Why are people so badly behaved on planes?

Turbulence in the Cabin: Why Air Travel Turns Us Into Our Worst Selves

Air travel, once a symbol of glamorous adventure, has increasingly become a breeding ground for bad behavior. It’s a phenomenon most frequent flyers have witnessed firsthand: the passenger who hogs both armrests, the impatient gate lice crowding the boarding area, the frustrated individual arguing with a flight attendant over carry-on size. But why does air travel so often transform otherwise reasonable people into less-than-pleasant versions of themselves? The answer, it turns out, lies in a potent cocktail of stress, confinement, and a feeling of powerlessness.

One of the primary culprits is the sheer stress associated with air travel. From the moment we begin planning our trip, we’re inundated with potential anxieties. Will our flight be delayed? Will we make it through security on time? Will our luggage get lost? These pre-flight jitters are then amplified by the actual experience. The long lines, the intrusive security checks, the constant barrage of announcements – all contribute to a heightened state of anxiety. This elevated stress level significantly lowers our tolerance for frustration and makes us more likely to lash out, even over minor inconveniences.

Adding to the anxiety is the undeniable feeling of confinement. Imagine being squeezed into a narrow seat with limited legroom for several hours, surrounded by strangers and unable to escape. This lack of personal space can be incredibly unsettling, triggering feelings of claustrophobia and increasing irritability. The feeling of being trapped, coupled with the inherent lack of control over the situation, contributes to a sense of powerlessness that can manifest as rudeness or aggression.

Furthermore, air travel often involves a frustrating power imbalance. Passengers are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline and airport authorities, with little say in the matter. Delays, cancellations, and changes in seating arrangements can all feel arbitrary and unfair, leading to resentment and frustration. This feeling of being at the mercy of external forces can erode our patience and make us more likely to take our frustrations out on those around us, often those perceived as being in a position of authority, like flight attendants.

In conclusion, while there’s no excuse for outright rudeness or aggression, understanding the underlying factors that contribute to bad behavior on planes can help us to be more empathetic and perhaps even more forgiving travelers. Recognizing that stress, confinement, and a feeling of powerlessness are common experiences can encourage us to be more mindful of our own behavior and to extend a little extra patience and understanding to our fellow passengers, ultimately making the journey a little smoother for everyone involved. Perhaps, with a little more awareness, we can start to reclaim some of the civility that seems to have been lost somewhere between the boarding gate and cruising altitude.