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More than four in ten Aussie travellers (42%) say having their seat kicked from behind is their number one aeroplane etiquette bugbear, according to new research from comparison site iSelect.

In-flight manners emerged as the biggest source of travel frustration among Aussies, with seat–kickers closely followed by fellow flyers making calls or playing videos and music without headphones (34%), and passengers reclining their seat during short flights (32%) rounding out the top three annoyances.

iSelect spokesperson Sophie Ryan said the findings reveal that while Aussies are eager to get away, it’s often our fellow passengers causing the biggest holiday headaches – even ahead of flight delays or lost luggage.

Top Travel ‘Bugbears’
  1. People/children kicking the back of your seat (42%)
 6. People who stand up the second the plane lands (24%)
  1. People who make phone calls, play videos or music without headphones (35%)
 7. People who use speakerphone in airports or during boarding (22%)
  1. People who rest their feet on the window/armrest next to you (34%)
 8. Travellers who stop suddenly in busy walkways to check directions (16%)
  1. People who remove their shoes and socks on flights (26%)
 9. People who block the airport travelator instead of walking (15%)
  1. Parents who let children watch videos without headphones (25%)
 10. Pets being allowed in the cabin (15%)

“Aussies love to travel, but it seems what happens once we’re in the air can make or break the experience,” Sophie said.

“It’s a timely reminder that a bit of basic etiquette goes a long way when we’re all sharing a confined space for hours at a time.”

Sophie added that almost 25% of travellers listed people resting their feet on the window armrest next to them as another pain–point.

“It’s summertime in Europe, and many Aussies are travelling overseas around this time of year to escape the colder weather and tick off some of their travel must–dos,” Sophie said.

“While our research found onboard manners is top of mind, it’s a great idea for Aussies to consider protecting their trip more broadly.

“Whether it’s a seat kicker or a delayed connection, travel doesn’t always go to plan. Comparing travel insurance policies before you fly means you could be covered for the things that really matter.

“From cancellations and lost luggage to medical emergencies overseas, travel insurance can often be one of the smallest expenses associated with a holiday but may provide financial protection if something unexpected occurs.”

iSelect’s top tips for finding suitable travel insurance
  1. Consider the extras you might need – Most travel insurance policies will include a few low-risk activities, but not everything. If you’re planning on a cruise or something a little riskier, like a skiing trip or a jaunt on a scooter, it might mean taking out some extra coverage.
  1. Make sure all your countries are covered – Even if you’re just passing through one country to get to another, it still needs to be listed on your policy. Skipping this step could leave you footing the bill if something goes wrong mid-stopover, like if your car gets some damage en route from Switzerland to Austria. If your insurer covers regions instead of individual countries, it’s important to double-check all the countries listed as well, to make sure you’re covered for 100% of your trip.
  1. Declare any pre-existing conditions – If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s best to let your travel insurer know before taking out your policy. If it can be covered, it means you could claim for any related issues on your trip. And if you don’t declare it, any related claims could be knocked back.
  1. Check the entry conditions for your destination – Some countries won’t let you in without a visa, while others need proof of insurance before entering. Make sure to check which requirements you need to tick off, like visas or certain levels of travel insurance coverage.