Find Out Which U.S. States Are Home To The Most Calm And Irritable Travelers

Traveling by air can be stressful. Flight delays, cramped seating, and other issues often lead to frustration. A new study by Upgraded Points examines which U.S. states have the grumpiest travelers and which ones keep their cool during travel hassles. The study surveyed over 2,000 U.S. air travelers, measuring their irritability in 11 typical flight scenarios, such as delays, overcrowding, and children on board.

While travel is often seen as an adventure, small disruptions can quickly turn it into a headache. The survey aimed to explore these frustrations and identify which states have travelers who are more patient versus those who lose their tempers more easily. The results show travel behaviors and attitudes across different regions, revealing how much people are willing to pay for extra comfort, like child-free cabins.

States With the Most Irritable Travelers

The study found that travelers from certain states tend to get frustrated faster. Texas leads the way with the highest irritability score of 79.4. Texans reach peak frustration after just a 40-minute delay and are among the fastest to voice complaints. About 33% have asked other passengers to change their behavior during flights. Many travelers in Texas would spend an average of $207 to avoid sitting near children, reflecting their desire for a quieter flight.

Florida comes in second with a score of 73.4. Travelers from Florida express their frustration openly, as 26% have complained verbally to airline staff. Moreover, 56% are willing to pay up to $235 for a child-free zone on flights, demonstrating their need for comfort during travel.

New York ranks third with an irritability score of 66.7. New Yorkers are known for their quick-paced attitudes, which can be seen in their reactions while flying. The main annoyances include flight delays and personal space issues, rated at 4.5 and 4.33, respectively. Almost 60% of New Yorkers would pay extra to avoid children on flights.

California follows closely with a score of 64.7. Californians are not hesitant to request changes from fellow passengers, with 26% admitting to asking others to act differently. Additionally, 16% have argued with fellow passengers or airline staff during their travels.

Illinois completes the top five with an irritability score of 57.8. Interestingly, travelers from Illinois are the most willing to pay for a child-free experience, with 46% ready to spend up to $378, the highest figure reported in the survey.

States With the Least Irritable Travelers

On the other hand, some U.S. states have travelers who are much more patient and tolerant of common travel bumps. Iowa ranks as the state with the least irritable travelers, scoring just 13.1. Travelers in Iowa do not report any in-flight yelling or complaints and show low annoyance levels, even with disruptions like crying babies. They demonstrate remarkable patience during a 72-minute delay.

Kansas, with a score of 17.2, also features highly composed travelers. Only 2% of Kansans have switched seats to avoid someone else, and none have complained during a flight. This reflects the easygoing nature of Kansas travelers, who seem to handle travel issues well.

Minnesota comes next with a score of 17.3. Minnesotans display the longest patience in the study, tolerating delays of up to 72 minutes before showing frustration. This patience stands out compared to travelers from more irritable states.

Nebraska ranks fourth for low irritability, scoring 19.7. Nebraska travelers generally remain calm, rarely switching seats or complaining. They rate common annoyances like post-landing seat-storming and overhead bin use at low levels, showing their resilience in dealing with travel frustrations.

New Hampshire, with a score of 21.9, rounds out the top five least irritable states. Travelers from New Hampshire report no in-flight outbursts and evaluate common annoyances like close seatmates and excessive noise at low levels. They maintain patience even in crowded and uncomfortable situations, making them some of the calmest travelers in the U.S.

Why Are Some Travelers More Irritable Than Others?

The survey shows various irritability levels based on regional differences, but what causes these differences? Several factors may contribute, including cultural attitudes, how often people travel, and their expectations when flying. For instance, travelers from busy urban areas like New York and California might have less tolerance for delays and crowds due to their fast-paced lives. Conversely, those from quieter states like Iowa and Nebraska may be more inclined to remain calm during disruptions.

Moreover, how often people travel may affect their reactions to common inconveniences. Frequent flyers who are accustomed to travel routines may develop more patience, while occasional travelers might find certain annoyances particularly frustrating.

Conclusion: Encouraging Patience in Air Travel

Travel should be an adventure, but the survey shows that some travelers deal with more stress than others. By understanding irritability levels in different states, we can promote patience and kindness while flying. Whether you come from a grumpy state like Texas or a calm one like Minnesota, remember that a smoother travel experience comes from managing expectations and staying composed. With a little extra patience, we can all enjoy the journey, even with the bumps along the way.

(Source: Upgraded Points, U.S. Department of Transportation, 2025)

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