Airport Etiquette – The Things That Don’t Fly When Going On Holiday and Top Tips On Being The Best Passenger

Drunks on the plane, screaming kids, and those annoying people that recline their seats – these are the things that Welsh holidaymakers find the most irritating when travelling abroad, according to new research.

The data from mobile phone, gadget, and travel insurance company, loveit coverit, analysed what grinds other holidaymakers’ gears, what people get up to in the airport, and the mischief people cause while travelling.

Over half of Welsh residents (58%) say the person in front of them reclining their seat is the most irritating, while drunk people on the plane (54%), having a crying baby or child on the plane (47%) and getting up for the people sat in the middle and window seat (29%) also made the list of the most annoying travellers.

Revealed: The most annoying things people do at the airport or on the plane

1. The person in front of you reclining their seat (58%)
2. Being drunk on the plane (53%)
3. Having a crying baby or child on the plane (47%)
4. Having to get up for the people sat in the middle and window seat (29%)
5. People clapping at the end of the flight (27%)
6. Having people crowd the baggage carousel (22%)
7. People who snore on the flight (23%)
8. People who walk slowly through the airport when you are in a rush (20%)
9. Moving your luggage without permission (18%)
10. When the person next to you doesn’t share their armrest (14%)

Although there are things that annoy fellow passengers, there are plenty of others who like to cause mischief in the airport. A quarter (25%) admit they’ve been pulled aside and searched at Customs, one in 10 (15%) say they’ve gotten drunk on the plane and like to race on the flat escalators (11%).

Gen Z’s and millennials (18-34yos) cause the most havoc, as a high proportion of this age group admit they’ve been pushed around on a suitcase trolley, got drunk before getting on the plane and have been removed from a seat that isn’t theirs.

For the over 35s, it seems they take up more lustful antics, as they’ve confessed to flirting with the pilot or cabin crew and had sex in the airport or on the plane.

When it comes to embarrassing things Brits have experienced while travelling, one respondent disclosed they were accidently sick on a child, another revealed they farted and pretended it was the person asleep next to them, and one passenger was asked to sign a bride’s breasts as a dare.

Zane Zvirbule, Marketing Specialist, loveit coverit, said: “Holidays are always such an exciting time, and it’s clear from our research that for some more than others, this excitement can play out in mischievous ways during our travels.

“Although some Brits find certain behaviours irritating, there are many others who love to joke around when getting into the holiday spirit. After the uncertainty of travel over the past couple of years, we’re sure there will be a few more stories to come from this year’s holiday season.”

A CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO DO IF YOU DON’T WANT TO ANNOY OTHER PASSENGERS

To help travellers navigate the airport mayhem, loveit coverit has created tips to ensure you have an enjoyable start to your holiday.

 Jonathan Owen, Brand Manager at  loveit coverit said:

1. Don’t get *too* drunk. Although it’s tempting to get the party started early and spend hours drinking before jetting off to your travel destination, 53% of Brits say drunk and disorderly passengers are the most irritating people at airports. Other than irking your fellow travellers, it can upset anxious fliers and getting too drunk is a criminal offence and can result in a hefty fine or a jail sentence will end your holiday before it begins.
2. Snoring. We all do it, but there are a variety of remedies available to help combat the noise. 20% of Brits claim that people who snore on flights are the most annoying part of the flying experience, so picking up a nasal spray or nose strips will be key to stopping the noise and not infuriating your neighbour.
3. Celebrating. Clapping when the plane lands is another bug bear for many, with 23% of Brits claiming that people who do this are bothersome. Arriving at your destination safely is something to celebrate but try to do it in a quieter fashion to not anger your neighbours. An internal happy dance also works wonders.
4. Have bribery snacks. Whether you’re taking your kids on their first holiday or their fourth, being in a confined space for extended periods of time is never fun. Crying kids are one of the most aggravating things that happens on planes, according to 45% of Brits, so bring snacks and entertainment like books with you as a form of insurance to keep your kids happily distracted and tears at bay.
5. Visit the bathroom. 23% of Brits claim that having to move for people sat in the middle and window seats is a way to get on people’s nerves whilst travelling, so help out your fellow travellers by going to the toilet before you get on the plain to keep disruption to a minimum.
6. Pack some breath mints. According to our research, the over 35s take up more lustful antics on a plane, as they’ve confessed to flirting with the pilot or cabin crew and had sex in the airport or on the plane. Make sure you’ve got the breath of an angel when flying in case a member of the flight crew happens to tickle your fancy.