The Worst Offenses, According to Seasoned Travelers
1. The Full Recline Without Warning
- Why It’s Awful: Slammed seatbacks crush knees, spill drinks, and trigger air rage.
- Pro Tip: Glance behind you first—or recline slowly.
2. Bare Feet on Armrests (or Worse, Neighboring Seats)
- Why It’s Awful: No one wants to smell your soles—or see them near their head.
- Verdict: “Worse than airport sushi.” –
3. Ignoring the “Seat Belts On” Sign
- Why It’s Awful: Delays everyone when flight attendants must nag you repeatedly.
- Bonus Rage: Standing up immediately upon landing.
Mid-Flight Menaces (The Annoying Middle Tier)
4. Overhead Bin Hogging
- Why It’s Awful: Stuffing a carry-on and a purse in the bin when others have none.
- Karma Move: Gate-check your roller if bins are full.
5. Loud Phone Calls at Cruising Altitude
- Why It’s Awful: “HEY, I’M ON A PLANE!” is not a personality trait.
- Bonus Hate: Bluetooth speaker users.
6. Ignoring the “Middle Seat Gets Armrests” Rule
- Why It’s Awful: Window/aisle hoarders leave the middle seat prisoner with nothing.
- Justice: The unofficial traveler code demands shared armrests.
Minor But Infuriating Pet Peeves
7. Strong Perfume/Cologne in Close Quarters
- Why It’s Awful: Your “signature scent” becomes everyone’s migraine.
8. Letting Kids Kick Seats Relentlessly
- Why It’s Awful: Parents who ignore this deserve turbulence.
9. Bringing Stinky Food Onboard
- Why It’s Awful: Hard-boiled eggs or tuna sandwiches = edible war crimes.
10. Queue-Jumping the Jet Bridge
- Why It’s Awful: “My connecting flight is in 5 minutes!” isn’t our problem.
How Not to Be That Passenger
✔ Wait your turn – Deplaning isn’t a race.
✔ Use headphones – Even if you swear everyone loves your playlist.
✔ Warn before reclining – A simple “Mind if I tilt back?” saves spines.
Protest Tactics: Passive-aggressive sighing works.
