A recent study conducted by travel experts has revealed the state of airplane etiquette in the US, which has been described as distressing. The study aimed to determine which states have the best and worst offenders when it comes to airplane behavior. The survey, which included 2,002 Americans, found that 78% of respondents felt that travel etiquette has deteriorated over the past couple of years. These findings come at a time when many Americans are gearing up for summer vacations.
To determine which US residents were most and least guilty of appalling airplane etiquette, the study surveyed Americans in every state on various topics related to travel behavior. These topics included behaviors witnessed while traveling, behaviors deemed the worst, airlines most closely associated with bad behavior, and personal instances of bad behavior. The most frequently reported infractions included putting bags on seats in the terminal, reclining seats without asking, neglecting to put phones in airplane mode, passing gas in the cabin, leaving garbage in the seat pocket, and asking other passengers to switch seats.
Based on the responses collected, each state was assigned an average score on a scale of 0-100, with 100 representing the worst travel habits. Iowa was identified as the state with the highest “Naughty Travel Habits Score” at 94.29, with behaviors such as placing luggage on terminal seats and breaking wind at 30,000 feet being among the most common violations. Illinois followed closely behind with a score of 89.81, with a quarter of residents admitting to ignoring seatbelt signs while flying. Virginia ranked third with a score of 88.85, with top bad habits including placing luggage on seats, not putting phones on airplane mode, and reclining seats without permission. New York came in at number 11 with a score of 80.
On the other end of the spectrum, Arkansas was identified as the least naughty state, with residents considered to be the most polite, or potentially the most dishonest when it comes to in-flight offenses. Arkansas was followed by Alabama and Florida, suggesting that Southern Hospitality extends to the friendly skies. Other insights from the survey included findings that one in 8 people have witnessed a physical altercation in an airport or on a plane, Spirit Airlines is most associated with passenger misconduct, and Gen Zers are considered the naughtiest generation when it comes to travel etiquette.
