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There is no doubt that flying has changed over the years; flights have become cheaper, and more people than ever are traveling by air. Some passengers complain that seats are getting smaller and that their personal space is being invaded. Frustration with long queues at the airport and flight delays, and increasing cases of unruly passengers, is it really true that air travel has become almost unbearable?
There has been some controversy about the airline industry in recent years, though flying remains the safest method of travel. In times past, flying was somewhat of a luxury, a high-end experience that involved dressing up, dining, and being respectful to one another. Today, it’s a more stressful experience at the airport, onboard, and delays are inevitable. Is flying now unbearable, and what are the reasons for this perception?
Dressing Appropriately
The US Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, last November urged passengers to stop wearing pajamas and slippers in airports to restore civility and etiquette in travel. He suggested that Americans should return to the golden age of travel, be helpful, mind their manners, and dress better. He also encouraged passengers to “say please and thank you to our pilots and to our flight attendants” and to dress “with some respect.”
Etiquette experts say that Passengers should wear clean, comfortable clothing and avoid clothing that should be worn only in private spaces. Clothing with curse words, political messages, and anything that may be provocative should not be worn. Clothing often reflects the person and their manner; therefore, it should be taken into consideration. Experts suggest wearing ‘elevated casual’ outfits that are comfortable and presentable but also ‘upgrade worthy.’
In terms of safety, passengers are recommended to wear natural loose fabrics like cotton or wool rather than polyester, which can melt on the skin in a high-heat scenario. Comfortable shoes should be worn in case of an evacuation. A passenger can dress in layers for personal comfort and warmth. Sharp items should be avoided (e.g., high-heeled shoes) to prevent puncturing the evacuation slide and to prevent the slide from burning legs; suitable clothing should be worn. Long-sleeved tops and trousers are the best options for protecting against fire and sharp edges.
Personal Space
Many flyers complain that seat space keeps shrinking, leading to uncomfortable journeys, especially on longer flights. Ongoing debates on social media reflect a sense among some passengers that flying has become more stressful and less pleasant. Indeed, it is problematic when seats get smaller while Americans get bigger over the years. This means that the risk of someone else encroaching on your personal space is almost inevitable.
Of course, passengers will post their stories on social media, sparking debate about airlines’ seating policies and passenger etiquette. They complain about being pressed against the seat, the wall, or another person, but the general rule of thumb is that all armrests should be able to be lowered. Of course, not much can be done if a passenger in the middle seat falls asleep on your shoulder, but as a rule, your seat is your own space, and space is at a premium. For example, leaning across someone in a window seat to take photos of the view outside is not acceptable.
Passengers who wear headphones with music or movies too loudly are a bugbear for many passengers. In terms of etiquette, passengers should check that the sound level is not too high and does not risk disturbing fellow passengers. Those with young children can be a problem for some when they are not being controlled sufficiently. Babies’ diapers should never be changed on the tray table or on a spare passenger or crew seat. Bathroom habits, such as clipping nails or flossing, should stay in the bathroom and not be brought into an aircraft cabin.
What Are The Top Tips For Plane Etiquette?
One of the most hotly argued discussions in travel is what’s the rule around armrests.
What Do The Airlines Say?
Shutterstock | Simple Flying
In terms of personal space, airlines often recommend that passengers buy two seats for extra comfort. Where this is not possible, airlines suggest that the armrests be lowered and that a flight attendant be asked for a seat change or an upgrade as appropriate. It is always a good idea to find a solution before the aircraft door is closed.
United Airlines and 
American Airlines advise that if a passenger thinks they may need more personal space, the best option is to book two seats next to each other. They also recommend that a passenger upgrade to a larger seat or rebook a seat on a quieter flight. Passengers should be able to sit in their own seat with both armrests down.
It is important to be nice to the flight attendants and not treat them like servants. They are there primarily for passenger safety and service, secondly. If there is a medical emergency or an emergency evacuation, a flight attendant is responsible and could save your life. They should be treated with respect as safety professionals, not just as servers.
Unruly Passengers
Sean Duffy’s comments came after Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data showed that there was a 400% increase in inflight disturbances since 2019. These involve disruptive behavior and acts of violence. Almost one in five flight attendants reported physical incidents in 2021, whilst in 2024 the rate of unruly passengers remained above pre-pandemic levels. An unruly passenger disrupts flight safety or fails to follow the crew’s instructions. These incidents are often fueled by alcohol, drugs, or medication.
An Unruly passenger threatens the safety of the aircraft, the crew, or other passengers. This can include physical and verbal abuse, sexual harassment, fighting, or tampering with aircraft equipment. Incidents are on the rise, increasing from one per 835 flights in 2021 to one per 480 in 2023, according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Around 1,000 flights per year are affected by such behavior, and one incident results in an emergency diversion every month.
Of course, being aware of alcohol consumption and any medications taken is important. Picking a fight with a spouse, friend, or stranger onboard an aircraft is never a good idea and could aggravate others and create tension in the cabin. Of course, just a small comment can turn into a full-scale brawl in just a few minutes. This can potentially lead to being restrained, injuries, a flight diversion, fines, and imprisonment, as well as being banned from flying. The FAA can enforce fines of up to $37,000, and prosecution and flight diversion costs will have to be covered.
2024 Saw A Rise In Unruly Passenger Incidents
Last year, airlines were forced to contend with more unruly passengers.
Is Flying Unbearable Today?
Air traffic and passenger volume are rising, putting strain on airports and their staff and airline crew. There are also staff shortages, which have a ripple effect and can create flight delays or cancellations. Airline margins are tighter, too, meaning cheaper flights but smaller seats and fewer perks. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight, mostly due to security post 9/11, but many would argue that airport security has not actually improved and is more invasive than before.
Lots of airport staff were laid off during the pandemic, and they were never replaced to pre-pandemic numbers. Passengers get frustrated by long queues throughout the airport, both on departing and on arrival, and changes to procedures. Many airports can no longer cope with the sheer volume of passengers flowing through them. Service onboard somewhat dwindled over the years, with passengers having to pay extra for items.
On-time performance and flight safety remain at a high level despite more complaints to aviation regulators than ever before. These are often from passengers with issues related to flight delays, baggage, or cancellations. Any time there is an aircraft accident or incident, passengers’ fear of flying is exacerbated. Reports of severe turbulence caused by climate change are another source of stress for passengers.
A Question Of Respect
It is important to dress appropriately for a flight and to show respect for fellow passengers. Personal hygiene is also important when in such close proximity to others. Manners and self-respect are free of charge and can change the overall perspective of a flight. If there is an issue, passengers should remain calm, thoughtful, and appropriate and address it during the boarding process.
There are some behaviors that should be kept private in one’s own home and certainly not displayed during a flight. If bringing food and drink onboard, it is important that they do not smell strong or offensive; the same applies to wearing too much perfume. Bare feet in the cabin are not acceptable and certainly not in the lavatories, on armrests, or on side walls. Socks or slippers can be worn in the cabin.
Shared space should be respected, with middle-seat passengers having both armrests. Noise should be kept to a minimum. Do not recline your seat aggressively. Always follow the crew’s instructions and check the seat belt sign before moving. Be mindful of space in the overhead locker and use the space under the seat in front of you, where possible.
