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Passenger behavior when traveling: Here’s where Florida ranks for best and worst etiquette
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Starting next week, more than 70.9 million people around the U.S. are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, with nearly 4.5 million of those travelers coming from Florida.
And when it comes to flying out for your upcoming trip, sitting next to someone with poor airplane etiquette can easily ruin your flight. But does their home state affect their overall behavior?
One study suggests it might, with a recent report by Solitaire Bliss asking residents from every state about the bad behaviors people have seen while traveling and if they are guilty of committing these offenses, as well.
What are some of most common bad behaviors seen on airplanes?
The participants cited the most common inconsiderate behaviors in airports and airplanes they’ve seen were people reclining seats without asking, using phones loudly in the terminal, and placing bags on terminal seats.
However, when it comes to admitting their own habits, participants shared these behaviors:
- Putting bags on terminal seats
- Reclining seats without asking
- Not putting phone on airplane mode
- Passing gas in airplane cabin
- Leaving trash in seat pocket
Where does Florida fall when it comes to bad travel behavior?
Surprised? Or maybe you aren’t by Florida’s ranking, with the Sunshine State placing within the top five states for the best behavior on airplanes.
According to the story, Florida is the third best state overall, with a score of 61 out of 100 for bad habits.
What state has the best travel etiquette?
Who topped Florida? Arkansas was crowned the leader for having the most well-mannered passengers, with a score of 55 out of 100.
The top 10 states for best behavior on airplanes were:
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Florida
- Ohio
- Kansas
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Maine
What are the states with the worst travel etiquette?
As for those most guilty of flatulence or going barefoot in the main cabin, Iowa reigns supreme. The study shares the Midwest state saw a naughty travel habits score of 94 out of 100.
The top 10 states for worst behavior on airplanes were:
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Virginia
- Texas
- Georgia
- California
- Washington
- Nebraska
- Utah
- Colorado
See tips for maintaining proper airplane etiquette
In a USA Today piece, experts shared tips on how to be mindful of your behavior and make the travel experience more pleasant for everyone on board:
- Maintain the bubble: Don’t spill over into another person’s area, as crowded as a plane might feel.
- Don’t go barefoot: Self explanatory. Experts say while there might be a few exceptions and times where you can take your shoes off, they recommend keeping socks on at all times.
- Keep it quiet and unscented: Do not allow loud noises or unpleasant smells to invade other’s space.
- Be kind when you recline: It’s okay to recline, just do not do it suddenly and if possible, check in with person behind you before doing so.
- Follow the flight attendants’ lead: Listen to safety instructions from attendants and always get flight crew involved if there is a major problem.
- Assume the best in others: It’s best to stay patient and assume your fellow travelers aren’t intentionally trying to annoy you.
Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY