Massachusetts travelers rank among the nation’s “naughtiest,” new study finds

If your last flight out of Logan felt a little more chaotic than usual, you’re not imagining it.

A new study on airline etiquette suggests Massachusetts travelers are contributing to the tension. According to research from Solitaire Bliss, the Bay State ranks No. 7 in the U.S. for the “naughtiest” travel habits, a mix of small rule-breaking behaviors that can add up quickly on crowded flights.

The findings come as air travel continues to rebound and planes remain full, creating tighter quarters and shorter tempers at 30,000 feet.

One of the biggest complaints is a familiar one. A striking 82 percent of Massachusetts respondents said airline etiquette has declined in recent years. That perception lines up with behaviors many travelers have likely seen firsthand, especially in busy terminals and packed cabins.

In fact, Massachusetts tops the nation in at least two questionable habits.

About 80 percent of travelers in the state admitted to placing their bags on seats in the terminal, ranking No. 1 in the country for that behavior. Anyone who has struggled to find a place to sit during a delayed flight knows how frustrating that can be.

The state also ranks No. 1 for leaving garbage in seat pockets, with 59 percent of respondents saying they’ve done it. It’s a small act, but one that flight crews have long said slows down turnaround times and adds to their workload.

Other common in-flight tensions are also showing up in the data.

More than half of Massachusetts travelers, 57 percent, said they’ve reclined their seat without asking the person behind them, ranking fifth nationally. Meanwhile, 41 percent admitted to using both armrests despite not sitting in the middle seat, placing the state fourth for that habit.

None of these behaviors are new, but the study suggests they may be happening more often as travel rebounds and patience wears thin.

Airlines have not formally weighed in on the rankings, but etiquette experts often point to the same simple fixes. Be mindful of shared space, clean up after yourself, and remember that everyone is dealing with the same cramped conditions.

For Massachusetts travelers, the takeaway is less about being “naughty” and more about awareness. With Logan International Airport among the busiest in New England, even small changes in behavior could make a noticeable difference in the overall travel experience.

And as summer travel ramps up, that might be welcome news for anyone hoping for a smoother trip.