Children Aren’t the Most Annoying Passengers on a Plane

self insemination kit

Is there a more overused complaint than travelers lamenting the presence of children on flights? Honestly, I can’t think of one. Let’s face it: kids are not the most bothersome passengers on airplanes—not even close.

What puzzles me is the individual who believes that purchasing a plane ticket grants them a fleeting escape into tranquility. Newsflash: you didn’t buy a ticket to a serene adult-only getaway in the clouds. You are essentially using public transport, and let’s be real—public transport can be annoying, but it’s not just the little ones who cause the headaches.

I’ve traveled a lot before and after becoming a parent. While I do prefer traveling without children, it’s not because they are terrible companions. The stress of flying with small kids often comes from the reactions of others. The moment a child makes a sound, parents are met with passive-aggressive huffs, eye-rolls, and sometimes outright complaints. For some reason, people on planes feel entitled to vocally express their disdain for children—and it’s incredibly frustrating.

Recently, an article in the NY Post titled “The 8 Most Annoying Types of Kids on a Flight” caught my eye. I’d like to counter that with my version: “The 8 Most Annoying Types of Adults on a Flight.” You’ll find at least one of these characters on every flight, yet there’s hardly any discussion on whether they should be allowed to board.

The 8 Most Annoying Types of Adults on a Flight

1. Mr. Oblivious: “I’m reclining my seat into your space. I know you can feel my breath, but I’m not bothered.”
2. Ms. Bad Dietary Choices: “Yes, my egg salad smells awful, but it’s the only thing I wanted.”
3. Rowdy Young Professionals: “We’re ordering Jack and Cokes (which we’ll call ‘JC’s’) and high-fiving each other while yelling ‘Broheim’ across the aisle.”
4. The Manspreader: “I need both armrests and will have my leg touching yours the whole flight.”
5. Loud Music Guy: “I’m blasting my headphones. What was that you said?”
6. The Chatty Flyer: “I’m nervous about flying, so you have to keep me company for the next three hours. Oh, and I might fart.”
7. Mr. Grumpy About Kids: “I’ll complain about the baby for the entire flight, making myself a thousand times more irritating than the child.”
8. Epic Complainer: “I’m upset the flight attendant served the people behind us first. It’s too cold in here, and I want to talk about how greedy airlines have become.”

As I said, children are far from being the most bothersome passengers on a plane.

For those navigating air travel with kids, check out our post on tips for surviving a flight with little ones.

In summary, while flying can be a challenge, it’s not just children who contribute to the chaos. Adults can be equally, if not more, frustrating.