In recent years, the Internet has filled a video with inadequate behavior of passengers at airports and on board aircraft. Despite the fact that such incidents have become more often, psychology can explain why people behave differently in such places, as well as the airports themselves contribute to it.
Travelers have repeatedly witnessed strange situations at airports, such as passengers who make stretch marks at landing, or drunk people who arrange quarrels during the flight. The research conducted by psychologist Steve Taylor reveals an interesting theory of how to combine psychological factors and the design of airports itself can affect our behavior.
Taylor explains that sensory overload that occurs through noise and crowd, as well as emotional tension from travel - excitement, stress or anxiety can cause uncharacteristic reactions. "Stress and anxiety give rise to irritability," he notes. This is especially true of anxiety -prone people who often respond to anger or dissatisfaction with such situations, which is typical of places such as airports. An important concept is also the lyminality - a state of "between" two realities. Airports are a kind of transitions where routine and social norms become blurred, and identity time lose clear boundaries. This can cause disorientation when people become more prone to impulsive actions. In a place where personal liability or laws are temporarily abolished, passengers can afford what would usually be unacceptable elsewhere.
Alcohol in such situations only aggravates the situation. It weakens restraint, allowing emotions to go outside, which often leads to aggressive or inadequate behavior. According to Taylor, awareness of these psychological factors can help passengers avoid conflicts. Simple strategies, as a careful attitude, timely use of water and restriction of alcohol, can make staying at the airport more comfortable. For airports and airlines, it is important to create a calm atmosphere where the design zones and stress -reducing elements can mitigate the emotional state of passengers. This would reduce aggression and improve travel experience.
According to the International Air Transport Association, the number of incidents with the participation of passengers that violate the order increased by 37% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Most of these cases were related to the violation of the rules of airlines, but much of the incidents were caused by alcohol intoxication and aggression.
Airports, thanks to its unpredictable and multifunctional environment, can both cause anxiety and a sense of freedom. Eliminating the main psychological causes of destructive behavior can be a key to creating a more calm and comfortable atmosphere for all passengers.
