DYKWIA ?

The DYKWIA is the best kind of traveler. They think they are important. They think they spend a lot of money on their travels. They think they are better than you. They are the “Do You Know Who I Am?” traveler.

• You may have seen them in line checking in, arguing with the gate agent.
• You may have seen them trying to bring on 4 carry-on bags
• You may have seen them still using their blackberry when the plane is taking off down the runway.
• You may have seen them trying to go places they shouldnt be (first class check-in areas, special TSA lines, etc.)

You may have noticed that the DYKWIA really isnt an important person. Its just that they *think* they are important. After all, we’re all on a flight, trying to get from point A to point B. Once I’m at the airport, i’m just one of many, just trying to get home.

So, last week, I encountered a classic DYKWIA on board a flight from Boston to Charlotte. I had already boarded first (one of many Star Alliance Gold Preferred perks), and was sitting in my seat on an Airbus A319, I believe around seat 7C. A few people behind me, this gentleman comes walking down the aisle and proceeds to take seat 5D. This guy then takes his sweet old time, taking off his jacket, putting his bag in the overhead, then stuffing his jacket in the overhead, then getting his laptop bag arranged, all while still standing in the aisle.

This drives me bonkers. 1) if you’ve traveled on a plane in the last 20 years, you hear the flight attendants asking you to “please step out of the aisle and allow passengers to pass while you put your bags away”. 2) have some decency, you’re holding up an entire line of people trying to get home.

So after what felt like 10 minutes, but was probably only 90 seconds, I had to yell out, “Hey buddy, there’s 100 people behind you trying to board. Move out of the aisle!”

Startled, he responded, “I’m trying to get situated” to which I responded, “yeah, its not always about you”.

To be honest, I thought I was going to get a rousing round of applause from the other passengers, but perhaps it was just Friday afternoon, and people just wanted to get home… I didnt get a round of applause. Oh well. It was a small win that I’ll have to keep personally.