Anyone who has ever flown during the holidays knows that it can be a special kind of hell.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re about to embark on a holiday travel adventure. And if you’re anything like me, that means hours spent in airports and even more time cramped in an airplane seat. From dealing with packed airports to spending hours crammed into a tiny seat, holiday travel is not for the faint of heart. And while I can’t promise that flying during the holidays will ever be fun, I can at least offer a little bit of advice for what NOT to do on your voyage this year.
Thanks to The Daily Record, we now have a list of the 5 biggest holiday travel annoyances. The Daily Record asked their readers to list their top travel pet peeves, and their readers certainly hit the nail on the head. These were not one-time travelers. Nay, nay. These people have seen some stuff. Experienced some junk. These people knew what they were talking about.
Ugh. Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel. I even love flying… so long as the conditions are bearable. Traveling amongst inconsiderate folk… I could live without. It can create a travel experience that is uncomfortable, stressful, and just downright annoying. Please. I beg of thee. Be aware of your surroundings and those you’re sharing a space with. Traveling is tough. Don’t make the experience even more challenging for everyone.
So whether you’re already in the thick of holiday travel for Thanksgiving this week, or just starting to get mentally prepared for your travels over the next couple of months, read on for a little bit of comic relief (and, more importantly, a little bit of wisdom). Don’t be one of these travelers. Please.
The Top 5 Holiday Travel Pet Peeves:
5) "Passengers, Who Get Up Before The Seatbelt Signs Are Off"
This. I mentally cannot handle this. And I can’t figure it out. Do these people just not pay enough attention to know they aren’t supposed to be unbuckled, or do they just think they’re the single exception to the rules? Like… Excuse me? Where do you think you’re going? We’re on an aircraft… And you’re in a rush to go WHERE?! Sit down. GAH.
4) "Armrest Hogs"
When I ride as a passenger on planes, I make a conscious effort to give those seated on my side(s) the majority of the armrest. Because how awful is it to not be able to rest your arms for the entire duration of a flight? Pretty miserable. But others are not that mindful. And it’s annoying. And I really can’t stand it.
3) "Those Who Talk Too Loudly On Smartphones"
I just have one question… WHO ARE YOU YELLING AT? They can hear you. And so can everyone at the gate/on the plane. Please. Be respectful of everyone you’re sharing the space with. We don’t want to hear your conversation.
2) "Adults, Who Inconsiderately Recline Their Seats"
I’m not sure what exactly is MOST annoying about this one – the fact that you can’t move a muscle when the person in front of you does this, or the fact that they are that unaware and inconsiderate of the possibility of a passenger behind them. Please don’t be this traveler just so you can lay back 180 degrees and snooze the flight away. By all means, recline your chair slightly. But please don’t ruin another traveler’s experience. We’re all in this travel game together this holiday season.
1) "Kids, Who Kick Seats"
Having your back kicked repeatedly on a four hour flight? Yeah… Nothing will make you consider searching for a parachute on that plane faster than repetitive kicks to the lumbar. So miserable, and lowkey PAINFUL! To all travelers – please keep your feet off of the back of the seats!
