I’m a former gate agent — flights get delayed for these weird reasons

“As someone who actually does not love flying, once I worked at the airport for a bit, it did make me feel better to know that mechanical delays are often very simple fixes that just take time to resolve,” she added.

Swan said most delays and mechanical issues aren’t cause for concern.

“I know many people are anxious flyers like me, and knowing that these delays are not something to worry about, it actually makes journeys easier.”

Swan shared one of the trashiest reasons a plane has been kept on the ground. 

“So one particular flight, there was a mechanical delay, I believe it was going to Arizona, and it was on a small regional jet.”

“I remember it was a full flight and what was at first a 30-minute delay, it just kept getting pushed back further and further.”

Swan said passengers started demanding answers that she and the crew didn’t have. 

“Eventually, passengers start getting cranky, especially since the crew does not usually give the gate agents much info because we never want to make guarantees on anything,” she explained.

“So by the time the third hour rolled around, I had a group of irate passengers demanding answers I didn’t have,” she added.

Swan explained that the plane crew took “pity” on her and invited her to go onto the plane where they explained the garbage cans for food service were broken.

“At this point, they informed me that the delay was because the latch that holds the trash cans for food service in place was broken. Meaning these trash cans were not secure which creates a huge safety risk,” she recalled.

“The part needed was at another airport, which needed to come in on another inbound flight… the part came in about an hour after this…and we board about 30 minutes later,” she added.

Commenters on Swan’s videos shared stories of their own flight mishaps as well as their appreciation for thorough safety checks.

“Stopping for mechanical delays is why commercial planes rarely crash anymore,” one said.

“Unpopular opinion here… please take all the time you need for mechanical maintenance. For any reason. I’ll sit there 10 hours if I have to,” wrote another.

“I had a flight delayed several hours because the little sunshade visor in the cockpit was broken…for a night flight,” said a third. 

Swan explained that the smaller the jet, the bigger the problems usually.

“These smaller jets are just notorious for all sorts of delays,” she said. 

“They are more sensitive to heat, so you may have to bump people off the flight for weight balance issues related to that heat,” she added.

However, Swan said the biggest troublemakers that keep planes grounded are the passengers. 

“I also have also had my fair share of unruly passengers,” she shared. 

“There was one time a gentleman had been removed from his flight because he was showing signs of intoxication. It’s actually very dangerous to fly when you’re drunk. The altitude can give you serious complications.”

Swan shared her advice on how to ensure you’ll have a smooth and peaceful flight.

“Just give yourself ample time and be nice to your gate agents and crew,” she said.

“Remember that most delays are with safety in mind, whether that is because of a broken trash can, or a crew that is about to time-out where it’s no longer considered safe for them to fly, or even waiting out a storm,” She explained. 

“Everyone wants you to get to your destination safely. Don’t be afraid of mechanical delays!”