23 hours ago
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(NEXSTAR) – Long gone are the days when air travel was seen as a luxurious experience – at least for those of us stuck toward the back of the plane. Now, it’s more likely to be something you dread.
Many people think the flying experience has gotten worse, according to a survey of 2,500 people by YouGov and The Points Guy, but it’s not just because of smaller seats and abundant delays. Fellow passengers are often to blame for the misery.
When asked to rank the most annoying behaviors on board a flight, the No. 1 worst offender was noise. Whether it’s talking loudly, blasting music or watching videos without headphones, 27% of survey respondents said general noisiness was the most irritating airplane behavior they frequently encounter.
The second most annoying behavior is the infamous seat recline, specifically people who lay all the way back unnecessarily or without warning.
The debate over whether or not it’s polite to recline on a flight has heated up since airlines have moved to tighter seating arrangements with less legroom. If you’d like to lean back without ticking off the passenger behind you, survey respondents said it’s best to ask first.
“Mind the speed in which you recline your seat,” former flight attendant and etiquette expert Elaine Swann told Nexstar. “Take a moment to just turn and glance backward [at the person in the seat behind you], like checking your rearview mirror. … You might be able to see a beverage or a laptop on the tray, and if so, that should guide you.”
Finally, one of the most annoying passenger behaviors actually comes after the flight is over: rushing to deplane.
A majority of respondents believed the best way to offboard is row by row, front to back. But anyone who has flown recently knows people will often jump up and start inching their way forward before it’s “their turn.” Only 10% of survey respondents thought it was OK to move ahead if there’s an opening, but 65% said it’s best to wait until your row is next in line.
English (US) ·