Lisa O
Flying can be scary for some people, but feeling scared differs from feeling annoyed. We all have habits that can bug others, but it’s important not to bother people in a small space like an airplane. As a passenger, you can prepare for a long flight, figure out how to sleep on the plane, and even tackle your fear of flying. But one thing you can’t control is who sits beside you. Let’s talk about the most annoying things about flying which force us to choose another mode of transportation!
The Frustrating Wait
Flight delays happen more often than many realize, mostly because even minor issues can mess up a plane’s plans. Passengers often feel annoyed and frustrated by this, and rightfully so. It’s only worth complaining if it seems like the airline isn’t trying to fix things quickly or if you miss a super important meeting. Planning for some extra hours in case of delays is the wisest move you can make in this situation.
Disruptive Kids
Kids usually don’t mean to be a bother, yet they manage to hit the mark every time. Seat-kicking takes the cake for annoyance—it’s rude and way too common. Speaking up might not seem cool, but it might be necessary if you’re after a smooth flight. Otherwise, brace yourself for a journey of seat-kicking frustration.
Unprofessional Staff
Dealing with unprofessional staff on a plane can put a damper on your journey. Whether they’re clumsily bumping into you, being rude and sarcastic, or simply lacking in manners, their behavior can make or break your experience. While some airlines excel in customer service, it’s not a guarantee across the board. So buckle up for a potential rollercoaster ride of interactions in the air!
Drunk Passengers
If you’re old enough, enjoying a drink or two before boarding your flight can add a bit of fun to your journey. It’s a harmless way to ease some pre-flight jitters and unwind. But sometimes people take it too far. Drunk passengers can be a real nuisance, and at worst, they can make the flight experience quite unsettling. From causing unexpected landings to being super aggressive, it’s not the kind of excitement anyone wants when flying.
Airplane Mode
If you’re glued to your phone, you’ll definitely relate to this one, all because of those two annoying words: Airplane mode. It’s that setting on your phone that restricts you from using it for anything other than a few games. Sure, if the plane has an entertainment system, it’s not too bad. But for folks addicted to Twitter and Instagram, it can be really tough to disconnect from the online world.
Legroom Woes
If you’ve splurged on extra legroom, you’re in luck! But that luxury might be out of reach for many of us on tighter budgets. Particularly on cheaper airlines, you might find yourself crammed into a seat with minimal legroom, making your journey quite uncomfortable. The position you’re forced to sit in can hurt your back and legs, leaving most passengers eager to stand up and stretch every chance they get.
Reclining Seats
Think about it: nobody wants to be stuck behind that person who reclines their seat as soon as the plane hits 10,000 feet, especially if it’s a marathon flight. But here’s where it gets interesting—online, opinions are split on whether it’s okay for passengers to lean back. Some say it’s plain disrespectful, while others argue that keeping upright for hours on end isn’t realistic, especially on those super long journeys across the skies.
Surprise Charges
Airports and airlines often try to squeeze out every penny they can from travelers, whether it’s charging a hefty fee for a bag or claiming that snacks are complementary when they’re obviously not. It might not seem fair, but it’s a reality we have to deal with sometimes. To avoid getting caught off guard, it’s super important to be prepared for these surprise charges before you even step foot in the airport.
Plane Food
Plane food isn’t always terrible, but it’s far from gourmet, even on those supposedly fancy five-star flights. There’s just something lacking, usually in the taste and texture department. And once you’re done with your meal, many airlines take forever to pick up the trays, making it uncomfortable and awkward. More often than not, spills happen, too. It’s a situation that needs fixing!
Turbulence
Turbulence is like the unwanted guest of flying—it shows up uninvited and overstays its welcome. Hearing about it from others might seem like a tall tale, but when you’re in the thick of it, it’s a whole different story. Being jostled around isn’t exactly a thrill ride anyone signs up for, and once is more than enough. Turbulence might be a part of the flying package, but it’s certainly not the highlight anyone looks forward to.
Bathroom Dilemma
Most people need to use the restroom while flying because, well, nature calls! But even though it’s a normal thing, it’s not always simple. Here’s why: If you’re sitting by the window or in the middle, you’ve got to climb over one or two people just to reach the aisle and then the restroom. And if you’re in the aisle seat, you’re constantly getting up to let others pass, especially on super long flights.
Taking Off Socks
Did you know? About 35% of people find it bothersome when passengers take off their shoes during a flight. Since planes aren’t exactly spotless, keeping those shoes on is a good idea to avoid stepping on any grimy areas. Plus, some airlines even offer special socks to keep your feet cozy and prevent your bare toes from becoming an unwelcome sight for others!
Chatty Neighbors
Have you ever been in a situation where you want to chill with your music or watch a Netflix show, but someone nearby won’t stop chatting? It can be super distracting! While small talk is fine, we don’t need to hear every detail of your vacation plans. In fact, nearly 39% of survey takers said it’s best for passengers to keep chit-chat to a minimum with strangers. So, it’s time to save the storytelling for later!
Grooming on Board
Have you ever been on an early flight and didn’t have time to finish your nails? Grooming on the plane can be super annoying for everyone. It’s best to get all your beauty stuff done before or after your flight. If you need a quick touch-up before you’re picked up at the gate, use the restroom on the plane—but make it snappy! Trimming nails, painting nails, or grooming your beard in your seat is definitely a no-go.
Smelly Food
We understand – airlines aren’t serving much food, so we’re all packing our own snacks. But did people have to raid the entire fridge and bring the whole buffet on the plane? It gets even trickier when someone chows down with their mouth wide open, and you can hear every bite. Some meals are better saved for home or a restaurant, not in a place where the air keeps circling!
Boarding Chaos
You ever noticed how airlines have this whole system to herd everyone onto the plane as fast as possible? That’s why we’re all assigned to groups like A, B, or 1 during boarding. But let’s be real, nobody wants to end up in boarding group Y—it’s like being stuck in the nosebleed section at a concert! But here’s the thing: just because you’re in the last group doesn’t mean you should start pulling tricks to board sooner!
Overhead Bin Battles
Picture this annoying scene: You got to the gate on time, boarded all nice and orderly, and neatly stowed your coat and snazzy new hat in your overhead bin. Then, in comes Mr./Miss Late with a suitcase, stroller, and shopping bag, completely messing up your stylish gear while trying to cram half their life into a space meant for just one small item. And to top it off, they end up sitting 12 rows away!
Germ Sharing
Boundaries are super important, especially when it comes to personal space and staying healthy. And trust us, nothing smashes those boundaries quite like someone deciding to share their saliva or spending what feels like an eternity dealing with the remnants of a nasty vacation bug. If you’re feeling under the weather, do us all a solid and throw on a mask, or better yet, consider giving travel a miss until you’re back to your best.
Armrest Etiquette
Picture this: you’re sitting in your seat, hoping and praying for an empty seat beside you so you can stretch out and claim both armrests. But let’s face it, that’s pretty rare. So, when you do have a neighbor, remember to share the armrests, especially with the person stuck in the middle seat. Believe it or not, about 31% of people in a survey found it annoying when their seatmate hogged both armrests.
Seat Switching
Did you know? About 31% of passengers in a survey said they get annoyed when others ask to switch seats with them. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s best to talk to the cabin crew on the plane. Some of these incidents have even become super popular on social media, sparking debates among travelers. It’s a common issue that can really bug people.