Queenslanders name their travel ‘pet peeves’

RACQ Travel’s state-wide survey, which asked Queenslanders to nominate their biggest air travel pet peeves, saw invasion of personal space take first class honours with more than three in five respondents (67.2%) rating the behaviour as frustrating.
The research found people who reclined their seats during a short flight annoyed 58.1% of Queenslanders and more than half (50.3%) get frustrated when travellers make the mad dash to get off the plane once it lands.
The five most frustrating traveller habits*:
Rank |
Behaviour |
Percentage of respondents who listed as very or moderately frustrating |
1 |
Travellers are inconsiderate of personal space |
67.2% |
2 |
Travellers recline their seat on a short flight |
58.1% |
3 |
Travellers rush to get off the plane once it’s landed |
50.3% |
4 |
Travellers put their baggage on free seats in the terminal |
48.3% |
5 |
Travellers use too much overhead storage |
45.9% |
RACQ Travel spokesperson Ashleigh Paterson said while Queenslanders love to travel, it was important to prioritise travel etiquette.
“Whether it’s a long-haul or short stint flight, it’s clear Queenslanders are increasingly frustrated by subtle and not so subtle travelling quirks,” Ms Paterson said.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring everyone has a positive travel experience.
“Being mindful of your surroundings and exercising patience are ways we can all ensure everyone reaches their destination comfortably and happily.”
Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty said arriving at the terminal early was key to a smooth holiday.
“Arriving early at the airport early isn’t just about avoiding the stress of last-minute rushing, it’s about starting your holiday before you even take off,” Mr Doherty said.
“We recommend arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight and three hours before an international service, which means if there are delays on the way, you’ve built a buffer into your trip.
“If you do arrive early, you can enjoy great dining and shopping at the Brisbane Airport and ease into holiday mode before you fly.”
Queenslanders also revealed their top travel tips.
Top three tips for travellers*:
- 47.3% rated preparation as the most important item on their holiday checklist.
- 36.7% rated safety and security as important, including having travel insurance for peace of mind.
- 32% rated packing as their top tip with a focus on ensuring you are prepared for all different weather conditions.
Ms Paterson reiterated the importance of planning for any holiday, whether it's domestic or international.
“Your level of organisation can often make or break a holiday, so it’s extremely valuable to do all the relevant research well before take-off," she said.
“Booking accommodation, flights, car hire and attractions early can also save you money, meaning you can add more to your spending budget.
“If you’re heading overseas, having the necessary documents such as passport, international driving permit and visa arranged well in advance will help you have a seamless travel experience.”
*Survey findings from RACQ Quarterly Consumer Omnibus, FY25 Q3, n=406.
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.