What’s Wrong With This Picture?

A better question is, what’s not wrong with this picture. I think it is quite comical to see the many ways that airlines try to get across the same messages, and how in some cases they send conflicting messages. They have the light’s indicating when you may or may not unfasten your seat belt, as well as a reminder stitched into the seat back in front of you to always use your seat belt while seated. Flight attendants do the same song and dance before every flight informing the public the proper way to fasten your belt, and how to utilize the other safety functions of the plane that most passengers will never need to use. My personal favorite is the information they give you regarding life vests if you are traveling with a “lap child”.

Although their messages are nothing if not repetitive, it amazes me to see how some people just don’t get it. After a while you begin to feel like a herd of cattle, but I think sheep can be a better analogy. Almost no one listens to the crew members instructions about placing your roller board luggage in “wheels first”, and the smaller planes stump even the smartest bears as the overhead compartments open down, not up.

I suppose this is the inspiration for the signage on the door in the picture above, but I find the it no less ridiculous. Mind you there are no less than 5 reminders not to smoke in the lavatory, including the three here on the door. I have to wonder, are we not past this yet? How many people get on a plane and expect to be able to smoke? I know this was a shocker to many passenger say back in the 1980s, but I think 30 years later, most people know it’s not allowed, and the one’s that do it anyway don’t care. I wonder how much energy and time is wasted by lighting and replacing the bulbs the illuminate the no-smoking signs on each plane. A better use for this that I have seen is a lighted sign that indicates whether or not you may use your electronic devices.

Next, you’ll have to look closely. There is a sign recommending caution when opening the door as it swings into the aisle, but if you look even closer at the door handle it says in all bold letters to “PULL” the door into the lavatory. This is not to be outdone by the sign reminding the person in the restroom to shut the door during take off and landing.

In all, I think that they could probably remove 4 of the 5 no-smoking signs and the aforementioned cautions about the door. I imagine most people don’t recognize these things on their vacations, as most people are just excited or terrified to be on the plane. That means the only useful sign on the door is the picture showing you how to lock the door. Oh and I guess if you just have to smoke, you can use the ash tray mounted in the door.