If I was the president of a country, when I arrived to visit another country, I think I’d prefer a jet-bridge rather than movable stairs to dismount from the plane.
Walking down stairs in the middle of the tarmac just seems so plebeian.
Occasionally when I have taken a plane, the airline bused all the passengers out to the plane-side and made us walk up the stairs to board the plane (or the reverse upon landing). That treatment seems far less swanky than simply walking directly from the terminal onto the plane.
Yep, I know that not airports have jet-bridge capacity and that the military bases where officials often land may have none, but heck, I’m not a president, so we’re just talking here.
AMEN! I have often looked at those stairs and often taken them. And every time, I think, “What happens if I fall down these suckers?” That’s quite a fall.
Steep stairs + potential jet lag + waving + security concerns = fall
Fall = embarrassment + potential injury
Now, I injure myself on an almost daily basis (I admit, I’m clumsy!), and I embarrassed myself by falling down on the ice yesterday (twice). But I don’t hold a public office.
The president has enough on his mind. Let’s not add embarrassment and 911 to the list.
So you would rather have the president walk through a crowded public airport? Its not like he has to stop at baggage claim.
@ Jordan
Can’t we just move all the pomp and circumstance inside? Line the marching band up on the baggage carousel, put the press lining the moving walkways (that would allow the President to stand still while giving everyone equal opportunity to photograph), etc.
I think there’s a reason for that. It’s easier to control crowds on a tarmac (where none exist) than in a terminal. Plus he can get into his limo as soon as he’s done greeting all the VIPs.
I think we’re all missing a key component..
If you went straight into the airport how could you kiss the concrete!?
It seems that a lot of chickenmonkeydoggians would opt to stick with the moveable stairs.
Well, whether it’s tradition, function or emotion that drives each preference, let’s just be glad that each of us, as future presidents of various countries, can choose their own way!
@Conall, No! The President already gets to cancel our television shows. I am putting my foot down against him cancelling flights.
@Conall, Wait, so I’m a chickenmonkeydoggian now? No initiation? …
… Is there a secret handshake at least?
@Conall, Interesting thought that. I wonder how many methods are available to emissaries vacating an airoplane?? Stairs, walkway, parachute, jetpack…..