FLYING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Several reasons to note on why air travel makes us so cranky - and what to do about it

The holidays are coming, airports are packed and emotions are running high. You've probably seen it or even been part of it: that tense moment when a passenger snaps at a flight attendant, or a near-meltdown over a seat reclining too far.

Why does flying seem to bring out the worst in us?

Airplanes are, quite literally, a pressure cooker for emotions. For many, airports and airplanes are synonymous with anxiety, which often begins well before they step into the terminal.

These environments combine stress, discomfort and a loss of control, often leaving even the calmest travellers feeling on edge.

Planes also make inequalities bleedingly obvious. We've all experienced the envy of walking through first-class cabins to reach economy.

It's easy to see why air rage has become so common. In fact, reported incidents have skyrocketed in recent years, exacerbated by pandemic-related anxieties.

So, let's have a look at the science behind why we get so cranky when we fly. But more importantly, what we can do about it.

Air rage is getting worse

In recent years, reports of unruly passenger behaviour around the world have surged. Perhaps the most comprehensive indicator is the data compiled by the United States' Federal Aviation Administration, which show a clear connection to the pandemic effect.

In 2021, the administration recorded 5,973 incidents of unruly passenger behaviour. This is a staggering 492% increase compared to the year before.

To put this in perspective, the four-year average of such incidents for the period 2017-2020 was 901.75 (2017: 544, 2018: 889, 2019: 1,161, 2020: 1,009).

While the numbers have decreased since their peak in 2021, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

In 2022, the administration reported 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023, and 1,954 so far in 2024 (with final numbers for the year still pending).