EQUIPThe Points Guy · 2h ago
Airplane etiquette survey: Many Americans say passenger behavior is getting worse

Executive Brief
The 30-second read
A new survey indicates a perceived decline in American airline passenger behavior across several key categories. Corporate travel policies should account for these friction points, including seat reclining and deplaning protocols, to maintain executive productivity.
- 01Most Americans report that overall passenger etiquette is worsening during commercial air travel
- 02Primary traveler grievances center on loud passengers and the use of reclining seats
- 03Disputes frequently arise regarding armrest allocation and the management of window shades
- 04Inefficient deplaning procedures remain a significant source of frustration for frequent flyers
Go deeper · Equip playbook
Business Travel Management 2026: Program Blueprint →AI-generated summary · Verify at source
A new survey reveals Americans' biggest airline etiquette pet peeves, from loud passengers and reclining seats to armrests, window shades and deplaning.