New survey: Travelers’ biggest pet peeves in 2026

Loud conversations, poor hygiene, and noisy seatmates rank among Americans’ top airplane pet peeves, according to new research commissioned by Navan. But the survey also highlights a surprising self-own: Travelers who have strong opinions about in-flight etiquette say they sometimes break the rules themselves.

Navan commissioned Talker Research to survey 2,000 U.S. adults who travel for business and/or leisure about their experiences before, during, and after a trip. The results offer a look at what passengers find disruptive — and how they prepare for travel.

Airplane etiquette: The biggest pet peeves, ranked

The most frequently cited in-flight annoyance was sitting near someone with body odor or poor hygiene (35%). Loud or personal conversations followed (31%), then loud snoring (26%).

A quarter of respondents said they object to passengers taking off their shoes or socks (25%). Nearly as many cited listening to music or watching a movie without headphones (24%).

For some travelers, these behaviors can outweigh even a lengthy delay: 29% said they would rather have a flight delayed by two hours than sit next to someone engaging in their biggest pet peeve.

Yet passengers acknowledged that they sometimes contribute to the same frustrations. Nine in 10 respondents said they judge plane clappers and those racing to be the first ones to deplane — but 82% admit they’re guilty of doing the same.

But plane clappers aren’t the only hypocrites: About one in six said they take off their shoes or socks or listen to music or watch a movie on their phone without headphones. Others admitted to eavesdropping on a nearby conversation (22%), watching a neighbor’s screen (15%), or looking at someone else’s texts (13%).

How travelers prepare — and what they forget to pack

Travel preparation starts days before departure for many respondents. On average, travelers said they begin packing three days before a trip, yet they still forget about three items.

Toothbrushes and chargers tied as the most commonly forgotten items (32% each), followed by toiletries and sunglasses (25% each). Headphones (23%), socks (21%), and glasses (17%) also made the top 10.

Those oversights can add up: Respondents estimated spending an average of $363 replacing forgotten items while away. Gen Z respondents reported spending $427, compared with $154 among baby boomers.

Before leaving, travelers said they check flight status or look for delays (53%), check the weather (46%), and look for airline updates (44%). About one in four check Wi-Fi guidelines (23%).

“Travel can be stressful, and preparing ahead can help people manage some of the uncertainty,” said White. “Travelers told us they start packing days before a trip, but many still leave home without essentials like a charger or toothbrush. A quick checklist can help make the departure day easier.”

At the terminal

Once they arrive at the airport, more than one in three travelers agree that checking to make sure their gate “exists” is the first order of business.

Once they arrive at the airport, more than one in three travelers say their first order of business is checking to make sure their gate “exists.” And when does it feel acceptable to order a drink at the airport bar? The average traveler says 8:15 a.m.

From checking that the gate exists to deciding when it’s acceptable to order a morning drink, every traveler has their own airport rituals. Those routines — and the unwritten rules of sharing a plane — are all part of the journey.

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 people who travel for business and/or leisure who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Navan and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 5 and Oct. 14, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology, part of the American Association for Public Opinion Research's (AAPOR) Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.