Is YOUR plane etiquette poor? Passengers’ most annoying flight habits revealed
The romance of flying is long gone, nowadays it is more of an ordeal to be endured
WE all know what bugs us most when we’re cooped up on a plane with a bunch of strangers.
But maybe, just maybe, you're the one winding up your fellow flyers - and a new report reveals why.
In a bid to pin down passengers’ pet peeves, Expedia has launched its 2018 Airplane Etiquette report after carrying out a poll.
A contentious issue was how to act while sitting in the middle seat - specifically when you're bursting for the bog and your neighbour sits between you and urgent relief.
A surprising 31 per cent said they would wake up them up and ask them to get out while 29 per cent confessed they would climb over with their back facing them.
About 25 per cent would hold tight for the person in the aisle seat to stop sleeping.
But 15 per cent said they would take the plunge and climb over facing them - despite the risk of a turbulence induced embrace and the momentary mortification that entails.
Seat reclining was also identified as a divisive issue.
Some 40 per cent agreed seats should only ever be put back in flights of more than three hours long.
Yet 20 per cent believe it's rude to recline the seat at all.
But crying, whinging or naughty kids was the number one annoyance - or rather parents failing to get their children to behave.
Close second was smelly passengers, with obnoxious aftershave, deodorant and perfume to blame - and pungent body odour the worst of all.
People violating personal space was third.
This includes people falling asleep on their shoulder or lap. Loud talkers or the noise from earphones was also highlighted.
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Expedia travel expert, Lisa Perkovic, travelled overseas 11 times in 2017 and urges travellers to be aware of how they are on planes.
“With the launch of ultra-long-haul flights, time in the sky is getting longer so being stuck in a cabin with an inconsiderate passenger can start the holiday off on the wrong foot,' she said.
“There are some simple ways Aussies can ensure people around them have a relaxing and pleasant flight.
“Patience, politeness and planes are a match made in the sky, so we encourage Aussies to take a deep breath and think about how they can be a better passenger on their next flight.”