We’ve started a new series on Instagram about things that most annoy us when travelling, so we asked you lot what grinds your gears too – and boy did you come through!
So here’s our current top 11 things not to do when you’re travelling, or you’ll have to bear the wrath of your fellow passengers!
1. Hogging the travelator
- What's the issue
A travellator in the airport is that wonderful conveyor belt that moves passengers around the terminal without them having to exhaust themselves. We love them, and actually think there should be more! However, the issue comes with how people use them.
- Who's it affecting
People in a rush (and let’s face it, there’s a missed flight at stake here!). Plus, people who prefer to walk and keep moving instead of standing still. This one bugs Chelsea so much she made a video about it!
- How to avoid it
Quite simply stick to the side and pull your suitcase in with you, so there’s enough space for other people to walk past.
2. Getting ready for security
- What's the issue
People who spend the long wait in the security queue doing anything but getting ready for the luggage scanner. So when they hit the front of the queue it takes even more time to take out electronic devices, put liquids into bags, remove belts and coats etc.
- Who's it affecting
The people behind them! Especially if your boarding time is fast approaching. Security can take sooo long what with the spot checks and restricted items people accidentally leave in their bags. We like to see our fellow travellers putting the time spent waiting in the security line to good use.
- How to avoid it
There are often tables before security where you can grab a liquids bag and get yourself sorted. Take a bit of time here to do a mental check. Make sure all your liquids are less than 100ml and sealed into one airport-issue plastic bag. Finish your drink, empty your pockets and remove your hat/ belt/ coat and any jewellery. And remember to take out your phone and tablet/laptop from your bag.
3. Leaving your tray on the security belt
- What's the issue
Travellers who take all their things from the tray after it’s gone through security, and leave the tray on the belt, instead of stacking it at the end. See also, people glued to the scanner belt waiting for their bag to come through.
- Who's it affecting
This was definitely one of the things that most annoyed us when travelling! Leaving your tray behind impacts eveyone else who’s waiting for their bags to come through afterwards. When empty trays stack up, it prevents them all moving through the scanner. Plus if peole can’t easily see their tray from behind a wall of people, then trays get backed up on the conveyor belt and the area gets more and more busy.
- How to avoid it
It’s best to put as much distance as you can between yourself and the chaos of the area! Find a lurking spot where you can catch a peek of your tray coming through, swoop in to grab it and take it away from the conveyor belt. Most airports now have an area nearby where you can stash your tray whilst you take everything out. When you’ve got all your bits, remember to pop your empty tray on the stack.
4. Blaring music or reels from your phone
- What's the issue
It’s amazing to have a tiny computer in our pockets when we travel to keep us entertained. No need for staring into space – we can listen to music, watch videos and scroll social media. However, this should not be a communal activity! Put your headphones in people!
- Who's it affecting
Most of you, according to our Instagram question box! Let’s face it, if you’re the one without headphones, then that means everyone else around you is listening against their will, and it’s definitely one of the things that annoys us most when travelling. You can get really good reasonably priced headphones these days, there really is no excuse.
- How to avoid it
Step 1 – purchase headphones, step 2 – wear headphones, step 3 – everyone wins!
5. Sniffing and coughing
- What's the issue
Wow this one had you guys raging! It seems we don’t hold much sympathy for our fellow travellers when they’re under the weather. But I think we’ve all been there, both irritated by other people’s splutters, and been the one with the germs when we’ve had no choice but to get from A to B.
- Who's it affecting
Well, that would be everyone around you. Those germs travel fast; not only that, but apparently even just the sound of the coughs and sneezes is irritating you all. Where’s our compassion everyone?!
- How to avoid it
This is a tricky one, because of course there are various reasons why you’ll need to take a bus, train or a plane when you’re unwell. The Covid-19 pandemic normalised keeping away from other people when we’re symptomatic, which is ideal if you can, but you can’t always.
If you’re travelling when you’re ill, then you should absolutely cover the basics: wear a mask, cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and wash your hands before and after your journey. Open any windows around you that can be opened. And if there is space for you to sit or stand away from your fellow passengers, definitely do that!
6. Feet on seats
- What's the issue
Travellers who put their feet up on the seats opposite them.
- Who's it affecting
We had a lot of people replying to our question box with this issue! I think we’d all like to sit down on a seat that’s as clean as possible – which let’s face it is already a challenge on public transport – so we’d prefer to see our fellow passengers not adding to the grime!
- How to avoid it
Repeat after us… ‘Feet go on the floor, bums go on seats!’.
7. Manspreading
- What's the issue
If you aren’t familiar with the term, manspreading refers to the position that some people adopt when they sit down, which is opening out their legs so far that they touch those of the person sitting beside them. Although we haven’t done any official research, this is reportedly done a lot by men.
- Who's it affecting
People who like to sit down without a stranger physically touching them, which does seem like a reasonable requirement to us. A good number of you told us that this is one of things that most annoy us when travelling!
- How to avoid it
We’re not really sure what to suggest for this one! Please fellow travellers – keep your knees together. Or stand up instead?!
8. Bags on seats
- What's the issue
Travellers using the seat beside them as a handy shelf to store their personal items.
- Who's it affecting
People wanting to sit down! This seems to get people particularly worked up when it’s a busy train or bus and it’s clear that seats are in demand.
- How to avoid it
Ideally, if you pop your bags on the floor or on the overhead shelf as soon as you sit down, then you don’t have to worry about paying attention to how busy it’s getting and whether you need to move it.
9. Taking shoes (and socks!) off
- What's the issue
People getting so comfy on public transport that they take off their shoes, and even their socks.
- Who's it affecting
This really seems to annoy people – apparently it’s not just a possible smell, but the concept of making yourself at home in a public place that gets on peoples’ nerves! That and the sight of strangers’ bare feet, which is even worse when those feet touch the seats (see above!).
- How to avoid it
Ideally keep fully dressed at all times. If you need to remove your shoes for comfort, like on a long-haul flight for example, keep your feet away from other passengers and make sure you have on a nice fresh pair of socks!
10. Stinky food
- What's the issue
Delicious aromatic food that other people can smell, whether that’s a Maccy Ds, a takeaway or a particularly pongy sandwich. Shout out particularly to eggs.
- Who's it affecting
Everyone around you whose nose is functioning correctly, and who doesn’t enjoy the smell of whatever you’re eating.
- How to avoid it
You could consider waiting until you’re in a more well-ventilated space, but when you’re really hungry or really pushed for time, you can’t always!
11. People in general
- What's the issue
All of us – funny that!!
- Who's it affecting
We had a LOT of you telling us that the problem with travelling is other people! But – we ARE other people! So this is a tricky one!
- How to avoid it
Get a car? Or take a private jet?! All jokes aside, this one tickled us because really it sums up how we can get sooo irritated by other people’s behaviour, and sometimes… well, we ARE those people! Being thrown into a confined space with a lot of strangers isn’t always smooth sailing, but we say – get some noise cancelling headphones, pop on a meditation app and just try to enjoy the journey!
