Your fellow flyers are airing their grievances.
Travel company Kayak has compiled a report detailing the most complained about inflight behaviors — and the list is as long as a late night wait on the tarmac after landing at JFK.
“Travel etiquette is one of those things that is universally acknowledged yet frequently debated,” Matt Clarke, vice president of North America marketing for KAYAK said in 2023, when the study — which has recently resurfaced — was initially released.
“Even within our own team at KAYAK, we couldn’t all agree whether it was or was not OK to recline your seat on a flight. So, we wanted to put an end to the debate once and for all,” Clarke said.
And while the staff at the travel booking site might have had trouble making up their minds on the topic, the passengers consulted were almost universally in agreement that it’s fine, giving the move an 88% approval rating.
However, about 33% — or one in three — say it’s only appropriate for lengthy or overnight trips.
Folks were up in arms as to whether or not the middle seat of an aisle is entitled to two armrests — 57% say no.
Going barefoot at cruising altitude — or any height for that matter — was de-feet-ed by 76% of surveyed people.
On a similar note, 68% vetoed the idea of pressing your dogs onto the back of the row ahead, while 56% say shoes must remain on and in the upright position.
Toting odiferous food was also given 92% of a hard no, with special distaste dished out toward tinned fish, boiled eggs and anyone brave enough to carry on a rack of ribs.
Meanwhile, 55% say eating crunchy things is a total inflight faux pas.
Silence is also golden, with 76% of people agreeing it’s inappropriate to watch something without headphones, while 69% say phone calls should be saved for after deplaning.
On a similar note, 94% say not to speak to someone who is wearing headphones.
Laughing at a funny TV or film scene doesn’t fly either, according to 58% of respondents.
Snoring loudly also irks 66% of passengers, as does using sleep as an excuse to not move and allow others out of your aisle.
Leaning on a person’s shoulder while zonked is also a no-no, 77% of travelers thought.
Trimming or painting one’s nails scorched 92% of people, while filing bothered 81%.
And when it comes to overhead bins, 73% say putting small items or jackets up there is fair game.
About one in four whined about babies from planes, favoring a ban — the same number of people that felt that letting your flowing locks fall onto the seatback screen behind you was fair game.
