Worst Travel Habits: Traveling by plane can be stressful, especially when you’re tired, dealing with delays, or trying to find a seat in a busy terminal. But one thing that can make it even worse? Bad behavior from other travelers. A new report shows that airline etiquette in the U.S. might be getting worse—and some states, like Washington, are standing out for all the wrong reasons.

Airline Etiquette Is Getting Worse

According to a survey by Solitaire Bliss, Worst Travel Habits most Americans believe that people are becoming ruder while traveling. From airports to airplanes, travelers are noticing more bad habits, and many even admit to being guilty of some themselves.

The study asked people across all 50 states about what they’ve seen and done while traveling. The results offer a mix of funny, frustrating, and downright worst travel habits that are becoming more common.

The Worst Travel Habit in the U.S.

The most common worst travel habits in the country is putting bags on empty seats in airport terminals. A huge 84% of travelers said they’ve seen this happen, and 60% admitted to doing it themselves. While it may not seem like a big deal, this small act can cause problems in crowded waiting areas where seats are already limited.

The second most annoying habit is talking loudly on the phone at the airport. We’ve all been there—sitting quietly when someone nearby starts having a full conversation on speakerphone. It’s distracting, and often feels inconsiderate.

Another common complaint? Reclining airplane seats without asking. Though seats are made to recline, doing it without warning can make life uncomfortable for the person sitting behind you, especially during meal service or short-haul flights.

Which States Have the Worst Travelers?

Some states were found to have travelers with more worst Travel habits than others. The top three states with the worst-behaved travelers in 2025 are:

1. Mississippi
2. California
3. Arkansas

These states ranked highest for travelers who admitted to doing things like skipping lines, being rude, or causing a disturbance while flying.

Washington State’s Naughty Travelers

Washington didn’t make the top three, but it wasn’t far behind. It came in sixth place for states with the worst travel habits. The report found some surprising stats about what travelers from Washington are doing while on the move.

Here are a few standout habits from Washington state:

• Asking to cut the airport security line: This was the most “unusually popular” habit in Washington. Nearly 1 in 3 people surveyed said they’ve asked to cut the line—a rate that’s the second-highest in the country.
• Clipping or filing nails on the plane: This habit ranked fourth-highest nationally in Washington. Most passengers agree grooming should happen at home, not at 35,000 feet.
• Wearing strong perfume or cologne: This can be unpleasant in tight spaces like airplanes, and Washington ranked fifth in the nation for this behavior.
• Getting into verbal arguments: Washington travelers were sixth in the U.S. for arguing with others during flights or at the airport.
• Drinking too much alcohol while flying: The state also ranked ninth for people having a bit too much to drink during travel.

These habits not only annoy fellow travelers, but they can also cause delays or even lead to being removed from a flight.

Are Travelers Changing?

With 44% of Americans planning a trip involving air travel or hotels in summer 2025, how we behave while flying really matters. According to NerdWallet, many people plan to use credit cards to pay for trips, and most say they’ll pay off their balances right away.

But budgeting for a trip is only one part of the experience—how people act while traveling is another big part. And based on this survey, it looks like some travelers may need a refresher on good manners.

Tips for Better Travel Etiquette

If you’re flying this summer and want to avoid being “that traveler,” here are a few quick etiquette tips:

• Keep your voice down in terminals and on planes.
• Don’t hog seats with bags in crowded areas.
• Avoid personal grooming in public.
• Be mindful of smells—skip strong perfumes or colognes.
• Drink responsibly if you choose to have alcohol in-flight.
• Stay calm, even when flights are delayed or crowded.

Final Thoughts

Travel is supposed to be an exciting, enjoyable experience. But bad behavior from even a few people can quickly ruin it for others. As more people return to the skies in 2025, good etiquette is more important than ever.

Whether you’re flying across the country or heading out for a weekend getaway, being a polite and respectful traveler goes a long way. Let’s make the travel experience better—for everyone.

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