AAA: Fees, Shrinking Comfort Biggest Headaches For Air Travelers

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Tue December 2, 2014

If you find yourself clenching your fists in anger whenever airlines tack on added fees or shaking your head in disgust when you board your plane only to realize that there's a seat where your legs are supposed to go, you may be onto something.

According to a recent survey by auto travel group AAA, more than a quarter of air travelers (27 percent) cite added fees as their biggest headache when flying.

Another quarter-plus (27 percent) point to a lack of leg room as their top frustration.

Behind those two pet peeves, flight delays and layovers were the biggest cause of frustration for 15 percent of respondents. Meanwhile, 12 percent of those surveyed identified the airport security process as their No. 1 trouble.

Crying babies and out-of-control children are the biggest concern for seven percent of fliers, while five percent cite other passengers as their top annoyance.

Three percent singled out the people who kick seats and only one percent have a serious bone to pick with seatmates who fight for control of the arm rest.

Of the nearly 500 air travelers surveyed by AAA, only three percent were unable to single out any of the aforementioned options as their biggest frustration.

While there are a plethora of aggravations air travelers have to deal with, it seems that a majority of them are irritated most by the business decisions that airlines make, whether it be charging added fees or minimizing leg room by adding more seats.

Here's the finding in pretty infographic form, courtesy of AAA:


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...