Want to see some of the STRANGEST things that humanity has to offer? Just get on a plane.
Taking a trip on a plane is basically a game of roulette, with all kinds of people in one place. And sometimes, you find that your fellow passengers don’t seem to understand the decorum required when flying. That’s why today, we’re talking about the types of people you hate on a plane!
The Talkers
Let’s start with a common one, the talkers. Many of us don’t mind a bit of casual conversation at the start or end of a flight, but once those headphones go in, that’s the cue to stop chatting. Talking to strangers can be uncomfortable enough without doing it while trapped on a plane!
While some people are all about the socializing, others prefer to keep things quiet. If you’re not sure which camp your seatmate is in, it’s best to stay on the safe side and make the chit-chat minimal.
The Spreaders
You know those people who like to spread out and take more than their fair share of space? Those are the worst, especially when you’re sitting in a middle seat. (If you’ve ever had to sit with your shoulders hunched in for multiple hours, you know the struggle.)
Just be considerate and keep your body and your belongings in your own space (including your legs and arms). It’s nice to have a few inches between yourself and the person next to you if at all possible.
The Recliners
Yes, airplane seats recline, but leaning back often leads to you ending up in the lap of the person behind you. Remember the whole “stick to your own space” thing? That also applies to the folks behind you.
If you must recline, try not to lean too far back. If the seats have screens for movie-watching, leaning back can also make it hard for the person behind you to watch their film of choice.
The Shoeless
One of the most universally accepted faux pas is removing your shoes on a plane. Whether it’s the smell or just the thought of seeing a stranger’s feet…this definitely isn’t appealing to your fellow passengers.
Even though you take the shoes off at security, that doesn’t mean that you should be removing them when you’re in the air. If your feet are uncomfortable, bring a pair of slippers or something comfy to change into before boarding your plane. It’s probably good practice to wear something with socks as well — the plane can get pretty chilly, and who really wants to walk barefoot through airport security?
The Snackers
It’s totally okay to snack on a plane (most airlines even offer snacks!), but be conscious of the snacks that you pack. Don’t bring anything that contains a common allergen that will affect those around you. This is not the time for the peanut butter sandwiches, folks.
Also, don’t bring anything that’s smelly — leave that tuna sandwich at home! Other passengers might be averse to those smells, and it’s not polite to force them to inhale it while you’re all trapped together.
The Entitled
Perhaps the worst offender of all is the entitled guest. The one who thinks that they’re owed the best treatment because they paid for the flight. These are often the guests that are rude to flight attendants, and that’s just not cool.
Whether you’re flying first class or coach, remember that flying is a privilege, the people working the airlines are only human, and that sometimes mistakes happen. If you’re the type of person who’s prone to anxiety when you travel, we highly recommend getting flight insurance so that you can keep your cool if something goes wrong.
The Noisemakers
Nope, we’re not talking about crying babies here. We’re talking about the guests that carry on loud conversations, play music out loud, or shout across the plane when others are trying to nap.
Babies don’t know any better, but adults certainly do. Bring those headphones if you want to listen to a podcast or your favorite tunes, and be respectful with your conversation volume.
The Contagious
If you’re feeling sick in any way shape or form, please avoid the airport. We’ve seen our fair share of sick people boarding planes, and it just makes you feel icky. You’re about to be in close proximity to dozens of other people who definitely don’t want your germs.
This also includes those who indulge a bit too much before boarding and are suffering from alcohol-induced side effects. Basically, if your earlier meals are coming back up, then you need to stay down…on the ground…preferably at home.
The Cranky Ones
And finally, let’s talk about those cranky guests. The ones that shoot you mean looks when your baby cries or complain about every minor inconvenience. Remember that traveling requires a LOT of patience, and it’s common courtesy to share that patience with the other guests and the employees you encounter.
It’ll all be okay in the end! You’ll get home eventually, and it’s likely that many other travelers are dealing with the same issues that you are. Just keep calm and make contingency plans for if things go wrong.
So there you go — the 9 types of people that you’ll hate at the airport. Just keep common courtesies in mind when you’re traveling and be kind to airline employees. You don’t want to make your way onto this list!
If you’re looking for more air travel tips, keep following along with DFB! We’ve got tips on how to navigate the airport, how to pack for your plane travel, and even updates on which airlines have been ranked the best by travelers across the country.
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Which type of person gets on your nerves the most at the airport? Tell us in the comments!
Hannah says
Yeah, I’ll admit it, I am a talker. I’ve been getting better about just downloading a movie and chilling out, now the only time that I get really chatty is if my electronics die