Why air travel makes us cranky – and what to do about it

Overcrowded airports, cramped seats, lost luggage…it’s no wonder flying is so nerve-wracking. Here’s how to stay calm at 30,000 feet

The holidays are approaching, airports are crowded, and emotions are running high. You’ve probably seen it or even been a part of it: that tense moment when a passenger attacks a flight attendant, or the near-collapse on a seat reclined too far. Why does flying seem to bring out the worst in us?

Airplanes are, quite literally, a pressure cooker of emotions. For many, airports and planes are synonymous with anxiety, which often starts before they even reach the terminal.

These environments combine stress, discomfort, and loss of control, often leaving even the calmest travelers feeling stressed.

Airplanes also make inequality very clear. We’ve all felt the envy of walking through first class cabins to get to economy class.

It’s easy to see why The air raged It became very popular. In fact, reported incidents have risen dramatically in recent years, exacerbated by concerns linked to the pandemic.

So, let’s take a look at the science behind why we feel so angry when we fly. But more importantly, what we can do about it.

Air rage is getting worse

In recent years, reports of unruly passenger behavior have increased around the world. Perhaps the most comprehensive indicator is the data you collected United States Federal Aviation AdministrationWhich shows a clear connection to the impact of the epidemic.

In 2021, the department recorded 5,973 incidents related to unruly passenger behavior. This is a staggering 492% increase compared to the previous year.

To put this into perspective, the four-year average for such incidents for 2017-2020 was 901.75 (2017: 544; 2018: 889; 2019: 1,161; 2020: 1,009).

While the numbers have declined since their peak in 2021, they are still well above pre-pandemic levels.

In 2022, the department reported 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023, and 1,954 so far in 2024 (final numbers for this year are still pending).

In the United States alone, these incidents led to 402 enforcement actions in 2023, compared to a pre-pandemic high of 83 actions in one year. Since 2021, fines totaling more than $21 million have been imposed as a result of such incidents.

The issue is not limited to the United States (although the United States appears to have done so). A higher percentage of such cases).

the International Air Transport Association It reported an increase in unruly passenger incidents globally, with one incident for every 568 flights in 2022 – up from one incident for every 835 flights in 2021.

The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbally abusive behavior, and intoxication. Notably, while non-compliance incidents initially declined after mask mandates were removed on most flights, their frequency began to rise again in 2022, ending the year 37% higher than in 2021.

Examples of non-compliance include:

• Smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the cabin or restrooms
• Failure to wear seat belts when requested
• Exceeding the permitted carry-on baggage limit or failing to store it when needed
• Consumption of personal alcoholic beverages on board.

What is behind the phenomenon of air rage?

Scientific research has highlighted that this phenomenon arises from the interplay of stressors unique to flying.

Environmental stressors

Research consistently identifies the physical environment of aircraft as a significant contributor to passenger frustration and antisocial behavior.

Factors such as cramped seating, limited personal space and high-density cabin configurations exacerbate discomfort and feelings of confinement.

Psychological factors such as anxiety and fear of closed spaces Aviation phobia (Fear of flying) can also lead to unusual behavior that the passenger may not exhibit in other social contexts.

In some studies, physical discomfort occurs, e.g Intrusions on personal spaceIt turned out to be the main cause of anger among passengers.

Emotional triggers Such as frustration over delays, long lines at security screening or unmet service expectations, can cause minor grievances to escalate into tantrums.

Noise and hunger may make the situation worse. It can create a volatile atmosphere even before passengers act.

Research has also suggested this Low cost carriersAlthough they are not directly responsible for air rage, they create environments conducive to disruptive behavior due to low service levels, inadequate facilities and passenger pressure due to automation and cost-cutting measures.

Social pressures

The role of inequality within the cabin environment is another strong factor.

Research shows that planes work A microcosm of class societywith physical inequality (having first-class compartments) and situational inequality (boarding through first-class compartments) adding to the frustration.

Interestingly, attitudinal inequality can affect even first class passengers, by highlighting their privileges and sometimes promoting a sense of entitlement that may lead to anti-social behaviour.

Alcohol abuse and nicotine withdrawal

Alcohol is the dominant cause of air rage incidents. Some studies have found this More than half Reported cases of air rage involve alcohol poisoning, often fueled by liberal alcohol policies at airports and on-board consumption.

Likewise, nicotine withdrawal was another factor Approximately 9% of accidents This is due to the inability of smokers to satisfy their cravings during long flights.

Socio-demographic influences

Empirical data suggest that sociodemographic factors play an important role in air rage incidents. One study Examined 228 cases of air rage It found that nearly 90% of accidents involved male passengers, with younger adults, especially those aged 30 to 39, being the most frequently involved.

Cultural norms and expectations regarding air travel also influence behavior. They shape how passengers respond to delays, inconveniences, etiquette violations, or perceived inequalities.

What can be done?

In the United Kingdom, airlines and airport authorities have implemented measures, such as those taken in Edinburgh There is no excuse for abuse A campaign to address the increase in disruptive behaviour. Such initiatives remind passengers to treat staff and fellow travelers with respect, while emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to aggression.

But addressing air fury requires more than just slogans.

De-escalation techniques and early recognition of disruptive behavior can help defuse situations before they escalate. Studies show that experienced and well-trained crew members are as well Better equipped to handle such incidents.

There are also simple things you can do to improve your flying experience.

1. You may choose to avoid excessive alcohol consumption before or during a flight, even if it is a way to relax. Staying hydrated and choosing non-alcoholic beverages can help control emotions.
2. Pay attention to others when reclining your seat, stowing luggage, or navigating the aisle. A little courtesy can go a long way.
3. Reduce stress by arriving early, and making sure your documents are in order. Avoid rushing to the airport, which is often a recipe for increased anxiety and irritability.
4. Traveling can be stressful for everyone. Showing empathy and politeness, even in frustrating situations, can help defuse potential conflicts.

Finally, it might be worth remembering that air travel isn’t always glamorous. Acknowledging that delays, discomfort, and inconveniences are often part of the experience, and accepting this reality can help reduce frustration.

author: Haqqani’s birthSenior Lecturer in Urban Risk and Resilience, University of New South Wales Sydney.

This article was republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. Read Original article.

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Lead Image: George Tsarsyanides/Dream time