Flying can be a stressful experience, and poor airplane etiquette from fellow passengers can make it even worse. From seats reclined without warning to loud phone conversations, many behaviors can ruin a flight. According to a recent report by Solitaire Bliss, the state you’re flying from might play a role in how polite or rude your fellow passengers are.

The Worst Offenders

A survey conducted in April with 2,002 Americans revealed that 78% believe air travel etiquette has deteriorated over the past few years. Participants identified the most annoying behaviors, including reclining seats without asking, using phones loudly in terminals, and placing bags on terminal seats. The survey asked respondents to confess their bad behaviors, and many admitted to committing these air travel offenses.

Based on the survey, the states with the worst travel etiquette were ranked on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating worse behavior. Here are the top five states with the poorest air travel etiquette:

1. Iowa: With a score of 94.29, Iowa’s travelers were the most guilty of poor etiquette, including putting bags on terminal seats and passing gas on the plane.
2. Illinois: One in four residents admitted to ignoring the seatbelt sign.
3. Virginia: Common bad habits included placing luggage on terminal seats, not switching phones to airplane mode, and reclining seats without asking.
4. Texas: Ranked fourth for inconsiderate behaviors.
5. Georgia: Made the list of various bad habits.

States with Exemplary Etiquette

Conversely, some states stood out for having the most courteous travelers. The states with the best travel etiquette, often associated with “Southern hospitality” or “Midwest nice,” are as follows:

1. Arkansas: Topped the list for having well-mannered passengers, or at least those who did not admit to offenses.
2. Wisconsin: Known for its polite travelers.
3. Florida: Ranked third for good travel behavior.
4. Ohio: Came in fourth place.
5. Kansas: Rounded out the top five.

Common Inconsiderate Behaviors

The report highlighted several common behaviors that frustrate travelers. Among them are:

• Reclining Seats Without Asking: This was cited as a major annoyance, as it can significantly reduce the space and comfort of the passenger behind.
• Loud Phone Usage: Both in terminals and on the plane, loud phone conversations can disturb those around you.
• Hogging Terminal Seats: Placing bags on seats in crowded terminals leaves other passengers standing.
• Ignoring Seatbelt Signs: A significant number of travelers, particularly from Illinois, admitted to ignoring these safety instructions.
• Passing Gas on the Plane: Although it might be natural, it is certainly not appreciated by fellow travelers.

Assaf Cohen, founder of Solitaire Bliss, noted in an email statement to USA TODAY, “With the summer travel season here, we’ll be seeing an influx of stories on the media circuit about poor passenger behavior and airline issues. Along with common behaviors like taking up a seat in the terminal using a bag, or reclining a seat without asking, one in eight passengers report having seen a physical altercation.”

As travel resumes and more people take to the skies, awareness of proper etiquette can make the experience more pleasant for everyone. Whether you’re flying out of a state with good or bad travel manners, remembering to be considerate of your fellow passengers can help ensure a smoother journey for all.