ do this?

Do they have rear stairs put on too?

 

[drron]

It happens in BNE too. The last time I did the LST-BNE flight it wasn't because of the rear stairs being in place as when we were let off there were several passenger from the rear already in front of us. I was 3rd off of the passengers from the front.

 

[TheInsider]

If you are using the rear stairs then people have to disembark from the rear first before the front. Some weight and balance issue and incident that happened just prior to covid to cause this change. This is the same for Qantas flights using the stairs and aerobridge.

 

[dylarr]

Ah interesting. That makes sense. I can't remember if rear stairs were being used on all the flights but it's likely they were if that's the case! I've got a few JQ trips coming up so I'll pay attention to see if it's definitely linked to use of the rear stairs or not.

 

[Must...Fly!]

I expect it's the rear stairs, the delay perhaps being tied to a lack of ramp staff due to COVID shortages.

 

[dylarr]

I expect it's the rear stairs, the delay perhaps being tied to a lack of ramp staff due to COVID shortages.

Yep. I'd expect this is the case.

I'm assuming the times I've really noticed this have been caused by a delay getting stairs to the rear of the plane, resulting in all pax having to wait even though the aerobridge is connected and forward door open. Once the rear stairs are connected and the required number of pax have disembarked from the rear, then the remainder of the plane can go — all coming down to weight and balance.

Mystery solved

I first noticed this in Nov 2020 which was the first JQ flight I took since COVID and that aligns with the timing that TheInsider mentioned above too.

 

[jb747]

Here you go....though I'm surprised that Jetstar are doing it as it's mostly a 737 issue.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_h5wclVIAAtmxC?format=jpg&name=large

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Here you go....though I'm surprised that Jetstar are doing it as it's mostly a 737 issue.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_h5wclVIAAtmxC?format=jpg&name=large

What's the fine for pulling a wheelie on a 737, you reckon? I suspect at least a citation by the airport manager!

-RooFlyer88

 

[drron]

Funny but flying VA into MCY I always nab a seat at the back as they do exit front and back. I cant remember a time that the folk at the back were let off before the front passengers. And it was always a 737.

 

[justinbrett]

From what I understand it's mostly a 737-900 issue, and many airlines use a tail stand as mitigation.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It was (presumably still is) a procedure when I was at VA years ago. Something like first pax off the rear on the tarmac then the front can disembark. A tip can happen on any aircraft if you balance it incorrectly.

 

[AIRwin]

It was (presumably still is) a procedure when I was at VA years ago.

This?

Its Going to fall over

Recently on my return trip from Canberra to Melbourne I learnt a lot. The plane landed and all arose and retrieved our carry on. The nice lady blocked the alley way to let the Business class people off first. This having been completed she moved forward toward the front door and then blocked...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au