Back in the good ol’ days, travelers had a certain code of conduct and respect for one another – it went without saying.
But these days, in the “Me First” era, entitled spoiled brats seem to think the rules don’t apply to them, and even worse, insist on being comfortable at your expense.
And other bad travelers are following suit — from a lack of self-awareness, to plain and disgusting behavior on airplanes, these bad travelers are making things miserable for all of us.
So check out our top bad traveler behaviors below and make sure you don’t fall into any of these categories.
The Traveler With The Gross Bodily Habits
USA Today recently reported on the horrific things flight attendants have experienced over the years–like a guy in first class who actually had the audacity to start clipping his toenails on the plane.
Hey dude.
Just because you are flying first class… doesn’t make it cool to clip your toenails on the plane!
It’s gross.
But apparently, taking off one’s shoes is a trendy thing on airplanes these days.
In fact, people seem to enjoy thrusting their bare feet all over the plane.
And, besides the fact that airplanes are grossly unsanitary, we’re pretty grossed out seeing your feet everywhere – like right by our face as we try to sleep.
Case in point, a viral video circulated of one dad taping his 4 year-old boy’s disgust as a lady thought it was cool to put her bare, dirty feet on his armrest – right by his face.
If a 4 year-old child can realize that taking off your shoes and forcing people to smell your feet (gross) or see them (even more gross) – then that should tell ya something.
And the little boy actually called out the woman for her behavior–good for him!
The Entitled “You Are Here To Serve Me” Traveler
In the era of “it’s all about me,” some travelers truly think the entire plane is supposed to rally together to make them comfortable.
Like the passengers who push the call button without mercy, believing that the flight attendant’s only job is to cater to their every whim on a plane.
Some flight attendants have confessed people have even pushed the call button asking if the airline had any bone broth.
Yeah, we “can’t even” either.
Or the wanderlust brats who fly first class with the money they’ve convinced people to donate for their “travel and adventurous lifestyle” … just so they can post pictures about being in first class like they actually have money.
Sigh. It’s truly obnoxious.
Even simple courtesies like getting ready to exit the aisle (so you don’t hold up everyone else behind you) is gone, as some people think they can leisurely stand up and put on their coat, grab their stuff while standing in the aisle, take their time getting all their luggage down—meanwhile, the rest of the plane just waits on them.
As if no one else has any place to go and has the time to ensure Ms. Entitled Passenger has the time and space to comfortably exit the plane.
Please, do not be that bad traveler!
The Obnoxiously Loud “I’m So Cool” Passenger
A long plane ride is painful enough.
Sure, we’ve got our noise canceling earphones in hand – but it barely drowns out the sound of drunk bachelors yelling at each other about how awesome their lives are.
Yep, some people think it’s okay to shout across the aisle about their upcoming trip, as if anyone actually cares about how much you’re going to party in Vegas.
Pro-tip: We don’t.
Bonus pro-tip: Ever heard your mom’s advice, “Use your indoor voice”?
Remember that next time you’re on a plane – nobody else cares about your upcoming extravaganza.
Don’t Be A Jerk
Hey listen, we get people can have a bad day.
We aren’t talking about them.
Small moms traveling with kids? Rock on. We support you. We understand your baby might cry.
It’s okay.
But changing your child’s diaper on the seat’s pull-down tray and then putting the soiled diaper in the back of the seat pocket for the entire plane to smell – and for the flight attendant to pick up later?!
Not so much.
So as you prepare to travel this holiday season, be mindful of other passengers.
Everyone is just trying to get from Point A to Point B with as little drama as possible—well most of us anyways.
And it’s already bad enough we get beat up by TSA and airline companies – let’s at least show our fellow travelers (and airline attendants) a bit of respect and courtesy.
Do you think you fall into the category of a “bad traveler”?
What’s the worst “bad traveler” experience you’ve run into during your travels?
If you’ve ever experienced a bad traveler story, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below — and be sure to share this article with all your friends!
