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Airline passengers face £53 fine for annoying habit - but it's not the worst

Reach Daily Express | May 12, 2026 12:39 AM CST

It's easyto become frustrated with your fellow fliers when you take to the skies. After all, you're confined in a metal cylinder with them for multiple hours with minimal personal space, meaning any irritations are magnified by the tight quarters and limited options for getting away.

And now research has uncovered the minor behaviours that airline passengers find most infuriating, including one that carriers are targeting with fresh fines. Travel insurance firm Tiger.co.uk polled 1,000 British holidaymakers and questioned what bothers them most while flying, with one etiquette violation emerging as their chief gripe.

Reclining seats was identified as the most annoying behaviour by travellers, with 14% of those surveyed citing it as their primary irritant. This results in the passenger sat behind the recliner getting less legroom, and was highlighted as particularly annoying on short-haul journeys where space is already at a premium.

Coming in at number two on the list of greatest frustrations was individuals standing before the seatbelt sign is switched off. Not only does this irritate your fellow travellers, with some airlines it could result in a penalty. Last year, the Turkish civil aviation authority announced that passengers who get up while the aircraft is still in motion could face fines of £53.

Not only does this conduct annoy other travellers - it could also prove dangerous. An abrupt movement during landing or an unexpected brake while the aircraft is on the runway could result in injuries.

Being ill-prepared can also grate on fellow travellers. The survey revealed that 11% of passengers felt frustrated when people reached passport or security checks only to rummage through their bags searching for documents. This was highlighted as particularly irksome during the peak summer season, when there has been plenty of time spent queuing to get everything ready, reports the Mirror.

Another habit that passengers find bothersome on flights will ring true for anyone who regularly uses public transport. Playing music, videos or games on devices without headphones is likely to irritate those around you, so if you've lost your headphones, either switch your device to silent or ask cabin crew whether they have any available to purchase.

And when it comes to disembarking, one behaviour is guaranteed to make you unpopular. Jumping up from your seat before the aircraft doors have opened can block the aisles and make it more difficult for others to retrieve their luggage, so remaining seated and exercising a little patience can make the whole process of leaving the plane considerably smoother for everyone on board.

10 most annoying air travel habits as named by passengers

Seat reclining - 14%

Standing before the seatbelt sign is turned off - 12%

Not being prepared for security or passport checks - 11%

Using devices without headphones - 9%

Standing in your row before the plane doors open - 9%

Queuing to board before the flight is called - 8%

Repeatedly opening and closing overhead compartments during flight 7%

Clapping as the plane touches down - 6%

Asking to swap seats - 6%

Talking during the safety demonstration - 6%

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