Air travel shattered records in 2024 and with so many travelers taking to the skies, there were bound to be a few bad apples.
In fact, there was no shortage of unruly travelers over the past 12 months. However, a few incidents stand out.
Here's a recap of the most ridiculous and downright disturbing naughty traveler incidents of 2024.
Multiple Flight Attendants Fail Breathalyzer in Amsterdam
At least three crewmembers, including a pair of Delta Air Lines flight attendants, were fined after failing random breathalyzer tests at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in November.
One of the Delta crewmembers blew 0.143, which is seven times the legal limit for flight crews and nearly double the legal limit allowed for drivers in the U.S. They were subsequently fined the maximum penalty of $1,900.
Man Tries to Join Mile High Club
A Spirit Airlines passenger was charged with the federal crime of interfering with a flight crew member after allegedly asking one of the flight attendants to join the Mile High Club before later pulling a second flight attendant into his seat to ask her some disturbing questions, including about entering the cockpit area.
Passenger Chokes Flight Attendant and Threatens to 'Kill Everybody'
A California man was hit with federal charges after he allegedly attempted to strangle a flight attendant and stated that he was “going to kill everybody” aboard a Frontier Airlines flight in September.
The incident occurred right after takeoff when flight after the man had engaged the oxygen masks from the overhead compartment and began behaving "like he wanted to get off the plane," according to witnesses.
The man was then heard shouting "We are all going to hell" and "This airplane is going down."
Passengers ultimately helped restrain the man after he broke from flex cuffs and injured multiple crew members.
Overhead bin on an airplane. (Photo Credit: Maridav/Adobe)
Traveler Rests Up in Overhead Bin
Travelers boarding a Southwest Airlines flight this past spring were left scratching their heads after noticing a woman lying down in the overhead bin.
One passenger captured the incident on video before the woman was removed.
Buffet Brawl Breaks Out on Cruise Ship
A late-night trip to the buffet aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Paradise led to a brawl between roughly a dozen people over the summer, leading to serious repercussions for those involved.
“Carnival Paradise’s security team intervened in an incident that took place on June 6,” spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in an emailed statement. “As is our policy, we will not tolerate such behavior and the guests involved were fined and will not sail on Carnival Cruise Line again.”
Dog Poop Diverts Flight
Naughty travelers aren't always limited to humans. An April flight aboard United Airlines was actually diverted after a first class passenger's dog defecated in the aisle.
"The smell never quite went away," a Reddit user wrote.
While 2025 is likely to bring more unfortunately headlines involving unruly travelers, here's hoping for some improvement.
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