Autistic Man Reveals The 'Obvious' Plane Boarding Hack That Somehow Eludes Airlines

Flying is one of the most exciting ways to travel—well, at least, it’s supposed to be. From battling airport security to squeezing into cramped seats, it’s not exactly the glamorous experience movies like to portray. 

You arrive hours early, only to spend most of that time waiting: waiting to check in, waiting at security, waiting to board.

And then, when you finally reach the part where you think it’s smooth sailing—the boarding process—it somehow turns into one of the most unnecessarily complicated ordeals in modern life.

First, you’re called to line up, then you awkwardly shuffle toward the gate, only to be met with the slow march down the plane’s narrow aisle. But wait—it gets worse. 

Once you’ve reached your row, you’re forced to wait yet again behind someone who’s struggling to lift their oversized carry-on into the overhead compartment. Meanwhile, passengers behind you are piling up like a game of human Tetris—all waiting their turn to sit down.

It’s like an unsolved mystery—a process that should be simple but somehow feels like organized chaos every time. Why does it take so long? Why do we all awkwardly stand in the aisles, waiting for people to settle into their seats?

Well, one man seems to think he’s cracked the code on how airlines should be boarding passengers—and spoiler alert: it’s so simple he wonders why no airline has figured it out yet.

Michael’s got netizens talking with his viral opinion on how planes should be boarded

TikTok/@rachyodes

Meet Michael Herman, a theater director who, according to his wife, often shares his brilliant yet blunt opinions on social media. In a recent video, Michael, who is autistic, delivered what can only be described as a passionate rant about how airlines should handle boarding. 

With a tone that conveys, "Why hasn’t anyone figured this out yet?" Michael explains that the key to efficient boarding is simple: start from the back of the plane and work your way forward.

And just like that, passengers could be seated in record time. He’s baffled that no airline has caught on to this common-sense approach.

Michael is convinced that if autistic people were in charge of this process, boarding would be a breeze. “This s**t will be done; people will be on the plane in 30 seconds if I were in charge,” he exclaimed.

Expert Insight

Air travel can be stressful, especially for those with autism or sensory sensitivities. Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned autism advocate and professor, emphasizes that sensory overload during boarding can be overwhelming. She explains that airlines could improve the experience by introducing a pre-boarding system for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

By allowing these passengers to board first, airlines can reduce anxiety and create a more comfortable environment. This simple change could lead to a more inclusive travel experience for everyone.

Imagine a world where boarding is actually a breeze. Michael claims he can make that a reality.

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The response to his rant? Pure agreement. Commenters flooded the video with praise, sharing their own frustrations with the boarding process. Some even revealed they’d had similar rants of their own.

Michael says, 'Let autistic minds lead the runway,' and thousands are tuning in

However, not everyone was on board with the idea—some had their own theories. One commenter, a former loadmaster, explained, "If the plane gets too tail-heavy, it’ll do a wheelie. It only takes about 3,000 lbs on some planes." 

Another mentioned that the current system balances both weight and the need to avoid aisle congestion.

Despite the technicalities, Michael’s rant sparked an interesting conversation. Whether or not his back-to-front idea is viable, one thing’s for sure—he’s highlighted a frustration we all feel. It might be time for someone to rethink the process.

Experts in behavioral psychology suggest that the chaos of boarding can exacerbate stress for many travelers. Dr. Daniel Goleman, a leading authority on emotional intelligence, notes that managing emotions in such situations is crucial for overall satisfaction. He recommends that airlines implement clear communication strategies around boarding processes.

For instance, using visual and auditory cues can help passengers understand when and how to board, minimizing confusion and frustration. Such strategies not only enhance the experience for all travelers but also foster a sense of community in the boarding area.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

To create a more effective boarding process, airlines must prioritize passenger experience and accessibility. Listening to feedback from experts and travelers can lead to innovative solutions that enhance the flying experience for everyone.

By implementing strategies such as sensory-friendly pre-boarding, clear communication, and visual aids, airlines can significantly reduce stress and confusion. Ultimately, a more thoughtful approach to boarding can transform air travel into a positive experience, paving the way for increased satisfaction and loyalty among passengers.