Most annoying aeroplane habits revealed
Holidaymakers are being urged to brush up on their plane and airport etiquette, as a recent survey has revealed the list of the most irritating passenger behaviours.
Travel experts at Tiger.co.uk discovered that reclining seats frustrates fellow passengers the most, but it’s the second most annoying habit that could actually land passengers a fine.
Passengers can now face fines for unbuckling their seatbelts and standing up from their seats before the seatbelt sign has been turned off.
After an increase in complaints from passengers*, Turkey’s aviation authority has introduced a new regulation which allows passengers to be issued a £53 fine on the spot if they stand up before the plane comes to a full stop.
The rule was put in place not only because this behaviour annoys other flyers, but it also compromises the safety of fellow passengers.
According to travellers, the third most irritating habit they come across during air travel is when flyers are not ready for security or passport checks at the airport.
Airports are already chaotic during the peak summer travel season, so fumbling for documents or failing to remove required items at security only adds to delays and already long queues.
Other annoying air travel habits included watching devices without headphones, standing up in the row before the plane doors are open, queuing to board before the plane is called and clapping as the plane touches down.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “With summer holidays fast 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.”
Tiger’s Top Ten Survey - most annoying air travel habits:
1. Seat reclining - 14%
Topping the list, reclining seats is the number one irritating behaviour among passengers. While it may seem harmless, it can be very uncomfortable for the person sitting behind, especially on short-haul flights where space is already limited. Make sure to check in with the person behind you before reclining your seat.
2. Standing before the seatbelt sign has been turned off - 12%
Passengers may now face more than just eye-rolls when standing up before the seatbelt light is off. In Turkey, this habit can result in an on-the-spot £53 fine, as it's not just irritating, it’s also a safety hazard. The rule reinforces the importance of staying seated until the plane has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is switched off.
3. Not being prepared for security or passport checks - 11%
Being unprepared at airport checkpoints, like fumbling for documents or forgetting to remove restricted items in security, delays everyone and adds to the airport chaos, especially when travelling during the summer peak season.
4. Using devices without headphones - 9%
Playing music, videos or games aloud on personal devices can be very irritating for your fellow passengers. If you’ve forgotten your headphones, most airlines will sell them onboard.
5. Standing in your row before the plane doors are open - 9%
Standing up too early can block the aisle and prevent other passengers from retrieving their belongings or exiting the plane. If the doors aren’t open yet, remain seated to ensure a smoother disembarkation process for everyone.
6. Queuing to board before the flight is called - 8%
Hovering near the gate or forming premature queues doesn't get you to your seat faster, it just causes congestion. Normally, everyone has their dedicated seat already, so there’s no need to rush or crowd the boarding area.
7. Fiddling with cabin baggage above your head - 7%
Repeatedly opening and closing the overhead compartments or fiddling with bags mid-flight can disturb other passengers and increase the risk of loose items falling out and hitting the passengers below, so try to retrieve what you need before takeoff and be mindful of other travellers personal space.
8. Clapping as the plane touches down - 6%
While some see this as a cheerful gesture, many find it unnecessary or even impolite. According to the rules of plane etiquette, clapping might not be a good idea because it can come across as disruptive or even patronising to the flight crew.
9. Asking to swap seats - 6%
Asking other passengers to swap seats has become a hot topic of late and can lead to confrontation, especially if passengers have already gotten comfortable or paid extra for their seats. It’s always best to arrange seating in advance, whether you’re hoping for a window seat or want to sit with friends or family. Also note the crew have made calculations on weight and where passengers are distributed throughout the aircraft, so you need to check with the cabin staff if you want to make a change.
10. Talking during the safety demonstration - 6%
Talking while the crew delivers safety instructions is not just disrespectful, it’s potentially dangerous. These demonstrations may seem repetitive, but they offer crucial information that could make a real difference in an emergency.
