An elderly first-time flier reportedly tried to open an aeroplane emergency door because he did not want to wait in line to disembark. According to the South China Morning Post, the 65-year-old man, surnamed Song, was subsequently detained for 10 days in China’s Zhejiang province.
On 21st April, Song travelled with his family via Shandong Airlines from Jinan (northern China) to Putuo (southeast of Shanghai).
Source: Shanghaiist
When the plane landed, Song became so impatient while waiting to get off the plane that he opened the emergency exit door in an attempt to bypass the queue.
However, he turned back when he noticed that there was no ladder to climb down from the plane, but by then he had already caught the attention of the flight staff and airport security.
Song then explained to the staff and security that it was his first time on a plane, and that he did not know that he was not supposed to open the emergency exit door – even though there were signs instructing passengers not to do so unless it was an emergency.
Source: News.com.au
Thankfully, the staff were able to close the exit without causing any delay for the other passengers.
It is unclear if Song was fined by the authorities for doing so, as one similar case in the past cost one man a fine of 70,000 yuan (approx RM42,835) after he was caught opening an emergency door to get some fresh air after his flight landed.
We hope this goes without saying, but please don’t attempt anything like this the next time you get on a plane!
Also read: Mother Forces KL-Bound Plane to U-Turn After Realising She Left Her Baby in Airport
