The 15 Most Annoying Types of Plane Passengers, Ranked

Navigating the cramped space between airline seats can be tricky, especially if you've got a window seat passenger in your row who continuously needs to get up and use the bathroom. We're actually a little bit surprised that this didn't rank higher on the list. But, as they say, if you gotta go, you gotta go -- and, luckily, only 24 percent of participants felt it was annoying.

Thankfully, we're willing to bet that this passenger only really comes out on long distance flights, when comfort is of the essence. Either way, it's now official that no one wants to witness anyone de-robing, de-shirting, or de-shoeing while in-flight. It's a cramped space, but some people have no shame.

Watching anyone make out or get handsy in public is hard to stomach, but when you are on a plane and the simple ability to walk away disappears, some people admit that it can get really awkward and uncomfortable -- fast. Couples who won't stop with the cuddles and kissing actually tied with passengers that peel off their layers on the plane, with 26 percent of participants agreeing that both behaviors should probably be kept behind closed doors.

Again, with the tight spaces and awkward body twists that some coach cabin seat rows inflict upon their passengers, we think it's safe to say that nearly all of us -- at some point or another -- have grabbed the seat in front of us for leverage. There's only so much yoga a person can do to effortlessly contort out of some of those seats, but it doesn't change the fact that just over a quarter of your fellow passengers think it's highly annoying.

Since most airlines have stopped in-flight meal service outside of international routes -- and with diet restrictions on the rise -- we wouldn't be surprised if more and more people are bringing their own food on board these days. However, if you do, try to be friendly to the noses of those around you. We are sharing this tiny, recycled air space, so the fewer tuna sandwiches, stinky cheeses, and hard-boiled eggs we inhale, the better. (And 30 percent of the survey's participants agree with us.)

Again, thanks (in a "no thanks" kinda way) to the freebie cuts by airlines, more and more passengers have been forced to carry on their luggage. Let's face it, almost everyone flies with some kind of carry-on these days. With this in mind, let's also realize that there is only so much space in those overhead bins (and much less under the seat in front of you), so be kind, stow your large bag up top, throw your personal item down below, and leave room for everyone else. This gripe also includes anyone who prematurely stows his luggage in a row that is miles in front of his actual seat (and we'd like to add, anyone that tosses his sweater or small grocery bag up in the overhead bin).

Wow. We're guessing that all the people above six feet tall really appreciate this one. As we mentioned, there's not much space between the seats, and 32 percent of participants in the Expedia Airplane Etiquette Survey feel that the passengers sitting in front of them who have no problem just cranking back that seat are some of the worst co-passengers on the plane. Who can blame them? No one wants to be pinned in his seat, with the TV screen six inches from his face, and the tray table sticking into his abdomen.

We've all seen this person. Maybe he has a flight to catch, maybe he doesn't. Either way, no one likes it when that passenger just bulldozes ahead and skips the deplaning line. Look, buddy, we've all been on this flight the same amount of time, dealing with the person in our row who had to use the bathroom a million times, sitting with our tray table jammed into our ribs, and smelling either someone's Limburger cheese sandwich or sweaty feet, so, please -- just wait your turn to get off the metal bird. If you are guilty of this offense, just know that over a third of your fellow passengers are judging you with side eyes.

Maybe it's just us, but we swear that, while the "check your carry-on luggage" racks have stayed the same size, everyone's in-flight luggage (and small personal items) have only been growing. Remember the overhead bin space can only hold so much, and last-minute luggage checking at the gate can delay flights. So be kind and remember that you're sharing your flight (and space) with 100+ other passengers who also have carry-on luggage.

Again, we are surprised this isn't higher on the list. The inability to escape a situation because you are on an airplane can cause great anxiety and frustration for some. However, 16 percent of those surveyed admitted that they view flight time as a chance to talk to, and get to know, new people. That might come as a surprise to the three-quarters of participants who said that -- while they don't mind small talk, they really just want to enjoy their flight in peace and quiet. We guess that's why 43 percent of them said sitting next to a Chatty Cathy was the absolute worst.

Cough. We feel that this might one behavior that transcends cabins more than others, since alcohol is available throughout the plane -- and is actually free in business and first-class cabins. A whopping 45 percent of passengers said they cannot stand sharing airspace with a booze hound. We were also slightly surprised that only 10 percent admitted to having more than two drinks on a flight or in the airport beforehand…maybe they just lost track.

Personally, we feel that headphones were created so that the outside world doesn't have to listen to your personal in-flight playlist, or the laugh track to the TV show you've downloaded. Blame it on hearing damage, but we've definitely noticed, both on the subway and in the skies, that headphones have somehow evolved into these mini-speakers that anyone within a five-foot radius can hear. Perhaps this is why half of your co-passengers listed fellow passengers who listen to loud music or, subsequently, talk really loud as the seat mate best avoided. Unless you are Jacob Silj, you really have no excuse.

Tied with the loud music players and speakers, passengers who cloak themselves in perfume, cologne, or deodorant come in at the number-three spot. This is another passenger faux-paux that we can really get behind -- or prefer not to, actually. Again, since airplanes are small, shared spaces, we have no love for our fellow passengers who over do it on the bottled scents. In fact, we've even seen someone throw up because of it.

Almost 60 percent of people are most bothered by co-passenger parents or guardians who don't pay attention to their children while on board. Maybe there's a bit of a mental vacation that starts as soon as they get into your seat, but please -- if you travel with children (we know it's no piece of cake), try to keep them in control of their kicking, screaming, and Cheerios.

Speaking of monitoring the kicking and screaming, the absolute worst trait a passenger can have (which usurped the number one spot from last year) is kicking the back of your seat. It's probably happened to all of us, and we guarantee that no one likes it. Ever. 


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