Holidaymakers are being urged to brush up on proper plane and airport etiquette after a survey revealed the most irritating behaviours displayed by fellow passengers. Travel specialists at Tiger.co.uk found that reclining seats causes the most frustration, but the second most aggravating habit could now leave passengers out of pocket.
New Fine for Standing Too Early
Travellers can now be hit with fines for unfastening their seatbelts and rising from their seats before the seatbelt sign has been switched off. Following a surge in complaints, Turkey's aviation authority introduced a rule in May 2025 that allows passengers to be issued a £53 on-the-spot fine if they stand up before the aircraft comes to a complete standstill.
The regulation was introduced not only because such behaviour irritates fellow flyers, but also because it poses a genuine safety risk to others on board. The aviation authority said commercial airlines must now issue an in-flight announcement and report any passengers who do not follow orders. Passengers must be told to keep their seatbelts locked, and not stand up or open overhead lockers until the seatbelt sign is off. Those who do not follow these rules must be reported to the authority.
Top 10 Most Annoying Flight Habits
1. Seat reclining - 14%
Taking the top spot, reclining seats is the most irritating behaviour among fellow passengers. Despite appearing trivial, it can cause significant discomfort for the person seated behind, particularly on short-haul flights where legroom is already at a premium. Always check with the passenger behind before pushing your seat back.
2. Standing before the seatbelt sign has been turned off - 12%
Passengers could soon face more than just disapproving looks for jumping up before the seatbelt sign goes off. In Turkey, this behaviour can land you with an on-the-spot £53 fine, as it poses a genuine safety risk rather than merely being an annoyance. The regulation underlines the importance of remaining seated until the aircraft has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign has been switched off.
3. Not being prepared for security or passport checks - 11%
Arriving unprepared at airport checkpoints, whether that's scrambling for documents or forgetting to remove prohibited items at security, holds up the queue and contributes to airport chaos, particularly during the busy summer travel season.
4. Using devices without headphones - 9%
Blasting music, videos or games through your device's speakers can be extremely irritating for those around you. Should you have left your headphones at home, most airlines stock them for purchase onboard.
5. Standing in your row before the plane doors are open - 9%
Rising from your seat too early can obstruct the aisle and hinder fellow passengers from collecting their belongings or leaving the aircraft. If the doors remain closed, stay seated to help ensure a smoother disembarkation for all.
6. Queuing to board before the flight is called - 8%
Lingering by the gate or forming queues ahead of time won't get you to your seat any quicker, it simply creates unnecessary congestion. As seats are pre-assigned, there's absolutely no need to rush or crowd the boarding area.
7. Fiddling with cabin baggage above your head - 7%
Constantly opening and closing overhead lockers or rummaging through bags during the flight can irritate fellow passengers and heighten the chance of loose items tumbling out and striking those seated below. As such, it's advisable to gather what you need before departure and remain considerate of others' personal space.
8. Clapping as the plane touches down - 6%
While some view this as a cheerful expression, many consider it pointless or even disrespectful. According to aviation etiquette, applauding might not be advisable as it can appear disruptive or even condescending towards the flight crew.
9. Asking to swap seats - 6%
Requesting other passengers to exchange seats has become a contentious issue recently and can spark disagreements, particularly if travellers have already settled in or paid a premium for their allocated seats. It's always preferable to organise seating beforehand, whether you're after a window seat or wish to sit alongside friends or family. Bear in mind that the crew have calculated weight distribution and passenger placement throughout the aircraft, so you must consult with cabin staff if you wish to make an alteration.
10. Talking during the safety demonstration - 6%
Chatting while the crew delivers safety briefings isn't merely disrespectful, it's potentially hazardous. These demonstrations may appear routine, but they provide vital information that could prove crucial during an emergency.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, commented: "With summer holidays approaching, it's a good time for holidaymakers to brush up on basic plane and airport etiquette. What might seem like small and harmless habits, like reclining your seat or standing up before the seatbelt sign is off, can seriously impact the comfort and even safety of others on board. With Turkey's new regulations, passengers can now also be hit with an on-the-spot fine for ignoring safety instructions by standing up before the seatbelt sign is switched off, so it's more important than ever to pay attention and follow the rules. It all comes down to being considerate - small actions like asking before reclining your seat, using headphones when using devices, or being ready at security can make a big difference to everyone's travel experience."
