Preparing for summer air travel? Here’s what we know now
Summer travel is always busy, but there are tips on how to avoid unnecessary flight issues. Here’s what we know now.
A new survey found that most Americans believe airline etiquette has worsened in recent years.
But what are the most annoying habits travelers have seen across the United States? What are the most unusual habits that travelers admitted to doing themselves? And which states have the most badly behaved travelers?
Those are the questions Solitaire Bliss sought to answer in its analysis of “America’s Naughtiest Travel Habits in 2025.” The video game company surveyed people in each state and “asked about the common habits they are guilty of themselves, what habits they have observed, (and) their overall opinions on airline etiquette.”
Here’s more on the report and the worst travel habits committed by travelers:
What is the most common bad travel habit in the U.S.?
People placing their bags on the empty seat next to them while waiting in an airport terminal is the worst travel habit Americans have both observed and admitted to doing themselves, according to the report from Solitaire Bliss. Eighty-four percent of travelers surveyed said they’ve witnessed this behavior, while about 60% said they’ve done this.
“While it may seem minor, this habit can get under the skin of others who are trying to find a place to sit and relax ahead of their flight,” the report said.
The second “naughtiest” travel habit observed in the country is talking loudly on the phone in the terminal, according to the report. Reclining a seat without asking is the second-worst habit people admitted to doing.
Ranking first through third for states with travelers who have the worst travel habits were Mississippi, California and Arkansas.
What are the worst travel habits in the worst-offending state?
Mississippi ranked first in the nation for the state with the “naughtiest travelers,” according to the report.
The “most unusually popular travel habit” at the top spot in the Hospitality State is wearing strong cologne or perfume, the report said. Four other states claim the habit as their number-one complaint, including Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and New York.
Other annoying habits include:
- Clipping or filing nails on a plane
- Getting in a verbal confrontation with others
- Having too much to drink
- Asking to switch seats on a plane
How many people plan to travel in summer 2025?
About 44% of Americans are planning a vacation that will include either a flight or a hotel stay in summer 2025, according to an analysis by NerdWallet.
“Most 2025 summer travelers — 85% — say they’ll use credit cards to cover some of their travel expenses. Of them, three-quarters — 75% — say they’ll pay off all the expenses with the first billing statement, which means they shouldn’t have to pay any interest charges,” according to the NerdWallet report.
The most popular destinations this summer are Tokyo, London, New York, Rome and Los Angeles, according to travel company Skyscanner.
