The passengers onboard your flight can make or break the entire experience. If you don’t think so, try sitting next to someone who stinks, hogs the armrests, or spreads their legs.
These are all relatively unfortunate and minor incidents. However, there have been several stories recently where bad passengers have wrecked air travel for others.
Today, we’re looking at how air travel is being ruined by the everyday actions and behaviors by people.
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Why Has Air Travel Become So Bad?
Air travel has earned a reputation over the last several years for being notoriously bad. This is mainly because the industry is experiencing record-breaking numbers of passengers. The increased demand pushes crews, aircraft, and the entire infrastructure to the limits. They can only tolerate so much before something has to give.
Considering the circumstances, it’s no wonder that tensions are high on aircraft. Passengers board aircraft already testy from standing in long lines to check in and go through security. Additionally, pilots and cabin crews are often exhausted, overworked, and underpaid. When you include that planes are constantly on the go, it’s the perfect storm for a disaster.
However, despite the frustrations, air travel remains the safest mode of transportation. You can embark on an adventure knowing you and your fellow travelers are in good hands.
How Are Bad Passengers Ruining Air Travel?
Every flight has a few grumpy or bad passengers. If you don’t want to be one of them, avoid these behaviors ruining air travel for others.
Disobeying Rules
One of the most common behaviors of bad passengers is to ignore the rules. This not only creates inconveniences but also disrupts the entire flight. If the crew determines the offender poses a severe safety risk, they may have to make an emergency landing. These situations can result in significant delays.
Some of the most common rule violations include smoking in non-smoking areas, ignoring seat belt signs, and disregarding instructions. When this occurs, passengers can experience fines, penalties, and potentially even bans from future flights.
Unruly Passengers
Over the last few years, there’s been an increase in unruly passengers. These individuals are disruptive, aggressive, and, overall, disrespectful to the crew. Their behavior is often loud and obnoxious, leading to physical altercations with the staff and others.
Like those who violate the rules, these situations can result in extensive delays. Pilots can decide to land so law enforcement can resolve the problem. Violators will not only inconvenience others but also likely end up with a court date.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
There’s nothing wrong with having a glass or two of alcohol during a flight. However, consuming alcohol can be a bad idea when you’re at 30,000 feet. Alcohol can have more of an impact in these situations than when on the ground.
It’s not uncommon for drunk passengers to become loud, belligerent, and aggressive. To ensure safety, some airlines have created stricter guidelines for consuming alcohol. Attendants keep a watchful eye to ensure no one drinks too much or becomes impaired.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with drinking during your flight. However, if you choose to enjoy an adult beverage, you must do so cautiously. Ensure you’re hydrated and that you take your time. Remember, you’ll likely experience the effects sooner than you would otherwise.
Hogging Overhead Bin Space
Airlines have strict rules and regulations when it comes to carry-on baggage. Unfortunately, there’s only so much room available, and passengers must share it. Some bad passengers will attempt to use up more than their fair share of overhead bin space.
When this occurs, it can send others searching for the next place to store their stuff. This can clog up the aisle and cause delays for others boarding the plane. If an airline has concerns about insufficient space, they may force them to check oversized items at the gate.
If you plan to use overhead bin storage, check the airline’s restrictions and size limitations beforehand. You don’t want to arrive at the gate and discover your bag isn’t going to fit, especially if it contains valuables.
Unsanitary Habits
Another way that bad passengers are ruining it for others is through their unsanitary habits. Some examples include not covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, neglecting personal hygiene, and leaving trash behind. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg regarding unsanitary habits.
Unfortunately, tray tables often get used for various unsanitary activities, including changing babies. Think about that the next time you go to lay your head down and take a nap. Additionally, some people will remove their shoes and clip their toenails in the middle of a flight.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to these types of actions. Some individuals lose all common sense once they get up in the air, ruining it for others.
Are Violent Passengers Common on Airlines?
No, violent passengers are not ordinary occurrences on airlines. Do they happen from time to time? Absolutely. However, they’re still relatively rare occurrences. Thanks to cell phones, these encounters often get documented by fellow passengers.
Those who capture the footage often upload them before the plane lifts off the ground. In the blink of an eye, the clips are circulating the internet, and users are doxxing the offender’s name, address, and employer.
In general, you don’t typically have to worry about violent passengers on airlines. However, they can occur from time to time.
Don’t Be a Bad Passenger When Traveling By Air
You can’t decide what others do onboard your flight. However, you can control the choices that you make. Be a good passenger by following the rules, listening to the crew, and being considerate of those around you. If you don’t, you could be on a no-fly list or banned from future travels. You can’t say we didn’t warn you!
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