The holiday season is upon us, airports are teeming with travelers, and emotions are running high. You might have seen, or even felt, those tense moments when a passenger loses their cool with a flight attendant or when tempers flare over a reclined seat. What is it about flying that tends to bring out the worst in us?

Airplanes can indeed serve as a pressure cooker for our emotions. For many, the anticipation of airports and flights brings about significant anxiety long before they even reach the terminal.

This environment fosters a blend of stress, discomfort, and feelings of lost control, which can rattle even the most level-headed travelers.

Additionally, the disparities in class become glaringly obvious during flights. We’ve all felt that sting of jealousy while walking through first class on our way to economy.

It’s no wonder that air rage has become more common. In fact, there’s been a staggering rise in reported incidents in recent years, exacerbated by the anxiety that arose during the pandemic.

Let’s explore the science behind what triggers our irritability while flying and, more importantly, potential solutions to combat it.

The rise of air rage

Recently, there has been a significant uptick in reports of unruly passenger behavior worldwide. A telling indicator comes from data compiled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S., showing a direct link to the consequences of the pandemic.

In 2021, the FAA documented 5,973 instances of disruptive behavior from passengers, marking an incredible 492% rise compared to the previous year.

For perspective, the average number of such incidents over the four years from 2017 to 2020 stood at 901.75 (2017: 544, 2018: 889, 2019: 1,161, 2020: 1,009).

While the figures have declined since their peak in 2021, they continue to be substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels.

In 2022, the FAA recorded 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023 and 1,954 reported so far in 2024 (with final annual figures pending).

These incidents have led to 402 enforcement actions in the U.S. in 2023, compared to a pre-pandemic peak of only 83 in any one year. Since 2021, fines totaling over US$21 million (A$32 million) have been imposed due to such disruptions.

This issue isn’t limited to the United States (though the U.S. does experience a larger share of these occurrences).

The International Air Transport Association has also observed a surge in disruptive passenger incidents globally, reporting one incident for every 568 flights in 2022, compared to one for every 835 flights in 2021.

The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbal harassment, and intoxication. Notably, while non-compliance initially decreased after mask mandates were lifted on many flights, incidents saw a rise again in 2022, ending the year 37% higher than 2021’s levels.

Examples of non-compliance include:

• Using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vapes in the cabin or restrooms
• Ignoring seatbelt fastening requests
• Surpassing carry-on baggage limits or failing to store bags as instructed
• Drinking personal alcohol onboard.

Dissecting the air rage phenomenon

Research suggests that air rage results from a mix of aviation-specific stressors.

Environmental Stressors

Numerous studies indicate that the airplane’s physical environment plays a significant role in passenger frustration and antisocial behavior.

Factors such as tight seating, restricted personal space, and crowded cabin arrangements amplify discomfort and feelings of entrapment.

Moreover, psychological factors like anxiety, claustrophobia, and aviophobia (the fear of flying) can provoke behaviors that individuals typically wouldn’t exhibit in other social contexts.

Some studies suggest that physical discomfort, such as invading personal space, ranks among the leading causes of passenger anger.

Emotional triggers, such as frustrations from delays, extended waits at security, or unmet service expectations, can transform minor grievances into major outbursts.

Excessive noise and hunger can further exaggerate these situations, creating a volatile atmosphere ripe for passenger eruptions.

Research also indicates that budget airlines may not directly cause air rage, but they foster conditions conducive to disruptive behavior due to lower service levels, inadequate facilities, and passenger stress from cost-cutting and automation.

Social Stressors

The obvious inequalities in the cabin also play a crucial role.

Research shows that airplanes mirror a class-based society, where visible disparities (like first-class sections) and situational disparities (like boarding through first-class areas) exacerbate feelings of frustration.

Interestingly, this situational inequality can affect first-class passengers as well, highlighting their advantages and occasionally fostering a sense of entitlement that leads to rude behavior.

Impact of Alcohol and Nicotine Withdrawal

Alcohol significantly contributes to air rage incidents. Some studies have found that over half of reported air rage incidents were linked to intoxication, often fueled by lax airport alcohol policies and drinking during flights.

Similarly, nicotine withdrawal has been identified as a factor, with nearly 9% of incidents related to smokers unable to relieve their cravings on lengthy flights.

Sociodemographic Factors

Data suggest that sociodemographic elements significantly influence air rage incidents.

One analysis of 228 air rage cases revealed that almost 90% involved male passengers, with younger adults, particularly those aged 30 to 39, being the most common offenders.

Cultural expectations and social norms regarding air travel also shape behavior, affecting reactions to delays, discomfort, breaches of etiquette, or perceived inequalities.

Strategies for Improvement

In the UK, various airlines and airport authorities have rolled out initiatives, such as Edinburgh’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign, to address rising instances of disruptive behavior. These programs aim to remind passengers to treat staff and fellow travelers with respect and reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against aggression.

However, countering air rage requires more than just slogans.

Employing de-escalation tactics and recognizing disruptive behavior early can help alleviate tensions before they escalate. Studies indicate that skilled and well-trained crew members are better equipped to manage such situations.