When Cabin Fever Turns to Air Rage

Air travelers are more likely to suffer from stress and anxiety or find themselves displaying "air rage" than experiencing dehydration, extreme fatigue or nausea, according to a survey on in-flight health problems.

The survey found ear pain to be the top complaint, followed by swollen ankles or feet and aching muscles and joints.

Stress, anxiety or "air rage" was the fourth most common complaint, with 15 percent of respondents surveyed saying they had experienced these feelings while in the air. It was more common than dehydration, extreme fatigue or nausea.

In addition to the survey, the Civil Aviation Authority's (C.A.A.) most recent figures show a 59 percent increase in the incidence of disruptive passenger behavior on board UK flights compared to the previous year. The C.A.A. warns that the increase may be to do with better reporting methods rather than an increase in actual incidents.

In May, rapper Snoop Dogg was banned from entering the United Kingdom following his arrest the previous month for involvement in a fracas over access to a first-class lounge at Heathrow. Seven police officers were injured in the incident.

In 1998, in one of the most notorious cases of air rage in the UK, flight attendant Fiona Weir was attacked by a passenger holding a glass bottle. She has since campaigned for a ban on glass onboard aircraft.

British trade unions representing flight attendants say air rage remains a big concern for members.

Gordon White, national officer for civil aviation at the British trade union Amicus, said conflict management was a key part of training cabin crew.

"It's very common for people who are flying to be stressed. It's a stressful thing," he told CNN.

"The whole process from getting to the terminal, going through security to getting on board is stressful. If you don't fly very often it's even more stressful. All of those things add up to possible problems."

He said intoxicated passengers were often the cause of disruptive behavior.

Amicus represents 8,000 flight attendants in the UK.

Another union, G.M.B., said its members were reporting an increase of abusive behavior by passengers directed at airport ground staff.

Regional officer Gary Pearce, who looks after workers at Stansted Airport near London, said lengthy queues and being charged for excess luggage were two common cause of passenger rage.

He said if a passenger was angry before boarding, their abusive behavior often continued once they entered the aircraft.

Claire Ainsley, spokeswoman for transport and general workers union T&G, told CNN that anecdotal evidence suggested that cabin crew were often the victims of air rage from passengers. She said the most extreme form of air rage was physical assault.

Other celebrities accused of displaying air rage include R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Hole singer Courtney Love and Oasis front man Liam Gallagher.

Researchers from N.E.M.S. Market Research questioned 483 people across Britain who have traveled by air for the survey, which was commissioned by the charity Deafness Research UK. The charity has published a guide to helping air passengers overcome ear pain or discomfort.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.