Dealing with irritating fellow passengers is part of flying, but some habits are more annoying than others, and one could even see you slapped with a £53 fine this summer.
Seat Reclining Named Most Annoying Habit
It is easy to feel irritated at your fellow passengers when you fly. After all, you are stuck in a metal tube with them for several hours with little personal space, so any annoyances are amplified by the close proximity and lack of escape routes. A survey by travel insurance provider Tiger.co.uk of 1,000 British holidaymakers revealed the little habits that plane passengers find most irritating, including one that airlines are cracking down on with new fines.
Seat reclining was named as the most irritating habit, with 14% of respondents citing it as their biggest issue. It reduces legroom for the person behind and is especially irritating on short-haul flights where space is already limited.
Standing Before Seatbelt Sign Off Could Cost £53
In second place was people standing before the seatbelt sign is turned off. Not only does this annoy fellow passengers, but on some airlines it could land you with a fine. Last year, the Turkish civil aviation authority announced that passengers who stand up while the plane is still moving could be fined £53. This behaviour is also dangerous: a sudden jolt when landing or unexpected stop could lead to injuries.
Other Annoying Habits
Being unprepared can also annoy fellow passengers. The survey showed that 11% of fliers felt irritated when people reached passport or security checks and had to fumble in their bags for documents. This is especially irritating in the summer peak season when ample time has been spent waiting in the queue.
Using devices without headphones for music, videos, or games is likely to annoy other passengers. If you have mislaid your headphones, either put your device on mute or ask cabin crew if they have any for sale.
When it is time to leave the plane, standing in your row before the plane doors open can block aisles and make it harder for people to grab their bags. Staying seated and being patient makes the process easier for everyone.
Top 10 Most Annoying Air Travel Habits
- Seat reclining - 14%
- Standing before the seatbelt sign is turned off - 12%
- Not being prepared for security or passport checks - 11%
- Using devices without headphones - 9%
- Standing in your row before the plane doors open - 9%
- Queuing to board before the flight is called - 8%
- Repeatedly opening and closing overhead compartments during flight - 7%
- Clapping as the plane touches down - 6%
- Asking to swap seats - 6%
- Talking during the safety demonstration - 6%
