Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?

I have only been on one airline where after the plane came to a stop at the gate the jetway was connected, the door was opened and people started getting off in less than a minute. Why does this usualy take around 5 minutes on most airlines?



Someone told me it was to let first class off first, but unless the plane has it's entry door behind first class, like on a 747, they get off first anyway.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?Want the real answer?



Everything above my answer is correct. Add to this the airlines are short staffed and the jetway operator is the same person that runs the check-in gate. They can't be in two places at once. They are supposed to do the jetway as soon as the jet arrives at the gate. Sometimes they make it on time, sometimes not.



We have a little timer as part of the ACARS system that reports how much time elapses once the brakes are set and when the main cabin door opens. That is supposed to tell the airline how well they're doing in getting the door open quickly. With this data, the company can get on the agents if they start getting long delays.



But if you have to run the ticket counter too, what are you going to do?



It's the honest, reality answer.



For Stach--In my 12 years flying jets, part 121, it's the gate agents. We show up and all too often there is nobody there.

As far as the engines go, many. many times the jetway is pulled up with the left engine running as there is zero risk to the folks getting off. We also use the APU which allows both engines to be shut down immediately w/o waiting for external air or power.



Most places can't connect ground power until the jetway is in place, and the flight attendants disarm the doors 1 ship length from the gate.



Different story for a jet with an airstair at an airport w/o a jetway or prop airplanes. Then all you need is an APU running.



These delays at major airports are not caused by cooling down engines, setting brakes, flight attendants, or anything like that.



For Achillies....The asker wanted to know what happens after you park, which as nothing to do with ATC or VFR or what have you, and no, ATC does NOT tell you to power down or to do anything with your lights.. Better brush up on your studies.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?
To allow the engines to switch of properly and ground staff to prepare exits for passengers and to make sure they are safe. and to put stairs in place.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?to get the ramp in place ,let first class off, secure the cabin etc.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?
It's just the time to bring up the jetway, position it, disarm the escape slides and open the door.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?Yes, it is true gate agents are part of the problem however there is more to the story than being short of personnel.



When the aircraft comes to a stop the pilot sets the parking brakes and turns the engines off. It takes time for the engines to spool down and stop. Don't want to suck a passenger in an engine of hit them with a propeller.



Next the flight attendants have to disarm the doors and slides before the doors are opened.



The electrical power is connected to aircraft and power is switched over to power up onboard systems before the doors are opened and external air is connected.



Once all the external power and air is connected the gate agent will drive the ramp up to the aircraft. Not ever one is trained on driving the ramp up to the door and it takes lots of training not to do damage an aircraft with a ramp.



All of the above does take time and waiting 4 or 5 minutes is not much time to insure the aircraft is safe and all systems are functioning normal.



On large B-474 there are two ramps agents driving the ramps again it still takes time to open both doors. First class and others are let off at the same time on these aircraft The airlines to not want to damage a 200 million plus dollar aircraft to save a few minutes rushing passengers off.
Shut down the engines properly, get the stairs/hallway, maybe bus(es). etc.Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?
i think stach and tarkill have the best anwser, lol.....
Sup bro... well first off, credentials. I'm currently enrolled in an airline flight school. So this is right up my ally in terms of studies. ATC (air traffic control) Is a pain in the rear most of the time, which may cause a delay. On outgoing flights ATC isn't contacted until after your aircraft and passengers are ready to roll "pretaxi". This is why, with the exception of waiting lines for the runway, taking off is sooo much quicker. Once airborne you are under what is called "flight following, and then your current visual status VFR or IFR (visual or instrument flight rules). Flight following is basically doing what atc towers from all along your route tell you to do. "FGEO44 This is COS619 adjust altitude 20000ft altimeter 2992". So from the point you take off to the point you are sitting at the gate, your waiting for these guys to give you clearance for everything, even landing lights. Hence you will get a delay waiting for ATC to get around to telling your craft to power down, reset landing systems and release the hatch (open jet way door). Hope this explained it. ;-)Why does it take 5 minutes from when the plane parks at the gate to when people start getting off.?
The jetway has to be driven to the door, Wheels chocked and the door has to be opened,handicaps get off first,What

really amzes me is the second the plan stops people jump and stand for 5 minutes like cattle,,, where the hell they going to go,,, theres one door...lol
they need to connect the walkover and make sure its securely in place
to let the plane cool down