The Psychology Behind Airport Behavior

Many of us have seen strange or rude behavior at airports or on flights. This can include small things like sleeping on the floor or doing yoga in front of flight information screens. 

But sometimes, it can be serious, like passengers arguing after drinking too much or even trying to open the plane’s doors while in the air.

These problems have become more common in recent years. There have been more cases of passengers getting angry and flights being delayed because of bad behavior. 

Some people believe alcohol should be limited or banned at airports and on planes. 

For example, RyanAir has suggested that airport bars should allow only two drinks per person to prevent such issues.

 

 

Why Do People Act Differently at Airports?

For many travelers, their vacation starts at the airport. This can put them in an excited mood, making them behave differently than usual. They feel like their trip has already begun, so they may act more relaxed or carefree.

Others, however, feel nervous about flying. This anxiety can make them act in unusual ways or drink alcohol to calm themselves. The noise and crowds at airports can make things worse. 

Studies in environmental psychology show that people are sensitive to their surroundings. When there are too many people and too much noise, stress levels increase.

Stress and anxiety can make people irritable. Those who are generally anxious may get angry more easily. Even people who are usually calm might lose their temper when they feel stressed.

 

The Airport as a "Thin Place"

From a psychological point of view, airports can be seen as special places where normal rules don’t always apply. 

In some cultures, there is a belief in "thin places" - sacred areas where the physical and spiritual worlds feel closer together. Airports can be considered modern thin places because they exist between different locations and time zones.

Once passengers go through security, they enter a space that feels like it belongs to no specific country. Time also feels different. 

For example, some flights land earlier than their departure time because they cross time zones. Losing a sense of control over time can cause stress.

Airports also make people focus on the future. They are thinking about their destination, not the present moment. If their flight is delayed, this focus on the future can turn into frustration.

Changes in Social Behavior

At airports, people often behave in ways they wouldn’t elsewhere. Some become more sociable and talk to strangers about their travel plans. Others might behave rudely or aggressively. 

The usual social rules seem to fade, and alcohol can make this even more extreme. Airports can also make people feel lost or confused. 

In daily life, we define ourselves by our routines and familiar places. At an airport, those things disappear. National identity can also feel weaker. Without these familiar markers, some people feel unsettled.

 

Feeling Free at the Airport

For some, this break from routine is exciting. In my book Time Expansion Experiences, I explain that people often feel pressured by time in their daily lives. At an airport, time feels different, which can feel freeing. The same thing happens with identity. 

In normal life, we play certain roles, like being a worker, a student, or a parent. These roles give us stability, but they can also feel limiting. 

Being at an airport gives people a chance to step outside their usual identity, which can be refreshing. Ideally, this sense of freedom continues throughout their trip.

 

The Influence of Psychology

Psychologist Sigmund Freud suggested that human behavior is controlled by different parts of the mind. Our "ego" helps us stay disciplined and follow social rules, while the "id" is the part of us that acts on impulse and desires. 

Normally, the ego keeps the id in check. But in an environment like an airport - especially when alcohol is involved - the id can take over, leading to reckless behavior.

Some travelers let go of their usual self-control as soon as they pass security. If they start drinking, their behavior can become completely uncontrolled, causing chaos.

 

Should Alcohol Be Banned at Airports?

Banning alcohol at airports may seem too extreme. However, with so many factors leading to bad behavior, it is hard to find another solution. 

Since normal boundaries fade at airports, strict rules on alcohol might be the only way to prevent problems.

 

Conclusion

Airports are unique places that make people behave differently due to stress, excitement, or confusion. The combination of changing time zones, unfamiliar surroundings, and alcohol can cause both good and bad behavior. 

Some people feel free and excited, while others become anxious or frustrated. Understanding these psychological effects can help us manage our emotions better while traveling. 

Setting clear rules, especially around alcohol, might help reduce negative incidents and make flying a more pleasant experience for everyone.

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