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USA Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle Show Caption Hide Caption Tech for travel: Get help finding a rental car, campsite Planning a summer vacation? These apps and sites can help you find a car or RV rental, available campsites and info on your destination's mask rules. Jennifer Jolly, Special to USA TODAY Car shaming, the act of criticizing others for driving gas-powered vehicles, is on the rise amidst growing environmental concerns and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. While some car shaming incidents involve vandalism, most consist of verbal confrontations fueled by differing opinions on vehicle choices. Experts suggest responding to car shamers with grace, deflecting criticism by showing interest in their EV experiences, and avoiding escalating the confrontation. There's nothing like a road trip this summer – if you can get past the shame of it. Shame? Yeah, the shame of driving a gas-powered vehicle. "Car-shamers want everyone to buy an EV," said Matt Deter, who works for an industrial machinery company in Rocklin, California. Deter, who drives a gas-powered Porsche Cayenne, is put off by efforts to ban gas vehicles in California. He said EV technology isn't quite ready for prime time. He is also troubled by activists and EV drivers who call out people who continue to drive cheaper and more reliable gas cars. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! It's as if they're trying to turn one of the great American traditions, the summer road trip, into a guilt trip. And this summer, driving vacations have never been more popular. AAA predicts a record 34.9 million drivers will be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 3% from last year. But what is car shaming, and why is it happening this summer? Also, what should you do if someone tries to car-shame you? Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it. Will this be the summer of car shaming? Car shaming is as old as modern electric vehicles – and probably older. "Car shaming often comes from growing social pressure and shifting views on sustainability," explained Carla Bevins, who teaches business management communication at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. "As more people become aware of environmental issues, some feel strongly about encouraging greener choices, which can sometimes result in criticizing others' decisions." Before EVs, car shaming was more of a "tsk-tsk" attitude dished out by a nosy neighbor or your in-law. ("Do you really need that much car?") But with the advent of EVs, it acquired more of an edge. Car shaming hit an inflection point in 2022, when a group of Gen Z activists calling themselves the Tyre Extinguishers began deflating the tires of SUVs with the goal of making it impossible to own "a huge polluting 4x4 in the world's urban areas." Lately, it has taken to spray-painting the SUVs. Car shaming became more complicated this year as Tesla CEO Elon Musk took on a more political role in the U.S. However, even as Tesla fell out of favor with some drivers, the fundamentals of car shaming remained. No one systematically tracks the number of car-shaming incidents. But anecdotal evidence suggests there have been more flare-ups in recent years, as environmentally minded EV owners square off against more traditional motorists at gas stations and in parking lots. Anyone driving a large vehicle like an SUV or a specialty vehicle seems most vulnerable to being shamed. Why is car shaming happening? People are quick to judge, said psychology professor Thomas Plante. That's happening more in a polarized political climate. Gas-guzzling pickup trucks are emblematic of red states; overpriced EVs are icons of blue states. (And never mind that the guy who made EVs a household word is himself, well, not a blue stater. But I digress.) "Also, people always look for ways to justify their own behavior," he added. "And so if someone buys an EV, for example – and perhaps spends time and extra money to do so – then they want to justify their own decision by criticizing others who made a different decision." So, there's a lot behind car shaming. It's politics. It's money. But what about the environment? What's it like to be car-shamed? In case it's never happened to you, here's what car shaming is like: Last summer, Stephanie Edenburgh was driving her Toyota Highlander in San Diego, where she runs a small publishing company. Another customer looked at her SUV and noticed the kids in the back. "Don't you care about your kids' future?" the customer asked. Edenburgh said nothing. Mushfiq Sarker drives a Honda Civic, and he also experienced car shaming. "Last month, I posted some photos on Instagram from a road trip," recalled Sarker, the CEO of a digital marketing agency in Dallas. "My Civic was parked by a scenic overlook, and I thought it was a fun moment to share. Shortly after, someone commented, 'Why are you still driving gas?" At first, he dismissed the comment. But then he started to wonder. Are gas vehicles not good enough for summer road trips? "I think car shaming is becoming more common because EVs are seen as a moral choice, not just a practical one," Edenburgh told me. "With the rise in EV sales and their increasing affordability, there's a growing expectation that everyone should switch to one. However, this mindset can ignore the fact that many families, like mine, need larger vehicles or can't yet afford an EV." How to handle a car shamer Car shamers come in several varieties. Let's start with the easy ones. If you see someone trying to deflate your tires or spray paint your car, call the police. But if someone confronts you about driving a gas-powered vehicle, here's what you can do: Be gracious : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. Deflect the criticism : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. Don't get into a fight : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. I'll switch when I'm good and ready I know what you're thinking: What about you, wiseguy? Do you drive an EV? Actually, no. As a travel journalist who is on the road almost constantly, I don't even own a car. I take whatever transportation is available at the time, whether it's a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap or a gondola in Venice. I love road trips, and when I go on them, I rent the best car for the drive. Until now, that's always been one with an internal combustion engine. I'd like to see that change, and I think we're near an inflection point where it could change – and maybe where it should change. But deflating my tires and defacing my car won't speed up the change, nor will shaming me. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it.
Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is "yes." Cannon was flying from St. Louis to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines when a flight attendant ordered him to store his carry-on bag under the seat in front of him. "I didn't have room for my feet," he said. Instead, he tried to place his bag in the overhead bin. He said the attendant stopped him and told him that if he didn't comply, he would be removed from the flight. Cannon is no loose cannon. He's a vice president of an artificial intelligence company and knows how to behave on a plane. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! Cannon complained to Delta and to the Department of Transportation, which regulates airlines. In response, Delta said its request to put carry-ons where your legs normally go is to maintain an on-time departure and to leave room in the overhead bins for other luggage. "Thank you for your thoughts on this matter, which will be shared with our in-flight services leadership team in order to improve our service where it's needed," it added. He also received 15,000 bonus miles as an apology. But Cannon wonders about the stricter carry-on rules. "Are they trying to make more money on checked baggage?" Are seat assignment fees a scam? Here's when to pay up, and when to walk away It's no secret that airlines make billions of dollars a year on checked luggage. It's also no secret that they're always looking for ways to increase their revenues. Sometimes, government regulators can become their unwitting accomplices. Last fall, European regulators considered limiting the maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage to 21.6 inches x 15.7 inches x 7.8 inches and 17.6 pounds. The move is meant to improve the boarding process, but it will probably also improve the airline industry's profits. There have been reports suggesting that U.S. carriers are seeing the new rule as an opening to further restrict carry-on luggage – and potentially increase income from checked luggage fees. Delta said it has not changed its carry-on rules, but that they may be enforced differently depending on the circumstances. "Due to weight and balance on certain flights, crew members may ask customers to place smaller, personal items under their seat," a representative told me. If you want a preview of things to come, try booking an airline ticket on a discount airline in Australia or Asia. As I discovered on a recent visit, gate agents there are already super-strict about size and weight limits. They weigh and size everything. If you go over even a smidge, you'll have to repack – or pay extra. "I'm so upset about this," said Jack Ezon, who runs the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond. He stopped checking his bags a decade ago because he doesn't trust airlines with his belongings. In his view, the way to improve luggage revenue is to stop losing passengers' luggage, not by forcing them to downsize their carry-ons. But it's not the only way. ◾Don't overpack: I know this is obvious, but the best way to avoid any trouble with your carry-on bag is to comply with the published rules. Don't take any chances. Make sure your carry-on fits the smallest standards, which in your case will probably be the new European ones. Your bag should easily fit in every template and pass every weight test. Obey the rules and you won't need any of these other tips. But you might still need help because frankly, the new carry-on restrictions are a little bit restrictive. People have more stuff. How do you get it past the authorities? ◾Pack smarter – smarter: It's not enough to pack less and lighter, said travel agent Maria LaDuca. You have to start thinking about the optics. If you're a couple, you probably each carry your own bag on a plane. It makes sense to keep things separate. But in an era of stricter carry-ons, you have to think differently. "If you're traveling with someone, spread out the heavier stuff," LaDuca advises. I do this too when I'm traveling with my adult son. If my bag is a little heavier and his is a little lighter, we strategically repack at the airport to avoid the luggage police. ◾Make them look the other way: A kind word at the ticket counter can distract a ticket agent from spotting your XL carry-on. I've seen it, and I've also used it, and it works. "The first thing I do is to greet the counter staff and ask how they are doing," said Y. Murat Ozguc, a frequent traveler who runs a tour operator in Turkey. "I've never had a problem with a few additional kilos." ◾Be discreet: That's the recommendation of Justin Crabbe, who said backpacks are perfect for squeezing past stricter carry-on rules. He says the latest backpacks can do more with less – they're made of ultralight materials and modular, adaptable designs. But mostly, a black backpack worn during the check-in process is practically invisible to a ticket agent – even one that's slightly too big or too heavy. It just blends in. "Pack in a way that maximizes space and minimizes waste," added Crabbe, a frequent flier who is also the CEO of a private jet company. "Use compression cubes. Limit toiletries to travel sizes." ◾There's a silver lining: The changes are not all bad. While airlines will undoubtedly make more money off the extra luggage their passengers will check, they will also improve the flying experience. "These measures are pivotal for optimizing boarding speed, managing the limited overhead bin space, and ensuring safety by preventing cabin overcrowding," notes Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. Caitlin Higgins, a frequent traveler who works for an interior design site in Los Angeles, recently experienced the benefits on a flight from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand. "It was my fastest international boarding experience," she recalls. "I'm happy that folks are no longer holding up boarding as they struggle to lift and shove their oversized carry-ons into too-small bins." Of course, there was also a downside. The luggage cops flagged her "tiny" carry-on and forced her to check it. She'd better get used to it. We all had better get used to it. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are carry-on crackdowns coming? Your next flight might cost you more.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- USA Today
Are you the world's worst hotel guest? Here's how to tell (and redeem yourself)
Are you the world's worst hotel guest? Here's how to tell (and redeem yourself) Show Caption Hide Caption The myth of travel hacks, debunked There's no secret formula for cheap flights. Here's the truth about travel "hacks." Cruising Altitude Inconsiderate hotel guests disrupt other travelers with excessive noise and disregard for hotel rules. Guests should be mindful of hallway conversations, especially during quiet hours. Three questions to ask yourself to avoid being a bad hotel guest: Are you violating house rules? Are you getting extra attention from staff? Would your behavior be unacceptable outside the hotel? A few hours after Matt Rogers checked into his hotel in Dallas, he heard rhythmic grunting noises outside his door. They were coming from one of the worst hotel guests ever. "He was doing his workout in the hallway," recalled Rogers. "It was really obnoxious." Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! Rogers knows a thing or two about working out – he's a personal trainer himself – but he said there's a time and a place for it. The guest should have headed to the hotel gym, which was open at the time. But, for heaven's sake, keep it down in the hallway. That's not the worst of it: Apparently, the obnoxious hotel guest was totally unaware that he was being, well, so obnoxious. How can hotel guests be so annoying? Annoying hotel guests will be front and center again this summer as Americans embark on their annual vacations. They'll make noise, trash rooms, ignore the house rules and irritate other travelers. And, like the guy working out in Rogers' hallway, they'll have no idea that they are the world's worst hotel guests. "They forget that they're not in their own living room," said Rachel Wagner, an etiquette expert. "If they're with family members or sports team members for an event, it's easy and natural to continue conversations down the hall after getting off the elevator, forgetting that others may have an early morning flight and are trying to sleep." My pet peeve is hotel guests who think they're shooting an adult movie next door. Look, if you're going to make the kind of noise that keeps the neighbors up all night, maybe you should wait until you get home. Just a suggestion. It turns out there's a litmus test – three simple questions – that will help you know if you're a bad guest. I'll also tell you how to be a good guest. And if you think it's too late for you, I have some hopeful news. I'll get to that in a sec. How to tell if you're the world's worst hotel guest So here we are, having to do something your parents should have taught you. I'm about to reveal how you can know if you're the world's worst hotel guest. (OK, technically, I'm going to defer to my expert sources.) Here are the questions you should ask: ▶ Are you violating any of the house rules? Hotels post house rules and will often share them with you when you check in. For example, they'll tell you when it's check-out time – usually noon. They'll tell you what's allowed in your room and what isn't (no parties, no weapons). They'll also disclose the hotel's "quiet" hours. And, of course, stealing is never allowed. "Simple acts like lowering your voice in common areas can make a big difference," said Raymond Yorke, a spokesman for Redpoint Travel Protection. If you're not following the rules, chances are you're a bad hotel guest. ▶ Are you getting a lot of attention from the hotel staff? "You can know you are a bad guest if the hotel's staff are paying extra attention to you, more than any other guests," said Sarah Bajc, owner of Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach, an all-inclusive eco-resort on the Caribbean coast of Panama. "They will be checking in with you more proactively, ensuring you are OK." Wait, isn't that what hotels are supposed to do with guests – take good care of them? "Most good guests are self-sufficient and happy to ask for something without being needy," said Bajc. Good to know. ▶ Are you doing something that would be unacceptable outside the hotel? Here's a fact: Paying for a hotel room doesn't give you the right to do whatever you want. Brenda Beltrán remembers a recent hotel stay in Madrid with a particularly difficult guest. He yelled into his phone while walking down the hallway. He made bizarre complaints about the hotel vibrating. And he demanded extra pillows be delivered to his room – then berated the staff for interrupting him when they delivered the cushions. "He made everyone tense," recalled Beltrán, who works for a telecommunications company. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, chances are you're a bad hotel guest. So, how are you supposed to behave? For the answer, I turned to Wagner, our etiquette expert. How an etiquette professional behaves at a hotel Wagner shared her experience during a 13-night stay at a Hilton property in Fort Lauderdale, where she was caring for her husband as he recuperated from surgery. Her approach to being a good guest is simple yet effective: be courteous, thoughtful, and respectful. 'I try to be respectful when checking in or when I need something," Wagner explained. "I don't request housekeeping every day – only every two to three days. I leave dirty towels in a neatly folded stack on the bathroom floor, not strewn around. And I leave a tip on the pillow each day that housekeeping is provided, usually $4 to $5.' But it's not just about the room or the tipping. Wagner makes it a point to acknowledge the hard work of the housekeeping staff whenever she encounters them. 'When I see housekeeping staff in the hallway, I always smile and say, 'Good morning, have a great day.' They work hard, and I want them to feel valued and appreciated. It's a small thing, but it can make a big difference,' she said. Even if you're the worst hotel guest ever, there's still hope If you feel like you've already crossed the line into bad guest territory, don't worry. There's hope for you. Take, for instance, the story of Nick Burchill, also known as the worst hotel guest ever. Burchill had opened his window and left boxes of pepperoni pizza in his hotel room at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. It attracted a flock of hungry seagulls that tore into the takeout and defaced his room. After the incident, the hotel banned him for life. Burchill wrote an apology to the hotel 17 years later. "I have matured and I admit responsibility for my actions," he said. "I come to you, hat-in-hand, to apologize for the damage I had indirectly come to cause and to ask you to reconsider my lifetime ban from the property." The Fairmont lifted his ban. So, if you've been a bit of a Burchill in the past, don't worry. Just remember to be polite, follow the rules, and treat the hotel staff with respect. And maybe, don't leave the pizza out where the seagulls can find it. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
11-04-2025
- USA Today
16 hours, 10 time zones, no regrets: How to fly ultra-long-haul without losing your mind
16 hours, 10 time zones, no regrets: How to fly ultra-long-haul without losing your mind Show Caption Hide Caption The myth of travel hacks, debunked There's no secret formula for cheap flights. Here's the truth about travel "hacks." Cruising Altitude Prioritize comfort and reliability over price or loyalty programs for ultra-long-haul flights. Choose reputable airlines known for long-haul flights and consider upgrading your seat. Opt for newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 for better air quality and lower noise levels. Consider a stopover to break up the journey and minimize jet lag. The flight between Doha, Qatar, and Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the longest in the world – a seemingly never-ending journey that crosses 10 time zones in 16 hours. How do you choose the right airline for an ultra-long-haul flight like that? It's not an abstract question. One of this year's big travel trends is detour destinations – visiting faraway places like Japan, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. To get there from the U.S., you'll spend 12 hours or more on a plane. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! 'You'll want to consider an airline that specializes in long-haul flights,' said William Rankin, an aviation expert at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla. 'You will likely encounter fewer problems and have a more enjoyable experience.' The effects of long-distance air travel are well-documented and include lower blood oxygen levels, dehydration, jet lag, and the risk of a blood clot. So how do you find an airline that won't leave you exhausted and irritated? The expert advice is surprisingly contrarian. The rules for long-haul travel are different from those for flying domestically or even on shorter segments to Europe or Hawaii. Among other things, you'll need to prioritize comfort and reliability over price or loyalty points. I survived my flight from Doha to Auckland, and I learned a thing or two about ultra-long-distance travel. I'll tell you about that in a moment. Make your journey safer and smarter: Sign up for USA TODAY's Travel newsletter. Experts: Comfort is a priority You might be tempted to book an airline that will help you maximize your miles. But consider my trip to New Zealand. To collect points on one of my preferred U.S. airlines, I would have had to fly through another city, more than doubling my travel time with a stopover in Hong Kong or Shenzhen. "With the loyalty points and airline status, some consumers are married to their airlines and are less flexible to change things up even when a particular airline is known to deliver a five-star experience," said Susan Sherren, who runs the travel agency Couture Trips. "Cost is also a motivating force." Sherren advises spending a little more and worrying less about the miles when you're dealing with an ultra-long-haul flight. ▶ Book a reputable airline: This was a tough lesson for me, but I learned it when I booked a cheap flight from Madrid to Buenos Aires on a no-name carrier a few years ago. I spent 13 hours with almost no personal space and almost no service. I'm still working through the trauma. Thierry Antinori, the chief commercial officer at Qatar Airways, said you have to do your research before you book. Consult sources like Airline Ratings or Skytrax for guidance. "Look for one of the top-rated airlines for the most comfort," he told me. And what are the top-rated airlines? I have a personal shortlist of airlines that are safe for long distances. It includes Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, the Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar), the major Japanese airlines (ANA and Japan Airlines), Korean Air, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines. ▶ Avoid the cheap seats: If you book the right airline, you also need the right seat. Kat Shortsleeve, founder of the boutique travel company Shortsleeve Travel, recommends splurging for a bigger seat. "For a 12-plus hour flight, seat pitch and width make a big difference," she said. "Airlines with upgraded premium economy or lie-flat seats are worth it for these long journeys." ▶ New planes = better experience: There's one more thing before you book. Check the type of plane, which will be listed online when you make the reservation. Newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are designed with passenger well-being in mind, and they often offer better air quality and lower noise levels, according to experts. Joe Cronin recently decided to spend a little more in order to fly with ANA from New York to Tokyo. Cronin, a frequent flier who runs an air ambulance service, said it made a noticeable difference in post-flight recovery. "I felt much better after I landed," he said. How I survived 16 hours on a plane Ultra-long-distance flying is hard. Even if you can stay hydrated and get enough sleep, you have to deal with the aftermath – jet lag, including extreme fatigue and difficulty sleeping at night – and the possibility of catching a cold. My trip started in Istanbul, so I only had a few choices. I could go for the cheapest flight, connecting through China with several lengthy stopovers. Or I could fly through the Middle East on one of the Gulf carriers. My choice came down to Emirates or Qatar Airways. Both have an excellent reputation for customer service and treat all of their passengers well, even if you're in economy class. I chose Qatar Airways because I had already flown the carrier on an ultra-long-haul flight in economy class from Doha to Cape Town, South Africa, and I was surprised by how comfortable it was. I had enough room for my long legs and the food was tasty. The Qatar flight checked a lot of boxes. It was a nonstop flight on a new Airbus A350-1000. And I was lucky to snag an upgrade to Qatar's business class, Qsuites, and passes to its new Louis Vuitton lounge. To offset the stress of a long trip, I booked two nights through Qatar Airways' stopover program at the Crowne Plaza. I spent two days decompressing in Doha, visiting the museums, malls and riding the Doha Metro, which is probably the best mass transit system in the world. The flight was practically flawless. I had a strong Internet connection over most of the Indian Ocean, so I could get some work done. But the highlight for me was the soft pajamas they issue to their Qsuite passengers. Put them on, set your seat on "lie-flat," and you can actually sleep on the plane. I'd like to say that I arrived in Auckland refreshed and ready for work, but I was still tired and jet-lagged after lying in a pressurized aluminum tube all day. But it could have been so much worse. I remember stumbling off the plane after that cheap flight to Argentina when I felt like I'd participated in a sleep deprivation experiment. This time, I avoided getting sick, and it took only a few days to bounce back. If I have to fly 16 hours again, this is the best way to do it. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Headphones, tantrums and call buttons: Why travelers are losing it in the air
Headphones, tantrums and call buttons: Why travelers are losing it in the air Show Caption Hide Caption How biometrics make airport experiences smoother for travelers Biometrics like face scanning and fingerprints are becoming more common, streamlining the airport experience for travelers everywhere. Selfishness and a lack of consideration for others are contributing to the rise of entitled behavior on airplanes. Crowded planes, stress, and the pandemic are some of the factors that might be contributing to this behavior. Experts suggest staying calm, showing empathy, and directly addressing the issue with the entitled passenger. On a recent flight from Dublin to Istanbul, I heard the unmistakable soundtrack to the kids' TV show "Bob the Builder" blasting through my noise-canceling earbuds. That's funny, I thought. My "Bob the Builder" phase ended when my daughter graduated from kindergarten. And then I realized that the sounds of "Can we fix it? Yes we can!" were actually broadcasting from the row behind me. A mom was playing it for her toddler so loud I could hear it through my Pixel Buds. I asked Mom if she could fix my problem by asking Junior to wear a headset, and thankfully, she said, "Yes, I can." She gave her boy a pair of headphones, and everyone else enjoyed a quiet flight. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! But that got me thinking about entitled and inconsiderate behavior on a plane. I'm not the only one who has dealt with a fellow passenger playing entertainment at top volume. In fact, read any news report of a flight diversion, and chances are there's a thoughtless passenger behind it – someone who didn't want to share the overhead bin space, insisted on jamming their seat all the way back, or didn't want to wait to use the bathroom. Why are passengers acting so badly? And what can you do if you're seated next to an entitled traveler? What's wrong with these people? "There's a societal trend toward selfishness – it's 'me-first' and 'me-only,'" said Lori Freemire, a Denver-based flight attendant. "There's little regard for the gate agents or crew trying to do their jobs." Thomas Plante, a professor of psychology at Santa Clara University, said passengers are becoming narcissists. "More and more people think that the world revolves around them and that people should cater to their needs," he told me. "Frankly, it's breathtaking." I'll say. Although my story had a happy ending, others don't. On a recent flight from Seattle to Dallas, Rachel Wagner had the misfortune of sitting next to a passenger who seemed oblivious to the concept of common courtesy. The passenger immediately began watching a movie on her phone − without a headset. Wagner politely asked the passenger if she had earbuds, but the woman replied 'no' and continued watching her movie. After takeoff, Wagner, who was wearing noise-canceling earbuds, could still hear the movie. Again, she politely asked the passenger if she had earbuds. 'Why don't you just get your own plane!' the woman snapped. Oh, and here's the kicker: Wagner is an etiquette expert, so you know she was extra-polite when she asked. In retrospect, she said, she should have gotten a flight attendant to intervene instead of dealing with the entitled passenger herself. That's sound advice. Flying with an infectious disease in 2025: Do's and don'ts Why are passengers acting like this? Experts say there are reasons for this shift in attitudes when traveling by plane – and specifically, this entitled behavior. Crowded planes. Airlines are flying with record load factors, which means there are more passengers on each flight. Add the loss of personal space because of shrinking seat sizes, and up go the chances you'll be seated next to an irritated – and irritating – passenger. Airlines are flying with record load factors, which means there are more passengers on each flight. Add the loss of personal space because of shrinking seat sizes, and up go the chances you'll be seated next to an irritated – and irritating – passenger. The pandemic . Lockdowns and travel restrictions seem to have changed the way many people behave in public spaces, experts say. 'It's like people just don't care as much about accommodating the people around them to make everyone's experience better,' said Larry Snider, vice president of operations at Casago, a vacation rental company. . Lockdowns and travel restrictions seem to have changed the way many people behave in public spaces, experts say. 'It's like people just don't care as much about accommodating the people around them to make everyone's experience better,' said Larry Snider, vice president of operations at Casago, a vacation rental company. Stress. The discomfort of modern air travel, with its tight schedules, cramped seating and endless lines, can turn even the most even-tempered passenger into a raging monster. "'I've observed that the uptick in demanding passenger behavior can be partly attributed to the stress of navigating heightened regulations and expectations in the travel industry," said Vlad Vynohradov, a transportation logistics expert. The discomfort of modern air travel, with its tight schedules, cramped seating and endless lines, can turn even the most even-tempered passenger into a raging monster. "'I've observed that the uptick in demanding passenger behavior can be partly attributed to the stress of navigating heightened regulations and expectations in the travel industry," said Vlad Vynohradov, a transportation logistics expert. Rising ticket prices. 'Passengers paying higher prices are also expecting better service,' noted Mike Taylor, who heads up travel research at J.D. Power. That's not all. Facebook, Instagram and X have nurtured a culture of complaints. Passengers know that if they take to X or Facebook to complain about their flight experience, they are likely to get a response from the airline. "Social media has set the stage for the go-nuclear mentality," said Susan Sherren, who runs the travel agency Couture Trips. Bottom line: Air travelers are more self-absorbed and stressed than ever. And it shows. Vivian Au, a flight behavior expert and founder of Air Corporate, says passenger demands have spiked in the past year. For example, on the Los Angeles to New York routes, the flight attendant call button is getting pushed 40% more often than in 2023. "First-class travelers now demand responses in under two minutes," she told me. What if you're seated next to an entitled passenger? If you fly, chances are at some point you'll be sitting next to someone who does something objectionable as if they own the plane. Charlie Neville, marketing director at JayWay Travel, said preparation and patience are key when dealing with these problem passengers. "I'd recommend adopting a more mindful approach to travel – accepting that delays and hiccups are part of the journey and staying calm through it all," he said. Being in a good mind space ensures that when you run into someone who is entitled, you'll be better able to handle them without getting emotionally involved. "When dealing with demanding passengers, staying calm and addressing the situation with facts rather than emotions can be highly effective in de-escalating a situation,' added Ryan Saroli, CEO of Flygreen, a jet chartering service. You'll also want to show some empathy, experts said. Joanna Teljeur, a spokeswoman for AirAdvisor, said your seatmate who is having a meltdown and jabbing the flight attendant call button is also human. "Empathy in all situations is important," Teljeur said. It may actually be the first step to resolving the problem. I prefer the direct approach: Take a deep breath and politely but directly ask the entitled passenger to stop behaving like a toddler. Unless, of course, they are a toddler, in which case you'd take it up with Mom, as I did on my flight to Turkey. And if none of that works? Then it's OK for you to push the flight attendant call button – and ask a crew member for help. Here they come! If you think this discussion is theoretical or a repeat of something I've recently written, I've got news for you: This upcoming summer travel season, which may be the busiest one on record, promises to be full of entitled passenger incidents. Other than deep breathing exercises and a quality headset, I'm not sure if there's a way to prepare for the Summer of the Entitled Passenger. (Oh no, did I just coin a term? I hope not.) Maybe there's a way to fix this problem. Airlines can start offering a humane amount of personal space again, just like they did before the unfortunate deregulation of the airline industry. They can ensure their passengers have enough food and water instead of trying to sell them everything. They can stop charging junk fees for a reserved seat or luggage. If they did that, I bet the entitled passengers would disappear overnight. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
