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Incidents of misbehaving airline passengers remain high, according to the International Air Transport Association. Some aviation experts say many customers have most likely lost patience with airlines over widespread delays and cancellations in recent years. The world’s most experienced travellers overwhelmingly (51%) advised that individuals stranded overnight at the airport should rest, relax and try to sleep, according to the summer 2023 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Seventeen percent of respondents added that the next best thing to do when stranded overnight at the airport is to take a lively walk for a few minutes every hour.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines cancelled 1.7% of domestic U.S. flights over the first three months of 2023. While that is much lower than the 2.7% flight cancellation rate for all of 2022, it still leaves nearly 30,000 aircraft on the tarmac due to cancellation.

“Global tourism is on track to rise by 30% in 2023 as travelers make up for lost time due to pandemic-related travel restrictions,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Unfortunately, recurring flight delays and cancellations are disrupting highly anticipated post-pandemic trip plans. It’s understandably frustrating travelers, but I hope a combination of traveler patience and travel industry recovery combine to return global tourism to normal levels.”

Nearly half of the survey respondents (48%) reported the most important thing they would do if their flight were cancelled, no hotels were available, and they had to spend the night at the airport would be to check for airport lounges or sleeping pods that they could rent for the night or a few hours.

“I was facing a flight delay at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. No one knew how long it would be. I found a sleeping pod to use,” said Meghan Mahoney, a Global Rescue director and avid international traveller. The pod had a bed, desk chair, and a noise cancellation system. “It was private so that I could nap in comfort or work. And since I was still at the airport, I could regularly check flight status. The pod was worth every penny for the several hours I needed,” she said.

Sixteen percent said obtaining snacks and water before the airport shops closed was essential. At the same time, 11% believed that fully charging their electronic devices and carrying an in-ear or over-ear headset to cancel out external noise or play calming music was most important. Maintaining situational awareness is essential for personal safety and flight updates. “As a solo female traveller, I never cover more than one ear with headphones to remain audibly aware of my surroundings,” said Josie Daigle, the Global Rescue social media manager.