New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers
As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, record-breaking numbers of tourists are hitting the roads, and with them, a growing number of unruly passenger incidents. In 2024, the US Federal Aviation Administration investigated over 2,000 reports of unruly passengers, a significant drop from the record high of 5,973 in 2021, but still nearly twice as many as in the pre-Covid era.
From aggressive behavior towards flight attendants to violent outbursts, the list of incidents is long and disturbing. A couple was banned by Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific after an argument over seat-reclining etiquette turned into xenophobic insults and physical violence. A passenger on a United Airlines flight attacked another who was sleeping, and a male passenger bit a female flight attendant on an All Nippon Airways plane bound for Seattle.
There were also reports of passengers punching flight attendants, attempting to open emergency exits, and even trying to choke and threaten to “kill everybody” on board. In one incident, a passenger threw coins into the engine of a flight in China, apparently as a gesture for “good luck.”
In an effort to promote better behavior from travelers, CNN Travel offers the following New Year’s resolutions:
1. Be aware of the consequences of their actions.
2. Be considerate of others, especially flight attendants.
3. Remember that “hands-on” immersion doesn’t mean groping or breaking things.
4. Show respect for local customs and traditions.
5. Avoid engaging in questionable activities, such as attempting to smuggle animals or contraband through security.
6. Respect rules and local customs, even if they differ from one’s own.
The world’s most popular tourist destination, Italy, has seen its fair share of misconduct, including a young woman mimicking sexual acts with a statue and a British tourist carving initials into a 2,000-year-old home in Pompeii.
Japan, another popular destination, has also faced issues, including overcrowding and littering, which led to the installation of barriers to block views of Mount Fuji. The country has also cracked down on “geisha paparazzi” harassing traditional female entertainers.
In other news, the 3,922-step Haiku Stairs in Hawaii were dismantled due to illegal trespassing, and two public sculptures in New York and Dublin were shut down after running into problems when people started displaying offensive imagery.
As the world moves forward, it’s essential for travelers to be aware of their actions and the impact they have on local communities and the environment. By following these resolutions, we can all work together to promote a more respectful and considerate travel culture.
