The Worst Things & Habits People Do in Airports

We’ve all been there, stuck in a long line, fumbling with documents, or watching fellow passengers do things that make you wonder how they even got on a plane. Air travel should be smooth, but sometimes the airport becomes a stage for frustrating behaviour. Airports are supposed to be spaces of organisation, mobility and calm (as far as airports go). But all too often, they are the setting for quirky behaviour that slows everyone down, including yourself.

Whether you are a seasoned traveller or heading off on your first trip abroad, here are some of the worst annoying habits people fall into, along with tips on how not to join them.

1. Not having their passport (or boarding pass) ready in time

You are queuing at the check-in counter or airport security, you reach the front, and suddenly the traveller in front starts fishing around their bag, rooting through pockets and asking “Where is it?” For you, behind them, it feels like watching paint dry.

Tip: Keep your passport and boarding pass in a dedicated travel wallet or easily accessible slot. Pull it out before the counter or gate staff request it.

2. Overpacking “just in case” and then arguing

Yes, you can squeeze more in. But when your case is over the weight limit, or your carry-on is bursting, it is stressful for you, for the check-in agent, and for everyone queued behind. Even worse is demanding freebies, or arguing about the scale, or saying “I’ll take off my shoes” which rarely suffices.

Tip: Stick to airline weight limits. If you need extra items, consider sending them ahead with us. You can see our destinations rather than cramming them into your case at the last minute.

3. Queue jumping or pretending you don’t see the line

Some people treat long lines at airports as if they are suggestions. They cut in ahead, wander through the “staff only” ropes, or suddenly appear in the “fast track” lane claiming they did not see the sign. It is rude, chaotic and causes staff headaches.

Tip: Wait your turn. The time you save by cutting in is always cancelled by the stress or the confrontation it causes.

4. Fumbling with liquids and electronics at security

It is a frequent cliché. A passenger reaches the X-ray belt, then starts extracting every tube, bottle, zip bag, laptop, charger, or electronic device at that exact moment. Cue fumbling, sighs from fellow passengers, and a security line that grinds to a halt.

Tip: Before you even approach security, get your liquids in a 1-litre ziplock, limit 100 ml each, and prepare electronics in advance. Remove laptops or tablets and place them in the tray. That one action alone can ease the jam.

5. Dressing in layers of metal and shoes that refuse to come off

Belt buckles, heavy jewellery, boots and metallic buttons slow you down at the security scanner, triggering beeps, pat-downs and irritation.

Tip: Travel in comparatively simple clothes if possible. If that is not your style, just be aware and give yourself extra time.

6. Talking loudly on the phone

People forget they are in a shared, quiet-ish space. You will overhear loud personal conversations, arguments, endless phone calls about “Where are you?” or “I told you to pick me up” echoing across the terminal. Some people are even chatting while eating airport food, making the area feel even busier.

Tip: Use lower voice levels, step aside into a phone booth or quiet zone if available, or use your earphones. Respect that others may be trying to rest, read or concentrate.

7. Leaving trolleys, bags or bins in inconvenient spots

Some travellers abandon baggage or trolleys half in the walkway, or leave empty water bottles or snack wrappers in the gate area instead of bins. Others park trolleys precisely in the narrowest path, forcing fellow passengers to squeeze around them.

Tip: Be mindful. Return used trolleys to the collection, place bags out of the flow of foot traffic, and always recycle or dispose of rubbish properly.

8. Ignoring announcements or signs

Whether it is the call for final boarding process, gate changes, or airport security instructions, ignoring them can get you in trouble or cause delays. Some will continue browsing shops obliviously until their flight leaves.

Tip: Listen out. Even if you think you know your route, announcements might update boarding times or gates at the last minute.

9. Leaving things behind

It happens. A traveller checks in, then realises their tablet is still in the tray, or the passport is left in the pocket of a trolley. Sometimes, they board and leave carry-on items in the lounge or café. The airport lost and found loves this.

Tip: Do a last sweep before leaving any area. Check trays, table surfaces and baggage compartments. Keep your must-haves like phone, passport and wallet in one consistent place.

10. Panicking at the last minute

When people suddenly realise they are running late, they bolt, shout, or demand “Can I still board?” or “Let me on, I’ll run!” That creates chaos for staff and fellow passengers.

Tip: Know your timings, buffer in delays for queues and shuttles, and aim to arrive early. If you do run late, approach staff calmly. Arguing rarely helps.

11. Hoarding charging points, seats or space

Some travellers will camp out at the only plug point for hours, surrounding themselves with luggage, or spread out across several chairs in the boarding lounge.

Tip: Be courteous. Do not monopolise power points with multiple devices, and if you do not need the seat right then, free it for others.

12. Distrusting staff and arguing with rules

You will often hear “I fly every month, I deserve this waiver” or “You are making it too hard, I will complain to management.” Staff are professionals, but policies are what they are. Even an etiquette expert would agree that kindness goes further than confrontation.

Tip: Be polite. If there is a genuine exception, ask nicely or see what your airline allows. But do not expect rules to bend through anger or entitlement.

13. Having no backup plan when things go wrong

Flights are delayed. Airport security holds up. Connections change. Some travellers panic or freeze, rather than knowing what to do.

Tip: Always have a Plan B. Know alternative flights, gate lounges and domestic connections. Consider travel insurance. For excess luggage or unexpected baggage needs, you can always send unaccompanied excess baggage with us if your plans change.

Why these quirks matter

• Delays stack up. One person fumbling, arguing or losing items holds up everyone behind them.

• Stress rises. Staff are put under pressure, travellers get anxious and mistakes happen.

• Lost items lead to cost and frustration.

• Missed flights or connections sometimes stem from small oversights like not realising the boarding process has started or the gate has changed.

If you are preparing to travel, just imagine you are part of a chain. Your smooth movement helps the person behind you. Keep your essentials ready, obey instructions, and travel with awareness.

If you ever find yourself with more luggage than you can handle, or a sudden need to forward belongings to your destination, remember you do not have to struggle once your plane lands and through the airport with it all. You can send a parcel or arrange to ship extra bags with us, saving yourself the stress and letting you travel lighter.