We should all strive to be tolerant of others when we board an airplane together. Being stuck at 30,000 feet in a close quarters gives strangers a unnatural intimacy. It doesn’t take much for sensibilities to be affronted and tempers to flare. Some infractions and annoyances are so pervasive they’re like cliché stock characters. Here are 13 of the most obnoxious passenger types you see on airplanes all the time. Don’t let yourself commit these sins of the skies.
1. The Overhead Hog
Airlines have gotten ruthless with their checked baggage fees, so many travelers are pushing their carry-on allotment to the limit. Some passengers are bringing maximum-sized hand luggage plus a laptop or personal item and duty-free purchases into the cabin, and those little overhead bins just can’t handle the demand. It has become a strategic game to see who can board first to snag the space above the seat. Get there last and chances are you’ll have to squeeze in somewhere down the aisle (if you’re lucky) or check your bags. Try to be considerate on this issue by packing less and not taking up more than your fair share of the bin, even if it means your legroom is compromised.
