Air Travel Etiquette - Don't Be This Guy.

So I went on a quick plane trip yesterday - up at 3am, home at 11pm - don't ask - and on the first leg of my flight home, I had the 'pleasure' of sitting directly across the aisle from Sleepy McSlobber. I really have no words for this experience, but I guess I'll give it a go:

I first noticed Sleepy in the gate area, he was sitting at the charging station for cell phones, puffing on an electronic cigarette (what the hell are those things, anyway??) At first I thought it was a real one, but then never smelled any smoke - but anyway - they start boarding the plane, and I settle myself in my tiny little seat - big enough for me to be mostly comfortable, but I'm glad I'm not any taller. Sleepy stumbles in and sits in an exit row with another gentleman. They've closed the cabin door & are asking everyone to get seated when Sleepy realizes he's in the wrong seat, and sits down next to me across the aisle. He's muttering to himself about the crappy seat, nowhere to put his coat (the flight attendant told him to put it on the floor which I LOVED!), reclines his seat even though we haven't taken off yet....I'm looking forward to a great flight! He dumps all the stuff from the seat pocket onto the floor, snorts & wipes his nose on his hand a few times, and proceeds to pass out.

This guy slept through most of the flight - which was a blessing, because 1) it allowed me to take pictures of him and 2) when he was awake he was muttering to himself, guzzling coke and then belching, and constantly snorting and hacking and wiping his nose. I don't know whether he was drunk, high, or just mentally challenged - maybe all three - but it made for quite an experience.

This next picture was my attempt to photograph the drool that was hanging from his lip.

I really felt bad for the seemingly nice man who ended up sitting right next to Sleepy. He didn't roll his eyes a single time, just seemed to find it all funny. I'd have been asking for a change of seat - there were plenty of open ones around us.

So please - if you're traveling in a small enclosed space, don't be this guy. It's no fun for the rest of us  - but it does provide some blog fodder, and you never know who's sitting next to you, taking your picture :)