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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Arwa Mahdawi

Air travel brings out the absolute worst in people – from faking injuries to demanding seat swaps

Shocked man touching his head with hands while sitting at his seat in an aeroplane
Would you ‘break a leg’ to get on the plane faster? Photograph: g-stockstudio/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Here is your mission, should you choose to accept it: you have to get from point A to point B in an aeroplane without causing an international incident or inspiring a viral TikTok about what an entitled nitwit you are. Sounds simple, right? Apparently, it isn’t. About 76.9% of the general population, extensive analysis has led me to believe, seem to find this mission impossible.

You may have also noticed this phenomenon. It’s hard not to: there is a constant stream of headlines about airline passengers exhibiting sky-high entitlement. For example, earlier this month, a United Airlines flight from Houston to Amsterdam was diverted to Chicago after a business class passenger became unruly. The reason? Their first choice of meal was unavailable. Authorities should have diverted the plane to The Hague, if you ask me. Having to deal with the ignominy of being served chicken instead of beef? It may sound paltry to unrefined ears, but if you’ve paid almost $7,000 for your ticket, it’s a veritable crime against humanity.

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