Floridians, Cut It Out! 11 Rudest Airplane Passenger Behaviors, According to Flyers
Some passengers leave good manners on the ground, according to a 2024 YouGov survey that asked for flyers’ feedback on in-flight etiquette.
Whereas most travelers are “on board” with the idea that watching a movie without headphones on is unacceptable behavior, others question why anyone would be bothered by a passenger using a laptop on a tray table.
These are the top 12 behaviors that passengers report as the most unacceptable. Consider them before hopping on your next Florida flight.
Letting Children Play in the Aisle: 86% Unacceptable Rate
Ever been on a flight where it seems the aisles have turned into an impromptu mini obstacle course for tiny acrobats? It’s like the airline forgot to issue a “no playground” sign, and suddenly your seatmate’s kid is leaping and sliding down the aisle as if they’re auditioning for a circus act.
While kids need to burn off some energy, there’s a fine line between a playful stroll and turning the cabin into a dodgeball arena—especially when your personal space is being invaded by a pint-sized gymnast.
Getting Drunk: 82% Unacceptable Rate
Imagine you’re settling in for a peaceful flight when suddenly someone in the seat next to you decides that too much alcohol is the answer to passing the time. Many frequent fliers have been there.
Getting drunk at 30,000 feet is like transforming the cabin into a tipsy reality show—it’s messy, it’s disruptive, and it’s definitely not what the majority of passengers want on the in-flight menu.
Leaving Seat During Turbulence: 82% Unacceptable Rate
You’re buckled in and bracing for a bit of turbulence when suddenly, someone decides it’s the perfect time to stroll the aisle. It’s as if they believe the shaking cabin is a free-for-all adventure rather than a signal to stay seated.
Their impromptu “flight stroll” is dangerous for fellow passengers. When the seatbelt sign is flashing, wandering off is less of a bold move and more of a surefire way to elicit irritated looks from those around them and a verbal warning from flight attendants.
Watching a Movie or Show Without Headphones: 81% Unacceptable Rate
PSA: Watching a movie or show without headphones on in any public place is unacceptable in our eyes. It’s especially frustrating to many airline travelers who are sitting in the middle seat, forced to hear another person’s movie or TV show over their own.
It’s as if such folks have forgotten that airplanes are meant for personal viewing experiences, not a communal cinema where every note of dialogue echoes. So, for the sake of peace and quiet (and your sanity), let’s all agree to keep the sound to our own ears!
Leaving Trash in the Seatback Pocket When Exiting the Plane: 79% Unacceptable Rate
Yet another common airplane scenario passengers experience: Leaving the plane only to find that the seatback pocket of the passenger beside them is a treasure trove of crumpled snack wrappers, rogue receipts, and a few mysterious bits of mystery junk.
So, let’s all remember what the majority of airline travelers apparently want: our trash belongs in the bin, not in your seatback pocket.
Using Both Armrests When Someone Is Sitting Next to Them: 74% Unacceptable Rate
You’re settled into your seat, ready for as smooth of a flight as possible in your middle seat, only to discover that your neighbor has decided both armrests are theirs to command. It’s like they’ve declared the armrest kingdom and you’re just an unwanted visitor with no claim to your own armrest territory.
Using both armrests as an aisle or window seat passenger is just plain wrong, according to nearly 3/4 of travelers. So let’s all remember: sharing is caring, even if it means giving up half of your precious elbow room for the sake of neighborly love.
Eating Strong-Smelling Food: 68% Unacceptable Rate
If you’ve traveled long enough, you’ve surely been hit by strong smells from a neighboring passenger’s pungent meal. The aroma of a spicy dish or tangy seafood meal can quickly turn your in-flight experience into an olfactory obstacle course.
It’s a clear no-no when your snack time transforms into a scent-sational chaos that leaves everyone around you covering their noses. So, for the sake of shared air and sanity, it’s best to keep the potent perfumes of your lunch choices safely tucked away until after you land.
Not Paying Attention During the Safety Demonstration: 66% Unacceptable Rate
According to YouGov’s survey, it appears most passengers don’t care if you had to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to catch your flight—the consensus is clear that it’s rude for passengers to sleep through or otherwise not pay attention to the flight attendants’ safety demonstration.
So, next time, let’s all take a moment to absorb the safety demonstration—because no matter how frequently you fly, having a safety refresher doesn’t hurt.
Exiting the Plane Before the People in the Row in Front of Them: 65% Unacceptable Rate
When passengers rush to exit before the folks in front, it’s like trying to jump the line at a theme park ride—chaos may ensue and no one wins. It might seem like a shortcut, but cutting ahead really just slows everyone down and leaves a trail of frustration in its wake.
So, let’s follow the data and allow the row in front of you to exit first to avoid nasty stares from fellow passengers.
Not Setting Their Devices to Airplane Mode: 64% Unacceptable Rate
We’ll admit that seeing only a 64% unacceptable rating for this one surprised us. Setting your phone to airplane mode is important because it stops the device from trying to connect to cellular networks, which could interfere with the plane’s sensitive communication and navigation systems.
It also helps prevent the constant buzzing of notifications and incoming calls, allowing everyone on board to enjoy a quieter, more peaceful flight.
Doing Exercises or Stretches in the Aisle: 63% Unacceptable Rate
While staying active is great on the ground, turning the airplane aisle into your personal yoga studio at 30,000 feet is too much for the majority of passengers.
Sure, a little movement is healthy. But the aisle isn’t a fitness class, and your routine might just knock over someone or their carry-on. So, let’s keep the stretching to the terminal and save the acrobatics for the gym.
The Flip Side
On the other hand, there are several flight behaviors that most passengers don’t view as a problem. They include:
- Using a laptop on the tray table: 6% unacceptable rate
- Waking up a seatmate to use the bathroom: 13% unacceptable rate
- Pushing the flight attendant call button to ask for refreshments: 16% unacceptable rate
- Closing the window during takeoff or landing: 19% unacceptable rate
- Reclining their seat: 26% unacceptable rate
- Asking to switch seats with another passenger: 26% unacceptable rate
- Chating with a stranger next to them for the entire flight: 29% unacceptable rate
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