Navigating airports and airplanes can be stressful, and it seems travel etiquette is declining. A recent survey by Solitaire Bliss has shed light on which states are home to the “naughtiest travelers” in the US, revealing some surprising habits and behaviors witnessed by fellow passengers.
According to the survey, a significant 78% of Americans believe airline etiquette has worsened in recent years. This study polled residents across every state to pinpoint where these less-than-ideal travel habits are most and least prevalent. Prepare yourself if you’re passing through airports in Iowa, Illinois, or Virginia – these states topped the list as having residents most likely to engage in what might be considered “naughty” travel behaviors.
Busy airport terminal with travelers, illustrating declining airline etiquette and 'naughty traveler' behaviors.
Key Survey Findings on “Naughty” Travel Habits
The survey uncovered several common behaviors that air travelers find irritating. Topping the list of witnessed offenses are reclining seats without asking, talking loudly on phones in public areas, and the somewhat territorial act of placing bags on seats in the terminal to prevent others from sitting down. In fact, 66% of respondents admitted to using their bags to reserve seating in busy airport terminals.
Other frequently reported “naughty” behaviors include:
- Seat Reclining Etiquette: A considerable 43% of those surveyed confessed to reclining their seats without consulting the passenger behind them.
- In-Flight Cleanliness: Leaving garbage in the seat back pocket is another common offense, with 38% admitting to this habit.
- Bodily Functions: Even something as unavoidable (and potentially embarrassing) as passing gas in the plane cabin was reported, with 30% of respondents owning up to this mid-flight faux pas.
Interestingly, the survey highlighted regional differences. While Iowa, Illinois, and Virginia were identified as the states with the “naughtiest travelers,” residents of Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida were deemed the least likely to commit these travel etiquette violations.
Generational Trends and Airline Associations
The study also pointed to generational trends in travel behavior. Gen Z emerged as the generation most likely to engage in these “naughty” habits. Furthermore, when Californians were asked which airline they most associated with bad behavior, Spirit Airlines was the top answer.
Perhaps most alarmingly, 1 in 8 Americans reported witnessing a physical confrontation at an airport or on a plane, indicating that declining etiquette can sometimes escalate beyond minor annoyances.
For a deeper dive into the survey results and to see the full state rankings, you can visit www.SolitaireBliss.com. As travel continues to rebound, being mindful of our behavior and respecting fellow travelers becomes more important than ever.
