Aggressive passengers on an airplane: what to do to end the conflict quickly

Recently, the headlines have been full of stories about incidents with passengers that occur during air travel. These include attacks on flight attendants, scandals on board, as well as disputes over seats in the cabin, and crying babies.

According to the Nuffingtonpost article, despite the fact that in-flight disruptions are still generally rare, recent years seem to have brought an increase in their frequency. According to experts, social and political issues always have an impact on passenger behavior on board.

In addition, pandemic restrictions that have lasted for several years have led to increased psychological stress, which has been reflected in passenger behavior during flights. In particular, the International Air Transport Association published a report showing that the number of such incidents during flights in 2022 actually increased compared to 2021.

In this regard, the experts talked about what to do if you find yourself next to an unruly passenger on board an airplane. "If you find yourself sitting next to someone who is behaving chaotically, you should practice de-escalation tactics," the experts say.

Among other things, they advise not to do anything to further incite the unruly passenger. De-escalation tactics can include responding in a calm, collected voice. Don't respond to your fellow passenger's anger, but instead rephrase what they are saying to show that they are being heard. To put an end to an unpleasant conversation, you may be able to put on headphones or earplugs and an eye mask as if you were going to sleep.

If the situation remains difficult, passengers are reminded that there are flight attendants on the plane who can always help. Flight attendants are trained in de-escalation on board, so they can handle 99% of possible incidents during flights on their own.

However, if a nervous passenger does not calm down, his or her neighbors are advised to try to leave their seat, perhaps under the guise of using the restroom. At the same time, approach the flight attendant to explain the situation, as the flight crew is trained to handle such situations. At the same time, passengers are advised to tell the flight attendants about the conflict situation, but then step aside.

"If you or someone next to you is not in immediate danger, please wait for the flight attendants' instructions. Some well-meaning passengers may unintentionally escalate the situation. Be a good witness and a ready helper. If instructed, help the flight attendants with the disturbing passenger," psychologists advise airplane passengers.