If you’re about to go on a trip abroad, what common behaviours really rub you up the wrong way? Recent research has unveiled the top 10 most bothersome sights experienced by travellers – with most taking place on the plane.
Topping the list as the most annoying air travel habit is when the person in front of you reclines their seat. Around 14% of survey respondents reported the seat reclining in front of your limited leg space as the most frustrating experience while travelling on holiday. Travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, commented on the findings.
“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, can seriously impact the comfort and even safety of others on board.”
Another travel peeve is when people stand up before the seatbelt sign has been turned off.
This unsafe habit has actually been banned for flights that land in Turkey, Mr Wilson pointed out.
He added that standing up on the plane before the seatbelt light has turned off could result in an on-the-spot fine of £53.
Travel passengers also reported that fellow travellers who come to security checks unprepared can get under their skin.
Those who fail to remove restricted items at the security checkpoint can lead to unnecessary delay.
And approaching passport control without having the proper documentation ready can hold up the line for everybody.
As for in-flight behaviour, those who play their electronic devices without headphones are viewed as rude – especially when most airlines will sell earphones onboard.
The survey respondents, conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, also noted how annoying it is when people just stand in the row aisle before the plane doors are even open.
This can prevent passengers from easily being able to retrieve their overhead luggage for when people can exit the plane.
Top 10 most annoying travel habits
- Seat reclining
- Standing before the seatbelt sign has been turned off
- Not being prepared for security or passport checks
- Using devices without headphones
- Standing in your row before the plane doors are open
- Queuing to board before the flight is called
- Fiddling with cabin baggage above your head
- Clapping as the plane touches down
- Asking to swap seats
- Talking during the safety demonstration