A survey conducted by The Points Guy and YouGov polling 2,500 US adults found that the biggest source of annoyance on planes is passengers using phones or laptops to make calls, video calls, or watch videos without headphones, causing noise disturbance [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Becky Blaine, executive editor of The Points Guy, said, "You will see kids with iPads and older folks with phones playing videos at full blast, and this behavior crosses all generations" [1].
About 40% of respondents think airlines should ban phone and video calls during flights, with 27% saying this noise is the most annoying passenger behavior, surpassing common complaints like seat reclining [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Micayla Keeley, a flight attendant, noted, "You are one of hundreds in an enclosed metal tube, and no one else wants to hear what you're watching or listening to" [3].
Regarding seat reclining, 51% of adults believe passengers should be allowed to recline their seat backs during flights, while only 10% think seats should never be reclined [1, 2, 4, 5]. Only 11% agree that middle seat passengers have the right to use both armrests due to limited space [1, 2, 4, 5]. Other frequent irritants include passengers reclining seats too far back, taking off shoes in the cabin, and loud conversations, according to the survey and flight attendant reports [3].
More than 70% of respondents said comfortable clothing like leisure sportswear and loungewear is the most appropriate attire for flying. Just 9% favor formal dress and only 1% think pajamas are acceptable on planes [1, 2, 4, 5]. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged passengers last year to dress better to encourage better behavior, warning against pajamas and slippers. He said, "I would encourage people to dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better" [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Forty-two percent of Americans think flying etiquette has worsened over the past five years, with 52% blaming other passengers more than airlines [3]. Flight attendants also cited issues like ignoring seat belt signs and poor hygiene, while parents flying with babies are generally not seen as bothersome [3].
In related news, German airline Lufthansa launched flight etiquette-themed apparel, featuring slogans like "Middle seat gets armrests" and "Recline responsibly" [3]. Southwest Airlines reminded passengers via social media not to stand immediately after the seatbelt sign turns off to speed up deplaning [3].
The survey was reported by CBS News on August 25, 2026, and various coverage continues to highlight changing norms around passenger behavior and flight etiquette in the US [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
