A gate agent has had enough of shouting at distracted passengers, and they're taking their frustration to the internet to explain why those tarmac phone rules actually matter.
In a candid Reddit post, the airport worker revealed the real reason they're constantly telling passengers to put their phones away when walking across the tarmac to board planes - and it's not about fuel explosions.
"When you're on your phone, you're not paying attention to what's around you," the agent explained. "The apron of an airport is a scary place."
The gate agent supervises passengers in high-visibility vests as they cross the tarmac, and they report having to warn at least 10 people per flight about phone use - often by shouting over jet engines. It's awkward and embarrassing for everyone, they note, but it beats the alternative: filling out paperwork when someone gets hurt.
While fuel safety is technically part of the concern, the real danger is simpler and more common: distracted passengers create safety hazards. The post explains that people have walked into wings, wandered toward taxiways, and created dangerous situations that require constant supervision.
The discussion sparked debate, with some travelers defending phone use and others sharing their own observations of dangerous airport behavior. The gate agent clarified they're specifically talking about situations where passengers must walk outside and up stairs to board - not jetbridges, where phone use is fine.
The underlying message is clear: airport workers aren't enforcing rules for fun. They're trying to prevent injuries in an environment where inattention can have serious consequences.
For travelers, the solution is simple: keep your phone in your pocket for the 30 seconds it takes to walk to the plane. Your Instagram feed will still be there when you sit down. Your chances of walking into a wing will be significantly reduced.
