Inconsiderate recliners top list of peeves for fellow passengers

AIR TRAVELLER SURVEY:INCONSIDERATE FELLOW passengers reclining their seats is the number one pet hate among air travellers, according to a new survey.

Screaming children and people picking their noses, cutting their toenails or removing shoes from "smelly feet" were also cited as causes of annoyance.

The study found that the behaviour of other passengers is of more concern than ticket prices, check-in queues, airport security or the punctuality of flights.

Almost a quarter of 4,000 British passengers questioned by the Travel Magazine said they "hate it when the person in front reclines their seat" on short-haul flights, claiming that it cramps their space and interferes with their comfort.

On long-haul flights, passengers complained that a reclined seat in front forces them to stow away their tray before they have finished eating.

But some travellers, while agreeing about the lack of space, felt just as strongly that they were "entitled to recline" as they had paid for their seats.

Passengers also complained about other examples of rude, offensive or otherwise antisocial behaviour. Nine per cent claimed that having the back of their seat kicked or pushed was the most upsetting experience on a flight.

Few passengers complained about traditional flying grievances. Only 2 per cent mentioned long check-in queues at airports; the same number cited their exasperation about the "inconsistent application of security rules".

The quality of in-flight service attracted fewer negative comments than anticipated. Passengers did not complain about the quality of food, although 5 per cent of respondents said they hate it when they are told their choice of meal is no longer available, which frequently happens to passengers sitting at the rear of an aircraft.

Sharron Livingston of the Travel Magazine believes better-designed seats would solve the problem. "But until then I think travellers are crying out for some good old-fashioned manners during flights," she says. "Otherwise, we could risk an increase in air rage."