Travel Glossary

What is Air Rage?

Air rage is when a passenger behaves excessively nervous, acts irrationally and loses control during a flight. It's a behavioral disorder. This psychological disorder, first defined at the beginning of the 21st century, is very rare in Turkey. This disorder, which can be seen more on flights abroad, is called "air rage". Air rage is a serious disorder. Passengers who are unable to control themselves are tried to be calmed down by flight attendants, and when it is necessary, the passengers can even be taken to another compartment inside the aircraft. 

What Causes Air Rage?

Although it is a very contemporary behavioral disorder, the cause of air anger is attributed to physical and psychological stress. Alcohol is usually regarded as a source of physical stress. Alcohol consumed before or during a flight may cause the person to experience air rage. This anger could also be psychological. According to researches, travel class differences on the aircraft can also cause air rage. For example, a passenger traveling in economy class can have an air rage by developing a reaction against the service and comfort in the business class. 

The first air rage was in the United States during a flight from Havana to Miami in 1947. Although it is rare in the world, the number of people experiencing this disorder is increasing day by day. However, air rage can be accepted as a crime element for the passenger after the flight. Therefore, passengers who think they have this disorder should pay attention to have full control of their behaviors.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Air Rage?

• The biggest known factor causing rage is alcohol. You can prevent it from happening by having alcohol in a reasonable amount or by not consuming any alcohol at all before and during the flight.
• When you start feeling the anger, you can control your blood pressure by taking deep breaths. Anger is related to blood pressure at some point. The more you calm your body down, the easier it is to overcome the feeling of anger.
• You can use sedatives provided that they are medically approved. If you're having anger problems during the flight, this will help you to control your anger.
• You can get support from flight attendants during the flight. The cabin crew will always be helpful to you. 
• Stay away from stress. When you're flying, get those distressing thoughts out of your head and make an effort to relax your mind. Try meditating.