Expedia ranks most infuriating airline passengers  

Who takes the gong as the worst type of airline passenger? Chatty Cathy, Slimey Sam or perhaps someone we can relate to – The Boozer?

Global OTA Expedia.com has released its latest Airplane Etiquette Study, a survey of over 1000 Americans on in-flight conduct, specifically – who were the best and worst in-flight passengers.

The survey, commissioned by independent global market research company GfK, found 64% said out of all common behaviours including inattentive parenting, undressing, and overly enthusiastic chatters, the “rear-seat kicker” was the worst of the bunch.

Following in a close second with 59% of respondents agreeing “Inattentive Parents“, defined as “parents who have no control over, or pay no attention to, their crying, whining or misbehaved children” were almost equally annoying, per a Travel Agent Central report.

Other common mid-flight faux pas which did not go unnoticed included the “Aromatic” passengers – those with poor hygiene or those wearing excessive cologne or perfume – voted by 55% coming in as the third least-liked.

A common mistake without realising it is often committed by the “Audio Insensitive”, the passenger who talks loudly or listens to music without consideration for fellow guests took 49% of the votes.

Perhaps more noticeable on full-service flights is “The Boozer”, annoying some 49% of flyers, and “Chatty Cathy” – a regular on Travel Weekly staff flights who strikes up conversation, and never stops. The survey, as per the paper report, claims 65% of respondents “dread” sitting next to a chatterbox, and would even pay more to sit in a “designated quiet zone” if the airline had one.

Passengers who immediately reclines their seat after take-off, aka the “Seat-Back Guy” – we all know who you are – and we dislike you. The survey found 37% would choose to have reclining seats banned entirely, or restricted somewhat on short-haul flights, Travel Agent Central reports.

However despite these unfavourable behaviours, only one in ten are likely to confront the passenger in question directly, but 13% would record it on their phone. You’re likely to also get socially shamed, with 5% taking to social streams to vent.

We’re not sure if airline’s will choose to follow Air New Zealand’s inflight safety videos after learning just 42% pay attention to safety presentations “occasionally”.

The full list of onboard etiquette faux-pas passengers include: