Air Travel Pet Peeves (1 Viewer)

[Harry Frogfish]

Sat next to this old lady who had an emotional support rescue cockatoo. It had feathers around its head because that's the only place it couldn't rip them out of. The almost bald body looked like one of those hairless cats, but with wings. His plumage up top however, was majestic, and the bird seemed to love showing it off. Pablo was his name. We were flying back from Bogota and Mariana and Pablo only spoke Spanish and thought it was the perfect time to teach the kid across the aisle some new words. The two of them would keep bobbing their heads and that would get the bird to do the same. Mariana claimed she and Pablo were doing the Macarena but it was more like Headbanger's Ball.

Whenever the dancing stopped, the screeching and talking started. "Hola" X 1,000 + the kid saying it back. Over and over. A Spanish speaking flight attendant finally tried to fix things by talking Mariana into putting the bird in the overhead so it could "sleep", like covering their cages at night. So we emptied the overhead and Mariana put sunflower seeds and Pablo in there and slowly closed it up. Seemed to be working until that last click and holy hell did Pablo let it fly. Went berserk, banging around in there. Then the kid started to cry. So we all went back to square uno.

That cockatoo was insane but looking back, I kind of miss Pablo now. I think it was Mariana who was the emotional support and should've been wearing one of those vests.

 

[Scoresman]

I’m not opposed to animals on flights within reason, but an “emotional support cockatoo” is stretching it a bit.

 

[Osaurus]

Not enough people practicing airport theory

 

[Zow]

Newark Airport.

Got stuck there with the little wozzes for like 12 hours last summer trying to fly back from vacation when we were all exhausted.

Thanks for reminder.

 

[Wooderson]

Sat next to this old lady who had an emotional support rescue cockatoo. It had feathers around its head because that's the only place it couldn't rip them out of. The almost bald body looked like one of those hairless cats, but with wings. His plumage up top however, was majestic, and the bird seemed to love showing it off. Pablo was his name. We were flying back from Bogota and Mariana and Pablo only spoke Spanish and thought it was the perfect time to teach the kid across the aisle some new words. The two of them would keep bobbing their heads and that would get the bird to do the same. Mariana claimed she and Pablo were doing the Macarena but it was more like Headbanger's Ball.

Whenever the dancing stopped, the screeching and talking started. "Hola" X 1,000 + the kid saying it back. Over and over. A Spanish speaking flight attendant finally tried to fix things by talking Mariana into putting the bird in the overhead so it could "sleep", like covering their cages at night. So we emptied the overhead and Mariana put sunflower seeds and Pablo in there and slowly closed it up. Seemed to be working until that last click and holy hell did Pablo let it fly. Went berserk, banging around in there. Then the kid started to cry. So we all went back to square uno.

That cockatoo was insane but looking back, I kind of miss Pablo now. I think it was Mariana who was the emotional support and should've been wearing one of those vests.

"square uno" made me laugh more then it should of.

 

[Instinctive]

First flight this year today as I come off leave. Will report back with my fresh eyes.

 

[FarFromHome]

When we moved from Hawaii to Georgia we had to fly with our 7 lb Maltipoo. Like a 12 hour flight. I dreaded it. I spent months training her to feel comfortable in a traveling container. Took 124 lbs of turkey lunch meat. On the plane she is required to stay in the container. We never intended to leave her there. She is all black and we all made sure to wear black pants. Brought a black blanket. We kept her on our laps most of the time and that beautiful animal didn't make one peep. Not one. Couldn't have went better. Having said that, I will NEVER fly with an animal again and other passengers flying with animals will always have my support.

 

[glvsav37]

I always find a way of sitting behind the guy who doesn't think his seat is reclined far back enough and proceeds to pound on it in vain with agresive manuvers like he's trying to drop a flying elbow on someone from the top rope. And its always when my laptop is open on the tray table and the 3/8th of an inch overhang from the tray slot catches the top of my monitor screen and bends it backward.

 

[Deepster]

1) Any plane that doesn't have ports to charge your phone/device. It's 2025 for god's sake.
2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.
3) People who want to be your best friend now that fate has somehow put us next to each other on a 2 hour flight. Leave me alone.
4) Moms talking to their small children loud enough so everyone can hear them all flight. "Look at the big wing! Can you say wing?! GOOD GIRL!"
5) Pets of any kind on a flight. You're fine. Humans got along just fine for centuries without petting a golden retriever. I'm allergic and I am not a pet person and shouldn't be forced to sit next to one.

 

[Instinctive]

When we moved from Hawaii to Georgia we had to fly with our 7 lb Maltipoo. Like a 12 hour flight. I dreaded it. I spent months training her to feel comfortable in a traveling container. Took 124 lbs of turkey lunch meat. On the plane she is required to stay in the container. We never intended to leave her there. She is all black and we all made sure to wear black pants. Brought a black blanket. We kept her on our laps most of the time and that beautiful animal didn't make one peep. Not one. Couldn't have went better. Having said that, I will NEVER fly with an animal again and other passengers flying with animals will always have my support.

If more people did it with the care and intention you did, it probably wouldn't suck so much for everyone else.

 

[Instinctive]

1) Any plane that doesn't have ports to charge your phone/device. It's 2025 for god's sake.
2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.
3) People who want to be your best friend now that fate has somehow put us next to each other on a 2 hour flight. Leave me alone.
4) Moms talking to their small children loud enough so everyone can hear them all flight. "Look at the big wing! Can you say wing?! GOOD GIRL!"
5) Pets of any kind on a flight. You're fine. Humans got along just fine for centuries without petting a golden retriever. I'm allergic and I am not a pet person and shouldn't be forced to sit next to one.

I really empathize more with #4 these days. Just put your headphones in.

Raising kids is hard enough. Traveling with them even harder. Traveling AND keeping them occupied so they don't scream and people hate you all flight? Master level.

 

[Dr_Zaius]

That cockatoo was insane but looking back, I kind of miss Pablo now.

Back in college I visited my one friend's house and they had a cockatoo that also had ripped out most of it's feathers and gnawed on them. It was sitting on my other friend's leg and then proceeded to take a giant dump on his jeans. Didn't speak Spanish, though.

 

[beer 30]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

 

[Deepster]

1) Any plane that doesn't have ports to charge your phone/device. It's 2025 for god's sake.
2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.
3) People who want to be your best friend now that fate has somehow put us next to each other on a 2 hour flight. Leave me alone.
4) Moms talking to their small children loud enough so everyone can hear them all flight. "Look at the big wing! Can you say wing?! GOOD GIRL!"
5) Pets of any kind on a flight. You're fine. Humans got along just fine for centuries without petting a golden retriever. I'm allergic and I am not a pet person and shouldn't be forced to sit next to one.

I really empathize more with #4 these days. Just put your headphones in.

Raising kids is hard enough. Traveling with them even harder. Traveling AND keeping them occupied so they don't scream and people hate you all flight? Master level.

I probably didn't describe that one appropriately. It's more the overbearing Mom's personality that is the issue. Same Mom that praises the heck out of her kid when he does something any kid can do. "Can you point at the doggie? (kid points) GOOD GIRL! Who's Mommy's smart girl?!?!"

 

[steelerfan1]

I'm sure this is has been mentioned, but if a quarter of you is folded over the seat and resting on me, you need to buy 2 tickets...

 

[Runkle]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

I don't get it... my coworker just heard about REAL ID yesterday for the first time. YESTERDAY. This thing started pre-Covid and got delayed because of it. Some people truly do live under a rock.

 

[beer 30]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

I don't get it... my coworker just heard about REAL ID yesterday for the first time. YESTERDAY. This thing started pre-Covid and got delayed because of it. Some people truly do live under a rock.

I almost kinda want to take tomorrow off and just hang out around the security gates just to watch the hilarity.

 

[Wooderson]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

I don't get it... my coworker just heard about REAL ID yesterday for the first time. YESTERDAY. This thing started pre-Covid and got delayed because of it. Some people truly do live under a rock.

I almost kinda want to take tomorrow off and just hang out around the security gates just to watch the hilarity.

It started today. Take the afternoon off.

 

[beer 30]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

I don't get it... my coworker just heard about REAL ID yesterday for the first time. YESTERDAY. This thing started pre-Covid and got delayed because of it. Some people truly do live under a rock.

I almost kinda want to take tomorrow off and just hang out around the security gates just to watch the hilarity.

It started today. Take the afternoon off.

SONOFA....!!!!!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Newark Airport.

Got stuck there with the little wozzes for like 12 hours last summer trying to fly back from vacation when we were all exhausted.

Thanks for reminder.

The airport sucks but it gets much worse when you step outside and realize you're in Newark.

 

[Instinctive]

1) Any plane that doesn't have ports to charge your phone/device. It's 2025 for god's sake.
2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.
3) People who want to be your best friend now that fate has somehow put us next to each other on a 2 hour flight. Leave me alone.
4) Moms talking to their small children loud enough so everyone can hear them all flight. "Look at the big wing! Can you say wing?! GOOD GIRL!"
5) Pets of any kind on a flight. You're fine. Humans got along just fine for centuries without petting a golden retriever. I'm allergic and I am not a pet person and shouldn't be forced to sit next to one.

I really empathize more with #4 these days. Just put your headphones in.

Raising kids is hard enough. Traveling with them even harder. Traveling AND keeping them occupied so they don't scream and people hate you all flight? Master level.

I probably didn't describe that one appropriately. It's more the overbearing Mom's personality that is the issue. Same Mom that praises the heck out of her kid when he does something any kid can do. "Can you point at the doggie? (kid points) GOOD GIRL! Who's Mommy's smart girl?!?!"

Eh. I guess it really depends on age. If I asked my kid to point at a dog and he did it right now, I'd be thrilled. He does seem to recognize "can you throw me the ball?" but every time they figure something out it feels super momentous.

Idk. Did you have kids that you were around a ton for the early years? Ours is 14 months and it feels like the most important possible thing I can do is constantly be teaching him stuff.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

 

[Zow]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

My controversial hot take:

9/11 was almost 25 years ago. TSA is no longer necessary and now does more harm (timing delays/waste of time, disrupts travel comfort, prohibits items that would be helpful to travel with) than good.

 

[Instinctive]

Flight was smooth. Guy next to me didn't bug me at all. Twenty minute delay was annoying.

 

[The General]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

My controversial hot take:

9/11 was almost 25 years ago. TSA is no longer necessary and now does more harm (timing delays/waste of time, disrupts travel comfort, prohibits items that would be helpful to travel with) than good.

They are single handedly keeping the travel sized toiletries biz alive.

 

[UncleZen]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

This is about to change. It already has at some airports but not all.

 

[Drunken knight]

TSA very smooth at SFO this morning. I do not have any clear, global, etc

 

[General Malaise]

Newark Airport.

Got stuck there with the little wozzes for like 12 hours last summer trying to fly back from vacation when we were all exhausted.

Thanks for reminder.

The airport sucks but it gets much worse when you step outside and realize you're in Newark.

IT'S RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO A PRISON!

 

[Deepster]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

My controversial hot take:

9/11 was almost 25 years ago. TSA is no longer necessary and now does more harm (timing delays/waste of time, disrupts travel comfort, prohibits items that would be helpful to travel with) than good.

I had shampoo taken away from me a month ago in Norfolk.

 

[Deepster]

1) Any plane that doesn't have ports to charge your phone/device. It's 2025 for god's sake.
2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.
3) People who want to be your best friend now that fate has somehow put us next to each other on a 2 hour flight. Leave me alone.
4) Moms talking to their small children loud enough so everyone can hear them all flight. "Look at the big wing! Can you say wing?! GOOD GIRL!"
5) Pets of any kind on a flight. You're fine. Humans got along just fine for centuries without petting a golden retriever. I'm allergic and I am not a pet person and shouldn't be forced to sit next to one.

I really empathize more with #4 these days. Just put your headphones in.

Raising kids is hard enough. Traveling with them even harder. Traveling AND keeping them occupied so they don't scream and people hate you all flight? Master level.

I probably didn't describe that one appropriately. It's more the overbearing Mom's personality that is the issue. Same Mom that praises the heck out of her kid when he does something any kid can do. "Can you point at the doggie? (kid points) GOOD GIRL! Who's Mommy's smart girl?!?!"

Eh. I guess it really depends on age. If I asked my kid to point at a dog and he did it right now, I'd be thrilled. He does seem to recognize "can you throw me the ball?" but every time they figure something out it feels super momentous.

Idk. Did you have kids that you were around a ton for the early years? Ours is 14 months and it feels like the most important possible thing I can do is constantly be teaching him stuff.

Yes. I was around lots of kids, my own and in my family.

No problem with a "normal", "sane" amount of positive reinforcement. Everyone's kid should be able to eat a goldfish cracker without getting a trophy though.

 

[The General]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

My controversial hot take:

9/11 was almost 25 years ago. TSA is no longer necessary and now does more harm (timing delays/waste of time, disrupts travel comfort, prohibits items that would be helpful to travel with) than good.

I had shampoo taken away from me a month ago in Norfolk.

The closest thing I have ever seen to a terrorist act in an airport (thankfully) was when TSA told a lady that her undoubtably very expensive conditioner could not make the flight in her carry on.

While a nonsensical rule I can’t believe she wasn’t detained. Dressed this guy up and down, same for the supervisor, dropping F bombs, snatched the bag out of the dude’s hands.

I would have been tazed and on the no-fly list.

 

[beer 30]

2) The fact TSA won't allow me to take more than 3 ounces of shampoo in a given bottle. If I'm putting explosives in my shampoo, I can just take 10 different 3 ounce bottles. But no, my one 5 ounce bottle is not allowed and now I have to buy shampoo when I land.

It's been like this for about twenty years. Did you miss the memo?

My controversial hot take:

9/11 was almost 25 years ago. TSA is no longer necessary and now does more harm (timing delays/waste of time, disrupts travel comfort, prohibits items that would be helpful to travel with) than good.

I had shampoo taken away from me a month ago in Norfolk.

"Sir, you are supposed to store liquids in a clear, plastic container. Requesting a cavity search is not an option."

 

[Gatorade]

Had a crying kid sit on the row behind us yesterday. At least the wine was good.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

OMG how did I miss this thread for 10+ years?
Maybe because I hardly ever fly but a lot of the reasons are about many of these pet peeves I'm sure I will scroll thru and read

Good job BB

 

[GreenNGold]

6) People who refuse to switch seats to allow couples or family members to sit next to one another, even when the move wouldn't result in any less desirable a seat (note: I've never had to ask anyone to switch, but have happily switched at the request of others).

As this was written in 2014, curious if people still feel the same way or if that has changed?

I agree with the point in general, but my opinion, is that everyone has the opportunity to reserve/pay extra for the seats they want, if I paid extra for a window/aisle or row with extra leg room, I don't think I should be expected to give it up to someone who chose not to. I think if it's important enough for a group to sit together, they need to put in the effort to reserve those seats ahead of time.

 

[NutterButter]

Newark Airport.

Got stuck there with the little wozzes for like 12 hours last summer trying to fly back from vacation when we were all exhausted.

Thanks for reminder.

The airport sucks but it gets much worse when you step outside and realize you're in Newark.

IT'S RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO A PRISON!

Its the best. You can teach your kids that b/c you made good life decisions, instead of winding up in that prison, you get to go on a nice vacation.

 

[NutterButter]

You can add, at least for the short term, starting tomorrow, all the folks who won't have a REAL ID and clog up the rhythm of the line because, "insert your excuse here."

I don't get it... my coworker just heard about REAL ID yesterday for the first time. YESTERDAY. This thing started pre-Covid and got delayed because of it. Some people truly do live under a rock.

It might not be something you'd really pick up on if you don't travel. I didn't even know the process until I needed to look it up the other day b/c my kid popped a last minute travel request on me and I was in the process of waiting for my passport renewal to be shipped.

 

[bigbottom]

6) People who refuse to switch seats to allow couples or family members to sit next to one another, even when the move wouldn't result in any less desirable a seat (note: I've never had to ask anyone to switch, but have happily switched at the request of others).

As this was written in 2014, curious if people still feel the same way or if that has changed?

I agree with the point in general, but my opinion, is that everyone has the opportunity to reserve/pay extra for the seats they want, if I paid extra for a window/aisle or row with extra leg room, I don't think I should be expected to give it up to someone who chose not to. I think if it's important enough for a group to sit together, they need to put in the effort to reserve those seats ahead of time.

Yeah, my views have certainly changed on this one since I wrote it 11 years ago. It’s gone from being a pet peeve when someone refuses to make the switch to recognizing that it’s entirely the persons prerogative to decide whether or not to accommodate the ask. Part of it is for the reasons you mention, but part of it is also a perception that people are (a) abusing the ask more often than they used to, and (b) acting entitled to the switch rather than understanding if someone prefers not to switch.

And while it should always be up to the person who is the target of the request, I definitely don’t think they should feel obligated in any way to give up a seat that is better than the one being offered.

 

[fruity pebbles]

6) People who refuse to switch seats to allow couples or family members to sit next to one another, even when the move wouldn't result in any less desirable a seat (note: I've never had to ask anyone to switch, but have happily switched at the request of others).

As this was written in 2014, curious if people still feel the same way or if that has changed?

I agree with the point in general, but my opinion, is that everyone has the opportunity to reserve/pay extra for the seats they want, if I paid extra for a window/aisle or row with extra leg room, I don't think I should be expected to give it up to someone who chose not to. I think if it's important enough for a group to sit together, they need to put in the effort to reserve those seats ahead of time.

Yeah, my views have certainly changed on this one since I wrote it 11 years ago. It’s gone from being a pet peeve when someone refuses to make the switch to recognizing that it’s entirely the persons prerogative to decide whether or not to accommodate the ask. Part of it is for the reasons you mention, but part of it is also a perception that people are (a) abusing the ask more often than they used to, and (b) acting entitled to the switch rather than understanding if someone prefers not to switch.

Yeah exactly this. Was thinking about this before my flight across country. I paid extra not to sit in a middle seat for five hours. I’d really have to feel sorry for or like a family if they asked me to give up my window for a middle so they could sit together. If there were any type of entitlement in the ask, I’d roll my eyes and put on my headphones.

 

[Deepster]

I'd never switch seats so some kid could get the window. Sorry. Should have thought of that when you booked. Not my problem.

 

[Schmeabs]

Anyone that declines their seat without looking behind first to make sure it is ok.