People on Airplanes
I’ve traveled enough these days to where I’m acutely aware of the “types” of people you encounter on an airplane or maybe in the airport. The airplane, to me, seems a much more intense relationship with these people since you’re literally stuck in a metal tube with them for however long your flight may be – meaning travel etiquette is ESSENTIAL.
The older I get the more impatient I seem to be, or less inclined to want to deal with many of these personalities. If you know me well, you know my face is very expressive. Thankfully my forehead is generally full of botox so my brows don’t show as much emotion as they used to but still.. I have a hard time hiding my annoyance with these people.
These are the personalities I’ve come across so far while flying across the world, have you encountered any of these – or worse, do you think you may be one of these? I’ll tell you which one I am!
Chatty Cathy
I think we’ve all sat down at one point or another and had someone just truly chat your ear off. Normally I don’t mind this but usually I’m trying to nap on planes and thus just don’t have the bandwidth to carry on and pay attention. Back when I used to live in Utah I would fly to Dallas often to visit family. I always caught a flight the morning my last night shift ended so imagine how tired and cranky I was after working 12+ hours in the cardiac ICU. SUPER IRRITABLE. I almost always would be seated next to someone who wanted to know my life story or just would not stop talking. Bless their hearts, my cranky self would have to throw on headphones and turn towards my window to pass out.
The I Just Opened a Bag of Beef Jerky Person
OMG – I get that we’re all hungry and want to eat on the plane. But dang – there are just some smells in a confined space that don’t belong. I’m actually writing this post on a flight to Vegas and someone literally opened a bag of beef jerky before we even took off. WHY?! I love beef jerky but the smell on a plane is just so intrusive and pungent. What smells bother you on airplanes? Really strong sandwich meats also make me want to wretch.
The Farter
So – this seems to happen to me all the time. And no, I don’t mean I’m the one with the gas. Funny story – the first time I ever got to fly first class I was SO excited! I couldn’t wait to see what the hype was all about and get my own little warm hand towel service. I sit down in my window seat and am next to an older gentleman, business looking type. He seemed nice enough and not overly chatty. Wrong. The man started downing bloody mary after blood mary – and on came the questions and irritable bowel. First, I thought it was coming from the bathroom, but then he let one out that seriously felt like it hit my face. It took every ounce of my composure to not grab my nose and try not to breathe. Has that ever happened to you? Babies with dirty diapers I totally understand and have no qualms with – but adults with gas attacks maybe pack some beano just in case? Whewwee!
The Conk Out on your Neighbor Person (This is Me)
Like I previously mentioned, I fall asleep almost instantly on planes. I always choose the window seat for this reason. Somehow though, my head ends up on my neighbor’s shoulder. Almost always! To me, it’s kind of endearing (unless there is snoring, which I am known to do) when someone falls asleep on a stranger. It’s the little bit of humanity we all need mixed with love. I currently can’t sleep, but you’ll see why. If you are known to be a drooler (God forbid you drool on someone) maybe try to sleep on the window or try a neck pillow!
The Seat Back in your Lap Person
Ah, the reason why I can’t sleep or really can’t even cross my legs – there’s a seat in my lap. Airplanes are just an uncomfortable experience overall – I can never truly get comfortable and I’m always worried I’ll be “that person” taking up someone’s space. So I try to stay within the confines of my seat and don’t really put my seat very far back minus maybe an inch or so. This woman in front of my has her seat so far back there is no putting a drink on the tray, digging in my bag, or much of anything aside from typing on my laptop (in my lap) with my elbows literally against my ribs. But I’m currently annoyed enough to do so and took inspiration for this post. So I guess I really should thank her. But in all honesty, don’t be this person. I wouldn’t even be able to get up to go to the bathroom if needed to without grabbing the top of her seat and possibly her hair (also hate when people do that).
The Chair Kicker
Typically, I find this is a child and I have no children so I will not judge on this one whatsoever unless you’re an adult and should know better. The seat kicker or puller is like that slow drip on a leaky faucet: not that bad at first until you’re eventually driven crazy but the constant bugging drip drip drip – or kick kick kick. Poor Charlie almost always have a kicking child behind his chair – bless him and his monumental level of patience.
The Battle of Elbows
Okay – the seats are narrow, I get it. But it’s obnoxious when (especially a man) is elbowing completely into my seat, get in your own lane bro! It’s like driving a car and taking up two lanes – stop it. One time when I was flying from Salt Lake City to Dallas, I was again just finishing a night shift and was incredibly drained. I just wanted to sleep. The older man (who looked perfectly nice) next to me was at first sitting in my window seat. He asked if I minded (dude you’re already sitting in my seat) and yes I minded because I wanted to sleep on the window and not on him. BUT I was very nice and even apologetic about it – even though it was the freaking seat I paid for! Homeboy got SO mad and passive aggressive, he had his feet and his elbows all up in my business. He even had the audacity to get out a freaking newspaper and widespread open up the entire thing across our seats. This behavior from a grown man was appalling – and to be honest such a shock. I couldn’t even sleep because he was so invasive. So my lesson here is by mindful of your limbs and don’t be an asshole, plain and simple.
The Loud Conversationalist
Airplanes are loud – yes. But is there a need to talk ABOVE everyone else? Is there though? I think not. Again, me and the sleeping. When people are loud enough to be heard over my headphones – there’s a problem. Bring it down an octave. And again, crying babies – I totally get it, and feel sorry for them (their poor little ears). But loud or even drunk adults.. no patience. Be courteous to those around you and keep your conversations at a pleasant volume.
Have I missed anyone? I kind of bundled the drunk person into the last one up above. I know I left out the deliberately rude person or the drop luggage on your head person. What about the people who IMMEDIATELY stand up and get in the aisle the moment the plane lands and seatbelt signs go off? Why?? When someone tries to cut me off exiting the plane, I will say something. You disembark row by row! Maybe you have a tight connection – then say so and people will gladly move for you, otherwise don’t be that person.
What are your observations on planes? I’m dying to know! Do you have any specific ideas on travel etiquette? Share them with me.
August 13, 2018 @ 11:53 am
Wow, I really don’t know if I identify with any of these — but I definitely have dealt with these scenarios! Is there a “Likes to read to herself and not talk to strangers” option? Because that’s me!
August 13, 2018 @ 2:02 pm
Haha – you hit the nail on the head! My biggest pet peeve is people who lean their seats ALLLL the way back and continue pushing. I always get stuck behind these people. There is already so little space on planes, I personally feel that seats should recline no more than an inch. I also hate people who try to shove all of their stuff in the overhead bin — including their suitcases that barely fit and their jackets. I’m the person trying to take up as little space as possible with my headphones on, lol.
August 13, 2018 @ 8:02 pm
My biggest pet peeve… THE CHAIR BACKS! I hate, hate, hate how people push their chair back all the way back on planes – especially on a midday or morning flight where most people aren’t sleeping! If you are on a common commuter flight and you’ve inhibited the commuter behind you from working… you are the worst! I’m like you – I try to be as polite and make myself as small as I can. No stinky snacks, no loud packaging, no conversation other than a word or two to my seatmate if I know them… why aren’t other people as conscientious!?
August 13, 2018 @ 8:23 pm
Ugh I hate ALL of these people. Like you I also have a VERY expressive face so I often can’t hide my irritation. I once sat next to the craziest man on a 10 hour flight to Paris, he was a TOTAL chatty Cathy & actually had the audacity to wake me up when I was falling asleep so he could keep talking to me. Eek!
August 13, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
This is too funny and all so true! I’ve sat next to every one of these types of people. I try to get situated in my seat put my headphones in and close my eyes these days!
August 13, 2018 @ 9:09 pm
Hahaha, I got a kick out of reading this! I’ve been on a plane plenty this summer and thankfully only ran into the “Chatty Cathy” and the “Lean Your Chair Back” person. But you’re so right, most of the times when I’m about to get on the plane I am not in the mood to interact, I either want to take a nap or read in peace. I always hope that the person next to me won’t be too chatty haha!
August 13, 2018 @ 9:17 pm
This article is SO ACCURATE it hurts. On very rare occasions have I sat next to someone on a flight (other than family/friends) that I DIDN’T end up hating…hahaha
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
August 13, 2018 @ 11:02 pm
This is so funny! I actually just took my first flight a few weeks ago and I for sure encountered all of these people! Chatty Cathy is actually the most awful on the list!
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
August 13, 2018 @ 11:30 pm
This is so funny and it’s so true!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
August 14, 2018 @ 12:05 am
OMG this post had me cracking up! First, with your botox remark, then with all the “types” of people. These are SO ACCURATE. LOL. An open bag of beef jerky on the plane is the worst (besides the farters). I’ll spare you the story of one guy I had the displeasure of sitting near recently…ugh. I’ll be thinking of this on my flight to LA next month! haha
August 14, 2018 @ 8:36 am
ughh I hate most of these! haha I’m like you, I like to sleep on my flights, especially if I’m flying alone. Don’t talk to me on a plane, it’s none of your business why I’m flying to wherever haha.
August 14, 2018 @ 8:50 am
Omg I have seriously encountered ALL of these people!! I try to be courteous, but I typically just smile then turn away and put my headphones on lol. You are spot on with this!
August 14, 2018 @ 10:02 am
This is so true, LOL! I have encountered all of these people on a plane at least twice, and to be honest, I don’t know who’s worse. Probably chatty cathy or the farter!
August 14, 2018 @ 12:39 pm
Haha I love this! I always seem to have the chair kicker child right behind me and while I get it, it’s still frustrating lol.
August 14, 2018 @ 1:39 pm
omg, you totally nailed all these types of personalities xD i am thankfully, none xD i think i hate the people who are inconsiderate of those behind them the most – the sit back seat in your lap those always piss me off more…only because they can never see how uncomfortable the people behind them truly are -.-
August 14, 2018 @ 4:01 pm
OMG SO TRUE! Also the person who doesn’t even acknowledge your existence. I mean were gonna be sitting next to each other for 1+ hours, a smile wouldn’t hurt!
August 14, 2018 @ 5:04 pm
I always get the kicker behind me!!!! You look gorgeous in these pics babe. Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
August 14, 2018 @ 7:43 pm
You have no idea of how hard I’ve laughed jajaja I have literally experienced those same type of travelers (except for the one with the beef jerky) lol. I really enjoyed this post!! Keep it up girl.
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
August 15, 2018 @ 6:10 pm
AH I have been traveling so much lately and have experienced all of this! you totally nailed it, haha!
August 17, 2018 @ 1:13 am
This is too funny babe! After so many flights, i can totally relate to this. and love your outfit, so cute!
Kileen
cute & little
August 19, 2018 @ 11:28 am
I’ve dealt with all of these except the elbow battle! On our way to Ohio, there was a woman named Valerie, (obviously she made an impact), who spent 90% of the flight time chatting up my fiancé, and interrupting our conversation several times. So annoying! I agree, I’m losing my patience to ????
August 20, 2018 @ 7:23 am
This is such a funny post! I loved reading it!
August 20, 2018 @ 10:31 am
This post is hilarious! I think you hit the nail on the head with each of the types and I’m with you- I get on the plane with my big over-the-ear headphones and signal that I don’t want to see or hear anyone around me!
August 20, 2018 @ 6:28 pm
Haha this post cracked me up! I’ve never been with a farter, but hey i’m sure i’m bound to run into one at some point lmao!
August 21, 2018 @ 8:08 am
Too funny!! This is all so true too! Most people drive me nuts on planes ha!
My Travel Essentials – Tarrarized
February 10, 2021 @ 8:17 pm
[…] remember the various personalities you’ll encounter whilst traveling – particularly during the holidays and elevated stress […]