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Science Introduces "Steffen Method" For Faster Airplane Boarding


By

Jen Carlson

Published Sep 1, 2011

Modified Sep 1, 2011


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By

Jen Carlson

Published Sep 1, 2011

Modified Sep 1, 2011


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Some guy harnessed the power of science to cut down on air travel boarding time... but will humans throw a wrench in his system? The Daily Mail reports on "The Steffen Method," named for the astrophysicist who came up with the process, John Steffen. They break down the method as such: "Airlines should first put passengers by the window in an alternating pattern, then people sitting in the middle seat, and finally the aisle." The method is apparently twice as fast as the normal seating block system. It's all explained in this video:

But won't late passengers immediately be a glitch in this system? At the very least, the minute someone can't fit their luggage in the overhead bin, it all falls apart. In theory, however, if the human factor doesn't mess things up, it will only take 3.5 minutes to board. [via Pat's Papers]

Tagged

airplane

boarding

science

science says

steffen method

time limits


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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