These Are The Most Annoying Behaviors On An Airplane, Ranked

Unsplash/Suhyeon Choi
It takes an average of three hours for people to start feeling uncomfortable on an airplane, according to a survey conducted by travel company Genfare. The survey asked 2,000 Americans all about their flight habits and preferences and realized that people have some grievances to air.
Nearly 70 percent of survey respondents said they’ve put on headphones to drown out a snoring passenger (bring those earplugs, friends). And 36 percent of travelers said they think reclining seats should be banned. As far as footwear goes, two-thirds of passengers say it’s cool to take off your shoes on a plane but only 20 percent say you can take off your socks. And we’ll weigh in on this one — we’re team keep your socks on. But the survey found that certain behaviors irked travelers more than others. See which ones topped the list below.
1. Getting your seat kicked: 54 percent
More than half of the respondents agreed that having the back of your seat kicked is the most annoying thing to happen on a plane.
2. Crying baby or child: 27 percent
Slightly more than a quarter of travelers said that crying children rank worst.
3. Body odor: 26 percent
Another quarter of passengers rated smelly seatmates as their true in-flight nightmare.
4. Talkative passenger: 23 percent
More than a fifth of respondents said a chatty neighbor is the biggest annoyance around.
5. Inattentive parents: 21 percent
Restless children with inattentive parents were more than 20 percent of people’s main concerns.
6. Drunk passenger: 18 percent
Just 18 percent of people think drunk passengers are the worst of all (even though they’re obviously the worst in general).
7. Seat pulled back or leaned on: 17 percent
It’s not as bad as being outright kicked, but it’s still pretty bad.
8. Snoring: 15 percent
Loud snorers made the list for 15 percent of people.
9. Rushing to get off the plane as soon as it gets to the gate: 15 percent
Another 15 percent of survey participants said the people who try to bolt off the plane are the worst. It’s one of our personal pet peeves, too. Seriously, where do you think you’re going?
The remaining rankings are as follows:
- Reclining seat: 15 percent
- Putting feet up: 13 percent
- Smelly food: 11 percent
- Man-spreading: 7 percent
- Passengers taking off their shoes or socks: 6 percent
- Bright phone screens: 3 percent
- Non-service dogs: 2 percent
- Wearing pajamas on the flight: 1 percent
RELATED
6 Ways To Be Comfy-Cozy On A Plane Without Feeling Like A Complete Slob
Here’s What Food You Can And Can’t Bring On A Plane
6 Things You Should Never Wear On An Airplane