The ten most annoying behaviours during a flight, according to Spanish travellers

Almost half of Spaniards have been irritated by the behaviour of fellow passengers while flying, according to a new study by Booking.com.

The survey found that 46% of respondents had been annoyed by another passenger during a flight, while 55% believe some travellers forget they are in a shared public space and behave with too much freedom on board. Despite this, nearly two-thirds (62%) admitted they act much the same way on a plane as they do at home.

The biggest source of frustration is passengers leaning over others to take the perfect photograph through the window, cited by 46% of those surveyed. Close behind is bringing food with strong smells or food that creates a mess (42%).

Watching videos or listening to music without headphones ranked third, annoying 41% of respondents, while 37% object to passengers taking off their shoes during the flight.

Other behaviours passengers find inconsiderate include appearing in someone else’s videos or social media posts without permission (35%), carrying out a manicure by painting, cutting or filing nails (32%), recording content for social media or TikTok during the flight (28%), flossing teeth (26%), repeatedly walking up and down the aisle to reach a daily step goal (26%), and stretching or practising yoga in the cabin (21%).

Although 89% believe people should behave on an aircraft in the same way they would on any other form of public transport, 12% admitted they have travelled barefoot after removing their shoes.

Many passengers would like airlines to introduce stricter rules. Four in ten (40%) believe travelling barefoot in the cabin should be banned, while half of respondents (50%) support prohibiting passengers from watching videos or listening to music without headphones, as well as photographing or filming other travellers without their consent.

Comfort remains the top priority for most travellers, with 73% saying it is the most important aspect of flying, particularly on long-haul journeys.

When another passenger’s behaviour becomes disruptive, almost half (46%) say they would politely ask the person to stop. Only 14% would choose to tolerate the situation without saying anything, while 10% admit they would simply express their irritation through a look, sigh or other gesture rather than speaking up.