It feels like air travel is more turbulent than ever! From “gate-lice” crowding the boarding zone, to out-of-control kids, to disturbing incidents of “air rage,” inconsiderate and bad-tempered people seem to be even more numerous in the unfriendly skies.
Airlines and destinations are fining, banning, redesigning, and reminding travelers that bad behavior at 30,000 feet will have consequences. In 2025 alone, Canada’s WestJet, Ireland’s Ryanair, and the country of Turkey have all implemented new initiatives to restore civilized jet-iquette.
Are you “on board” with these new moves designed to make your next flight less stressful?
Ryanair — Fines, Lawsuits & Last Calls
The giant, low-fare, Irish airline is the mainstay for groups of ‘high spirited’ bachelor and bachelorette parties heading to cheap Mediterranean destinations and fans heading for pints and the party atmosphere at soccer tournaments in Europe. In 2025, it announced it would be fining unruly passengers about USD $675. Furthermore, it would sue offenders for costs if a flight ended up diverted. And it’s urging airports to limit pre-flight alcohol sales.
Turkey — Charging Aisle-Rushers
There’s always that person at the back who thinks they deserve to the first off the plane. But if you’re flying to Turkey, don’t even think about standing up before the aircraft comes to a complete standstill. Let alone opening your overhead bin. Turkey’s aviation regulator will slap you with a fine of about USD 70.
WestJet — Declining Reclining
Conflict-avoiding Canadian airline WestJet is addressing issues over seat recliners by simply taking the option away. New “fixed-recline” seats in economy aim to stop seat-back squabbles and preserve peace. Less tilt, fewer temper tantrums.
Those new initiatives are just the latest crackdowns on bad behavior:
Ireland — #NotOnMyFlight Campaign
Ireland isn’t joking when it comes to bad behavior before, during, or after your flight. In addition to Ryanair’s new hardline policy hitting unruly passengers in their pocketbooks, Irish airlines, airports, and police joined forces with a bold message: “Disruptive behavior won’t fly.” Posters, videos, and staff briefings reinforce zero tolerance.
American Airlines — Eradicating Gate-Lice
Digital boarding systems now flag passengers who try to board out of turn, cutting chaos before take-off and sparing gate staff the stress of crowd control.
India — Stow it! Preventing Flaring Tempers with a Shared No-Fly List
With one of the world’s toughest deterrents against unruly passengers, India has defined three offense levels, instituted bans up to a lifetime, and developed a national registry of flight hooligans shared and accessed by all Indian air carriers.
U.S. FAA — Zero-Tolerance Enforcement
When air rage soared during the pandemic, America's Federal Aviation Agency stepped up, pursuing thousands of cases and issuing record fines and criminal referrals to the FBI. Although things have calmed down a bit more recently, the FAA remains vigilant in reminding travelers: misbehaving or disobeying crew is a federal offense.
European Airports — Sober in the Skies
Across the EU and U.K., airports are tightening alcohol access and posting warnings at gates—‘cutting off’ passengers and problems associated with too much pre-flight tippling.
Avoid Being ‘That’ Passenger: the New Rules of Jet-iquette
We understand. Airport lineups, extra security measures, and crowding take a toll on all our tempers. You still don't want to be the one wrecking someone else's - or your own! holiday. Here are some tips:
- Board with your zone and don’t jump the lines.
- Stow your carry-on luggage above your own seat.
- Just don't recline your seat.
- Stay seated until the crew says otherwise.
- Check your temper as well as your bags.
- Parents, come prepared! Keep kids entertained and in their seats.
- Dry in the sky: You don’t have to avoid all alcohol, although it’s especially dehydrating in the air. But keep the big celebrations for your destination.
- And of course: Follow crew instructions, always.
How to Deal with ‘That’ Passenger?
Sigh. When others forget to be considerate of those around them, the best thing the rest of us can do is: never engage. Try to find your own little pocket of serenity and focus on anticipating your enjoyment of your upcoming destination.
START YOUR TRIP!
Image: Getty
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