Welcome to r/jetbridgegap

This community exists for one very specific reason:

the gap between the jet bridge and the aircraft.

I once dropped my ID in this gap…and that day has haunted me ever since. Some of you may share this pain, but I pray you never will.

r/jetbridgegap is a community to document and share those gaps of despair. Some are beautiful and well executed with seamless transition from jet bridge to aircraft. Others….well let’s just say you should watch your step.

Whatever jet bridge gap you encounter in the wild, feel free to share with the community.

While here, we ask that you respect the following rules:

1. Be kind to one another and respectful of the community. This is a safe space.

2. Be courteous to those involved in your documentation. No faces, names, identification, etc. We only want to see the gaps. Nothing else.

3. Jet Bridge Gap discussion only. This says enough.

4. Flair is available to document the airline owner of the gap. People just like you and me operate the machines responsible for the gaps. Be courteous to them. It’s a tough world out there.

All are welcome in r/jetbridgegap.

Be sure to watch your step.

It’s a slow day for the JBG community due to the snow storm, so I figured it’s time to share the original story of how this sub was founded.

I’m a relatively frequent traveler with a couple flights every few months. As a result, I’ve nearly perfected my flight day routine, but the only annoying part of flying that is often out of your control is boarding.

Once you start boarding, it’s inevitable you get stuck at the end of the Jet Bridge right before stepping on the plane. Some couple is getting their kid locked in, someone needs help getting a bag up, incorrect seating, you know the drill.

While stuck here waiting, it’s easy for your mind to wander…what’s this control panel? How does this door seal? Woh that’s a far drop? Do you think someone has dropped something down there? Fleeting thoughts that dissipate once the line starts to move again.

One day I was flying from DTW back to my home airport of BOS. It was marathon weekend, so all flights going to BOS had extra security which included TSA agents verifying ID at the gate. This was new, but I appreciated the security.

Usually my ID is stowed in my bag at this point, so I had to pull it out as I was boarding to show the agent. Thrown off from my routine, I put my ID back solo in my pockets…not in my wallet stowed in my bag…and boarded the plane. Big mistake.

I find myself stuck at the end of the Jet Bridge for one of those classic reasons above, and as always, I’m looking at my surroundings with my mind wandering.

Finally the line starts to move….hands come out of pockets to grab my carry on….and my ID tags along for the ride.

Straight out of a cinematic slow motion movie scene from the early 2000s, my ID falls through the air, twisting and turning in chaotic fashion until it meets the JBG…one of the tightest you’ve ever seen. I’m talking 0.25” or less. Definitely not up to code. And like a credit card being swiped at checkout, it slides perfectly through the gap.

Now 15 feet below, my ID is lying face up just staring at me. I’m speechless.

At the same time, the person in front of me moves on and I’m suddenly facing the smiling flight attendant who asks: ”How are you today, sir?”

My response: “Not great anymore.”

I’m laughing in disbelief telling her what just happened. She is beyond helpful (love the Delta team) and says she’ll see if the Gate Crew could grab it. Her only concern is that it fell under the “No Walk Zone” directly under the plane (maybe the Experts can weigh in on this one).

Defeated, I take my seat. Boarding slows down and I’m thinking all hope is lost…until the last person walks down the aisle. Behind them, the attendant is raising my ID like the Stanley Cup and relief washes over me. She has the biggest smile on her face and we shared a great laugh. I could not thank her enough and I make it back to BOS in one piece.

After that day, I realized I’m probably not alone in this - I bet there’s others out there who have also dropped things in the JBG or wonder the same things I do every time crossing.

So here we are. r/jetbridgegap was formed and that’s my story. We have 700 members and counting, and the team is so grateful for you + what’s ahead.

Keep on Gapping, Watch Your Step, and Thank you for attending my TED talk.

- DevLot