TORONTO — Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, a new survey from Flight Centre conducted by YouGov shows that in-flight etiquette is a major source of frustration for Canadian travellers.
Four in five Canadians say they have experienced a travel disruption, most commonly a delayed flight (63%), followed by lost luggage (37%) and a flight cancellation (28%). Many say fellow passengers contribute just as much to travel stress as operational issues.
From loud conversations to removing shoes mid-flight, the survey ranked what Canadians say ticks them off the most about air travel …
1. Flight delays or cancellations – 58%
2. Lost luggage or baggage concerns – 52%
3. Disruptive passengers (e.g. a crying baby or a drunk passenger) – 41%
4. Paying additional fees (e.g. for excess luggage) – 34%
5. Getting stuck in the middle seat with strangers on either side – 27%
6. People taking shoes off and going barefoot on the flight – 19%
7. Passenger beside you chatting the whole time – 16%
8. Passenger in aisle seat not getting up to unblock aisle access – 16%
9. No in-flight entertainment – 16%
10. No wi-fi on the plane – 13%
11. Having to fill in physical incoming passenger cards – 7%
According to the survey, Gen Z are most likely to be bothered by lack of Wifi, chatty seatmates and needing to fill out physical passenger cards; Millennials most detest bare feet and lack of in-flight entertainment; Gen X can’t stand lost luggage and additional fees; Baby boomers are especially annoyed by flight delays, disruptive passengers and getting trapped in the middle seat.
“The week before Christmas and the period right after New Year’s Day are always busy, and this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest winter travel seasons,” says Flight Centre’s Amra Durakovic. “Understanding where frustrations arise helps travellers prepare, and it also highlights where travel experts can step in. When disruptions happen, having support and flexible itinerary options can make a significant difference.”
The travel industry is full of savvy, experienced travellers. For the not-so-experienced, Flight Centre’s ‘Considerate Flyer Guide’ includes these tips …
Wait Your Turn: “You’re eager to get to turkey dinner — we get it! But obeying the rules of air travel helps everything run smoother. To board: Wait to get in line until your section is invited. To disembark: Exit the plane in order of row, from front to back.”
Tread Carefully: “Ensure your bag(s) meet the allowed dimensions and, when boarding, carry them directly in front or behind you to avoid bashing other guests.”
Share Storage: “Overhead compartments are prime real estate on full flights, so only store your largest bag – ensuring it’s in the compartment above your row when possible – and stash gifts or other items under the seat in front of you.”
Cede the Middle Armrests: “The middle seat doesn’t have a lot going for it. By letting the middle passenger have the armrest, you’ll score an instant spot on Santa’s nice list.”
Stay in Your Lane: “Be mindful of encroaching on other people’s personal space, either by reclining your seat (don’t do it during meal times!), pulling on someone else’s headrest to stand or pushing your feet or knees into the back of the seat in front of you.”
Imbibe Wisely: “You know yourself best. If you tend to get loud and sloppy after three glasses of mulled wine, cap it at two.”
Keep Your Shoes On: “Unless you’re on an overnight flight and brought a pair of slippers, keep your footwear where it belongs: on your feet.”
Keep Washroom Trips Short: “If you frequent the washroom, book an aisle seat, and avoid turning the lavatory into a lounge.”
Mind the Chatter: “If your neighbour puts on their headphones or buries their face in a book, it means they want the gift of peace and quiet.”
