Archive · 25 Jul 2026
10 In-Flight Habits Travellers Can't Stand
A recent survey by Booking.com found that many travellers are becoming too comfortable on flights, leading to habits that annoy fellow passengers.
These habits include watching films without headphones, bringing strong-smelling food, recording reels, going barefoot, and walking in the aisle for fitness.
While 76% of travellers prioritize comfort, 44% believe others are becoming too comfortable.
Etiquette experts advise passengers to be mindful of their actions and consider the comfort of others in the shared cabin space.
67% of travellers admit they behave the same way on a plane as they do at home.
76% of travellers prioritize comfort, especially on long-haul flights.
Top annoying in-flight habits include watching films without headphones, bringing strong-smelling food, recording reels, going barefoot, and walking in the aisle for fitness.
Strong-smelling foods like sushi, garlic-heavy dishes, and boiled eggs are major sources of frustration.
Etiquette experts advise passengers to be mindful of their actions and consider the comfort of others.
- Who
- Travellers and passengers on flights
- What
- In-flight habits that annoy fellow passengers
- When
- During flights, particularly long-haul journeys
- Where
- On airplanes
- Why
- Due to a shift in behavior where passengers treat the cabin like an extension of their living rooms, leading to a blur between personal comfort and public courtesy.
Comfort Advocates
Courtesy Advocates
Personal Comfort vs. Public Courtesy
Comfort Advocates
Passengers should prioritize their own comfort, especially on long-haul flights.
Courtesy Advocates
Passengers should prioritize courtesy and consider the comfort of others in the shared cabin space.
Behavioral Norms
Comfort Advocates
Passengers should be allowed to behave as they would at home, including going barefoot or performing stretches.
Courtesy Advocates
Passengers should adhere to public etiquette and avoid behaviors that may disturb others, such as going barefoot or performing stretches in the aisle.
Use of Technology
Comfort Advocates
Passengers should be free to use their devices as they wish, including recording reels or taking photos.
Courtesy Advocates
Passengers should be mindful of others and avoid recording reels or taking photos that may capture fellow passengers without their consent.
- Survey Conducted By
- Booking.com
- Percentage of Travellers Prioritizing Comfort
- 76%
- Percentage of Travellers Behaving Similarly at Home and on Plane
- 67%
- Percentage of Travellers Finding Others Too Comfortable
- 44%
- Top Annoying In-Flight Habits
- Watching films without headphones, bringing strong-smelling food, recording reels, going barefoot, walking in the aisle for fitness
- Most Unwanted Smelling Foods
- Sushi (38%), garlic-heavy dishes (32%), boiled eggs (31%)
- Etiquette Expert
- Laura Windsor