Let’s be honest – flying is supposed to be a convenient, even exciting way to travel.
But lately, what’s happening inside the cabin has been just as turbulent as what’s happening outside.
More and more, flights in South Africa are being disrupted by passengers who simply can’t keep their cool.
From shouting matches to emergency landings, the skies seem a lot less friendly these days.
So, what’s really going on with people up there?
A FlySafair Flight Ends with a Fine and a Ban
If you missed the latest headline, a passenger on a FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town made a serious scene last weekend.
The airline didn’t waste any time – that individual is now permanently banned from flying with them and has been hit with a R100,000 fine.
That’s no small penalty, but unfortunately, it’s not an isolated event.
And if history’s anything to go by, it won’t be the last time someone loses it mid-air.
Is Alcohol at Altitude a Recipe for Disaster?
Here’s one big factor: alcohol.
Something happens to your body at high altitudes – the same drink that might leave you a bit buzzed on the ground can hit like a hammer in the air.
That’s because lower oxygen levels in pressurized cabins make booze work faster and harder.
So, a few drinks to calm nerves or pass time can quickly spiral into slurred words, aggressive outbursts, or worse – a full-blown confrontation.
Entitlement, Ego, and the “I Paid for This Seat” Mentality
Another trend? Passengers who act like the rules simply don’t apply to them.
Whether it’s arguing over luggage space, refusing to stay seated, or throwing a tantrum about reclining seats, some travellers feel their personal comfort matters more than everyone else’s safety.
And let’s not ignore the influence of social media and viral videos – some folks seem to want attention, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons.
The Hidden Mental Health Struggles in the Skies
Of course, not every disruptive passenger is just being difficult.
For some, flying is an overwhelming experience that triggers panic, claustrophobia, or emotional breakdowns.
Mental health issues – often invisible and untreated – can flare up at 30,000 feet.
The challenge? Flight attendants aren’t mental health professionals, and fellow passengers usually aren’t equipped to respond compassionately either.
Have You Witnessed This Firsthand?
If you’ve ever been stuck on a flight where someone lost their temper or caused a delay, you know how stressful it can be.
It’s a growing issue – and one that airlines, passengers, and policymakers will have to take more seriously as air travel continues to grow.