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The holiday season is nearing, airports are alive with activity, and emotions can run high. You may have seen, or perhaps even faced, those tense moments when a traveler loses their cool with a flight attendant, or when someone gets close to losing it over a reclined seat. What is it about air travel that seems to amplify our worst behaviors?

Airplanes can indeed function as a pressure cooker for emotions. For many, just thinking about airports and flying brings a wave of anxiety, often starting well before they even set foot in the terminal.

This environment fosters a blend of stress, discomfort, and a sense of helplessness, which can unsettle even the most collected travelers.

Additionally, the differences in travel classes become starkly apparent during the flight. We’ve all experienced that twinge of envy while walking through first-class to reach economy.

It’s no surprise that air rage is on the rise. In fact, we’ve seen a staggering uptick in reported incidents in recent years, accentuated by the anxiety resulting from the pandemic.

Let’s explore the science behind what stirs our irritability while flying, and more importantly, look into possible solutions.

Air rage is increasing

Recently, reports of unruly behavior among passengers have surged worldwide. One telling metric comes from data collected by the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S., showing a clear link to the pandemic’s impact.

In 2021, the FAA documented 5,973 incidents of disruptive passenger behavior, a shocking 492% spike compared to the previous year.

To provide context, the average number of such incidents over four years from 2017 to 2020 was 901.75 (2017: 544, 2018: 889, 2019: 1,161, 2020: 1,009).

Though the figures have dropped from their peak in 2021, they still remain well above pre-pandemic averages.

In 2022, the FAA recorded 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023, and 1,954 so far in 2024 (with final yearly figures yet to be confirmed).

These incidents in the U.S. alone have led to 402 enforcement actions taken in 2023 compared with a pre-pandemic high of just 83 in a single year. Since 2021, fines exceeding US$21 million (A$32 million) have been imposed due to these disturbances.

This issue is not limited to the United States (though the U.S. does report a larger proportion of such occurrences).

The International Air Transport Association has also observed a rise in unruly passenger incidents globally, noting one incident for every 568 flights in 2022, compared to one for every 835 flights in 2021.

The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbal abuse, and excessive drinking. Notably, while non-compliance initially fell after mask mandates were lifted on most flights, such incidents began to climb again in 2022, ending the year 37% above 2021 levels.

Examples of non-compliance include:

• Smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vapes in the cabin or bathrooms
• Not fastening seatbelts when asked
• Exceeding carry-on baggage limits or failing to stow bags as directed
• Consuming personal alcohol onboard.

Understanding the air rage phenomenon

Research indicates that this phenomenon arises from a mix of aviation-specific stressors.

Environmental stressors

Studies repeatedly show that the physical setting of airplanes significantly contributes to passenger frustration and antisocial behavior.

Factors like cramped seating, limited personal space, and dense cabin layouts heighten discomfort and feelings of confinement.

Additionally, psychological factors such as anxiety, claustrophobia, and aviophobia (fear of flying) can lead to actions that passengers wouldn’t ordinarily exhibit in other social contexts.

Some studies suggest that physical discomfort, such as invasions of personal space, is a leading cause of anger among passengers.

Emotional triggers, such as frustration from delays, long security lines, or unmet service expectations, can escalate minor grievances into major confrontations.

Moreover, loud sounds and hunger can further heighten these situations, creating an unstable atmosphere that may prompt passenger outbursts.

Research also suggests that low-cost airlines, while not directly responsible for air rage, create environments that facilitate disruptive behavior due to diminished service, inadequate amenities, and passenger anxiety fueled by cost-cutting practices and automation.

Social stressors

The noticeable inequality present within the cabin serves as another notable trigger.

Research indicates that airplanes reflect a class-based society, wherein physical inequality (such as first-class sections) and situational inequality (boarding through first-class areas) increase frustration levels.

Interestingly, such situational inequality can also affect first-class passengers, highlighting their privileges and sometimes cultivating a sense of entitlement that leads to antisocial behavior.

Alcohol use and nicotine withdrawal

Alcohol significantly contributes to air rage incidents. Some studies reveal that more than half of reported air rage incidents involved intoxication, often exacerbated by liberal alcohol policies at airports and drinking during flights.

Moreover, nicotine withdrawal has been identified as a factor, with almost 9% of incidents linked to smokers unable to satisfy cravings on lengthy journeys.

Sociodemographic factors

Data indicate that sociodemographic characteristics play a significant role in occurrences of air rage.

An analysis of 228 air rage cases revealed that nearly 90% involved male passengers, with younger adults, particularly those aged 30 to 39, being the most frequently cited.

Cultural norms and expectations surrounding air travel also influence behavior, altering how passengers respond to delays, discomfort, etiquette breaches, or perceived inequalities.

What can be done?

In the UK, various airlines and airport authorities have launched initiatives, such as Edinburgh’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign, to combat the increase in disruptive behavior. These programs remind passengers to show respect to staff and fellow travelers while emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards aggression.

However, tackling air rage requires more than just slogans.

Implementing de-escalation techniques and recognizing disruptive behavior early can help alleviate tensions before they escalate. Research indicates that seasoned and well-trained crew members are better equipped to manage such situations.

There are straightforward actions that can improve the flying experience.

1. Consider reducing alcohol intake before or during your flight, even if it seems like it helps you relax. Staying hydrated and choosing non-alcoholic options can help keep emotions in check.
2. Be mindful of fellow passengers when reclining your seat, managing your bags, or moving down the aisle. A little kindness can go a long way.
3. Lower your stress by arriving early and having your documents ready. Rushing through the airport often leads to increased anxiety and irritability.
4. Understand that travel can be stressful for everyone. Being empathetic and courteous, even in challenging situations, can help defuse potential conflicts.

Ultimately, remember that air travel isn’t always glamorous. Accepting that delays, discomfort, and unexpected inconveniences are often part of the experience—and embracing this truth—can significantly lessen frustration.

Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.