In-flight drama has skyrocketed in recent years, from Tiffany Gomas’ infamous breakdown caught on camera last year to countless other passenger rants that have made headlines since.
While these incidents often revolve around a single individual and cause chaos in the skies, they have also sparked intense national debates about what is and is not acceptable to do on board a commercial airliner.
A woman recently sparked a debate about airplane etiquette after she got into a shouting match with a fellow passenger who she accused of “repeatedly moving her seat” as she reclined it last November.
More recently, another woman caused a stir after her hand came out of the chair behind her while she was engaged in a tug-of-war over the curtain, which turned out to be that of a child.
But now an eye opener YouGov A survey has revealed what Americans really think about what behavior during flights is acceptable – and what behavior is definitely not.
In-flight drama has skyrocketed in recent years, from Tiffany Gomas’ infamous breakdown caught on camera last year to countless other passenger rants that have made headlines since.
Behaviors that most Americans agreed are a big mistake, such as letting your kids run down the aisles, getting drunk on board, and leaving your seat during air turbulence.
Most people agreed (86 percent of those surveyed) that letting your children play in the aisle is unacceptable, while 82 percent said getting drunk goes too far.
The same percentage of respondents say it’s annoying to leave your seat during turbulence, while 81 percent agree that watching a movie without headphones is a serious mistake.
Most people (79 percent) also say it is unacceptable to leave trash in the back seat pocket when leaving the plane, while 74 percent disapprove of using both armrests when someone is sitting next to you.
About 68 percent said eating strong-smelling food is a pet peeve, and 66 percent said not paying attention during the safety demonstration is a no-no.
The survey of more than 1,000 people conducted in May this year also revealed etiquettes that divide opinion, with as many US residents saying they are acceptable as those who condemn them as a pet peeve.
A sensational YouGov survey has revealed what Americans really think about what in-flight behavior is acceptable – and what behavior is definitely not
This includes making a telephone call, taking a small dog on board, unfastening your seat belt when the lights are not on and leaving the ceiling lights on when the cabin lights are turned off.
Other behavior is now generally regarded as acceptable by most respondents.
They include using a laptop on the tray table, waking a seatmate to go to the bathroom and pressing the flight attendant’s call button to get a drink.
Opinions on airplane etiquette are determined by how often someone flies, according to YouGov, with frequent flyers being less tolerant of certain actions.
People who say they fly commercially at least once a year are more likely to say it is unacceptable to talk on the phone and put small items in the overhead bin during a full flight.
YouGov surveyed 1,152 American adults in May with a mix of people from all demographics.