Flight attendants have seen it all. From people who act like they’re part of the crew to others who forget they’re sharing space with 200 strangers, annoying airline passengers are everywhere.

Some are just clueless. Others seem proud of how disruptive they are. These are the ones that get talked about long after the flight is over.

TL;DR:

  • Flight attendants deal with the same annoying airline passengers on almost every flight.
  • From bare feet to dramatic meltdowns, the list of bad behaviour is long.
  • Some passengers act like crew, others forget they’re not at home.
  • A few stories are just bizarre — soup, hamsters, even mid-air workouts.

The Most Annoying Airline Passengers, According to Crew

Here come the annoying airline passengers cabin crew talk about:

1. The Passenger Who Thinks They’re Crew

You’ve probably seen this one. They tell people when to sit down, where to put their bags, and how to buckle up—like it’s their job.

The worst part? They argue with real crew members like they know airline policy better.

2. The One with the Home-Cooked Meal

They unwrap a full meal mid-flight: fish, garlic, eggs, or some stew that fills the entire cabin.

One spill later, the tray table smells like a soup kitchen for the rest of the flight.

3. The “I Know the Pilot” Passenger

This one loves to name-drop and say things like “I fly all the time,” but somehow still doesn’t know how boarding works.

If they really knew the pilot, they wouldn’t be fighting for overhead bin space in row 36.

4. The Half-Dressed Traveller

Shirts off, feet up, stretched across three seats. Some even change into sleepwear.

It’s a plane, not a sleepover.

5. The “Oops, Wrong Flight” Flyer

They sit down, buckle up—and only then realise they’re on the wrong plane.

See also  4 Steps to Handling Passenger Complaints Using the LEAP Approach

No, we can’t turn around. This isn’t a taxi.

6. The Unprepared Parent

Flying with kids is hard. Everyone gets that. But some parents show up with no snacks, no toys, no plan, and act surprised when the kid screams for three hours straight.

7. The “Do You Know Who I Am?” Passenger

They demand upgrades, attention, and “special treatment.”

Frequent flyer? So are a lot of people.

Influencer? That doesn’t mean anything here.

8. The Soup Carrier

Yes, some passengers bring a large bowl of soup with no lid.

And yes, it spills. Every time.

9. The Chronic Complainer

Too hot. Too cold. Not enough air. Too much noise. Not enough snacks.

Nothing is ever right. Not even a free flight would please this person.

10. The Mystery Meat Smuggler

Sometimes it’s raw fish. Sometimes it’s leaking chicken in a plastic bag.

Whatever it is, it ends up in the overhead bin—and it never ends well.

11. The In-Flight Gym Addict

Some people take stretching too far. Like doing lunges down the aisle or trying yoga in the galley.

There’s not enough space for that. Sit down.

12. The Damp Passenger

They boarded dry. Now they’re damp. No water bottle in sight. No explanation.

It’s better not to ask.

13. The In-Flight Movie Star

They stare out the window dramatically, sip one drink for hours, and act like they’re in a music video.

You’re going to Malaga, not escaping your past.

14. The Seat-to-Seat Salesperson

They hand out gum, snacks, and random items to strangers.

It’s not a market. No one asked for a product demo.

15. The Barefoot Traveller

Shoes off? Fine. But pants? Not fine.

Some people fully change clothes in their seats. It’s a public place, not a bedroom.

See also  7 Smart Ways to Stop Passengers from Filming Cabin Crew Without Breaking Airline Policy

16. The Personal Spa Client

Nail clipping. Eyebrow plucking. Peeling off face masks.

They treat their seat like it’s a bathroom counter.

17. The Bathroom Ghost

Some passengers disappear into the lavatory for 30 minutes and come out looking like they’ve just cried, meditated, or had a full therapy session.

No one asks. No one wants to know.

18. The Overhead Bin Acrobat

They climb into the bin to get their bag and nearly fall out trying.

If you can’t reach, ask. Don’t perform a circus act.

19. The Passenger with a Surprise Pet

They open their carry-on and find a hamster blinking up at them.

“I forgot it was in there.” How?

20. The Bargain Hunter

Tries to haggle with the crew over snack prices.

“Can I get this sandwich cheaper if I buy two?”
Still no.

21. The Phone-Scrolling Parent

Kid is jumping on seats, screaming, throwing snacks. Parent? On Instagram, acting like it’s not happening.

22. The In-Flight Bartender

Smuggles in alcohol and pours drinks for everyone around them.

Crew steps in, and suddenly it’s not fun anymore.

23. The Passenger Who Skipped the Shower

Strong body odor in a packed cabin hits differently.

Long-haul flight + no deodorant = everyone suffers.

24. The Meal Denier

Tries to argue when meal service ends.

“Are you sure there are no extras?” Yes.

“Can you double-check?” Still yes.

25. The “Crew = My Personal Assistant” Passenger

They ask flight attendants to hold babies, warm food, give back rubs…

Sorry. None of that is part of the job.

Final Thoughts

Most passengers are fine. Some are great. But a few turn every flight into a story flight attendants never forget.

Seen one of these in real life? Or sat next to someone worse? You’re not the only one.