Stop the air rage now! How to not freak out in the air
A lot of people watch reality TV to get their daily dose of drama, but these days, all you have to do is book a flight if you want to see a throw-down.
It seem like every week there’s a new headline about someone freaking out on a plane.
We’ve reported stories about passengers yelling at flight attendants, people fighting over reclining seats, and even an enraged passenger slapping a crying baby on a plane. Air rage is thriving, and honestly, it’s getting a little out of control.
To figure out why people are losing their minds on planes, Yahoo Travel conducted a survey asking people to identify what triggers their air rage. Nearly a quarter of respondents said that they didn’t get angry on planes. To them, we say “Thank you.”
But the rest of survey-takers had very strong opinions about what was acceptable in the air. Twenty-one per cent of respondents blamed their air rage on other passengers, and 17 per cent blamed the cramped space.
Eleven per cent said that a crying baby on a plane fueled their air rage, and seven per cent pointed the finger at a rude flight attendant.
RELATED: British air rage increasing
Professor Robert Bor is a specialist in aviation clinical psychology and says that the results of our survey were not surprising, considering the agitating environment of planes. “It’s often jostling of armrests, fighting for overhead space, and lines to board,” he told Yahoo Travel. “It’s quite competitive behavior that takes place.”
Additionally, Bor says that flying can be an exhausting experience for many travellers. “People often get on a plane emotionally charged. They can be stressed because of a short connection, an affair with their family, or a work issue,” says Bor. “And then there are people who have a fear of flying, and that can be exhibited in anxious behaviour.”
As for why we’re hearing more stories about air rage, Bor has two explanations. First, new FAA regulations require airlines to report these incidents more frequently. And the second reason is technology. “We have removed the human element from travel,” says Bor. “People don’t see a rep from the airline, and by the time something becomes an issue, the only people there to answer for it is the crew, and things start to flare up.”
Clearly, no one likes sitting to the guy who’s ranting about his salty airline meal while slapping babies. So to prevent yourself from becoming the next headline on Yahoo Travel, Professor Bor offers up these six tips for controlling your air rage.
1. Start with the right mental state
Give yourself some leeway in getting to the airport. Don’t rush around if it isn’t necessary. Also, be realistic. Thinking that the trip is going to be perfect is the wrong mentality. Expect speed bumps.
2. Put it in writing
If you have any problems, put it in writing and send a message to the airline. You can also ask what the airline can do to correct the grievance.
RELATED: Flight attendant sues Korean Air over nut-rage incident
3. Bring supplies
Bring your own entertainment in case the in-flight movie isn’t working or isn’t something you want to watch. Also, bring your own food. There is nothing more stressful than having an airline meal you can’t eat. Having your own supplies makes you feel less dependent on the airline for all your needs. If you depend on it for your needs, you will be become irritable.
4. Take minimal baggage
People get stressed over baggage — waiting for it, losing it. Try not to check a bag, and carry the smallest carry-on possible.
5. Dial down your sense of entitlement
You are in a small, shared space with other people. People have different standards than you. If things are not how they should be, they don’t have to be perfect, just good enough.
6. Save your frustrations
Save your frustrations for an environment when you can let them out. If you vent on a plane, you can expect the police when you land, and that’s the last thing you need. Take your tensions to an environment where they can be dealt with.
This article originally appeared on Yahoo Travel.
