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Travel is supposed to be exciting, a break from routine, a chance to explore somewhere new, or simply time away. But for many travelers, the most stressful part of the journey has nothing to do with delays, packing, or even long flights.

It’s other people.

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Talker Research found that 39% say the worst part of traveling is dealing with fellow passengers. From crowded planes to shared spaces, it’s often others’ behavior, not the trip itself, that leaves a lasting impression.

woman on flight — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

The Biggest Travel Pet Peeves

When it comes to frustrating behavior, some complaints recur. At the top of the list: children kicking the seat in front of them, which 59% of respondents said is one of the most annoying things they experience while traveling.

Close behind were people ignoring personal space (58%) and taking loud phone calls or using speakerphone in public (also 58%). Other common frustrations included passengers hogging armrests, reclining seats too far back, and playing audio without headphones.

These aren’t rare occurrences; they’re everyday moments that can quickly turn an already long travel day into something much more stressful.

The Behaviors People Can’t Unsee

Beyond the usual annoyances, travelers also shared some of the more extreme things they’ve witnessed in public spaces.

From nose picking to hair tweezing and even toenail clipping, some behaviors stood out as especially difficult to ignore. While these moments might not happen on every trip, they contribute to a broader feeling that travel etiquette isn’t always what it should be.

Even smaller habits, like taking off shoes mid-flight or being rude to staff, were mentioned as common sources of frustration.

Yes, People Are Falling Asleep on Strangers

One of the more surprising findings from the survey is just how common it is for personal space to be crossed in unexpected ways.

Three in ten Americans said a stranger has fallen asleep on them during a flight, while 18% admitted they’ve done it themselves at some point.

It’s one of those awkward travel moments that’s both relatable and uncomfortable, and a clear example of how easily boundaries can blur in tight spaces like airplanes.

Travel Is More Exhausting Than It Looks

Dealing with other people is just one part of the equation. Travel itself is physically and mentally draining, which can make these frustrations feel even more intense.

In fact, 72% of respondents said a long travel day feels as tiring as running a marathon. Between navigating airports, sitting for extended periods, and trying to stay organized, the experience can quickly become overwhelming.

That exhaustion is only made worse when fellow travelers add noise, disruptions, or tension into the mix.

The Little Things That Help

Despite the challenges, travelers have found ways to make the experience a bit more manageable. According to the survey, 65% said having the right travel essentials is “make or break” for a trip.

Snacks topped the list (67%), followed by hand sanitizer (50%), refillable water bottles (44%), and neck pillows (42%). These small comforts can help offset some of the stress, especially on longer travel days.

And for many, getting better rest during the journey is key. Nearly 78% said travel would be less stressful if they could sleep well along the way.

The Bottom Line

Travel itself hasn’t necessarily gotten worse, but the experience of sharing that journey with others can make it feel that way.

From everyday annoyances to more extreme behavior, fellow travelers play a bigger role in the overall experience than many people expect. And when you combine that with long hours, tight spaces, and physical fatigue, it’s easy to see why so many people point to the same conclusion.

Sometimes, the hardest part of traveling isn’t the destination or the journey, it’s the people around you.