Kicking the back of someone's airplane seat is the biggest flying irritation

A poll of 2,000 air travellers found people using devices without headphones, talking too loudly, and taking ages to put their bags in the overhead lockers were other major annoyances

A survey of 2,000 air passengers has revealed that individuals playing loud music without headphones, taking too long stowing luggage in overhead compartments, and those who speak at high volumes are causing irksome experiences for fellow flyers.

Yet, the biggest grievance for 36 per cent is when children repeatedly kick the back of their seat during a flight. Other gripes making it into the top 20 include ending up next to a talkative stranger, waiting in line for the loo, and encountering double armrest usurpers.

Staysure, a travel insurance company that commissioned the study, had its spokesperson comment: "Bringing so many different people all together in one enclosed space for a long period of time can be quite an intense experience, sometimes, enabling minor irritations to bubble away."

They added: "Crying children, seat reclining, and loud fellow passengers can often be frequently encountered on a journey, with the research showing many people can end up a little annoyed on this travel leg of the trip."

Regarding inebriated and disorderly passengers, the spokesperson further noted: "But drunken and disorderly travellers are also unwelcome, not only by fellow flyers but the airline crew as well."

The research indicated that 14 per cent are peeved by those passengers who prematurely grab their bags from overhead lockers before the flight has officially concluded.

Contrastingly, 15 per cent confessed to engaging in some of these annoying behaviours, with a notable 54 per cent acknowledging they've fought for armrest territory.

Nearly half of the travellers, 47 per cent to be exact, regularly find themselves fed up with annoying behaviours on flights – eight per cent even say they feel this way every single time they board a plane.

Whilst 44 per cent express their annoyance through audible sighs or huffs, the OnePoll survey found that 19 per cent have been drawn into a heated debate during their travels.

Passenger interactions begin in various ways; 37 per cent greet their seatmate and are open to a conversation if the person is so inclined.

Yet, there's no shortage of regret among 32 per cent, who wish they hadn't struck up conversation upon realising their neighbour wants to chat throughout the entire flight.

Indeed, 17 per cent sidestep any sort of recognition or conversation with fellow passengers, with a full quarter feigning sleep just to avoid talking.

The research also revealed that a hefty 76 per cent would welcome an area on planes specifically designated for parents with children, especially as 18 per cent find a wailing youngster more bothersome than a rowdy adult.

In contrast, 37 per cent are much more troubled by disruptive adults, and a significant 88 per cent think that passenger behaviour links to their flight's destination. Moreover, 44 per cent reckon introducing alcohol limits on planes would be prudent.

A spokesperson from Staysure chimed in: "This research has given us a look at a topic everyone seemingly has a strong opinion on. However, once the flight is out of the way, you feel like you can really get on and enjoy your holiday.

"As the survey has shown, there's a long list of things that might irritate us on the plane and you never know what you might encounter.

"We can't insure people against annoying passengers but it's always wise to have tailored travel insurance in place to keep yourself protected should anything more serious happen before or during your trip."

TOP 20 BIGGEST FLYING IRRITATIONS:

1. Children kicking the back of your chair
2. Crying or disruptive children
3. Seat reclining
4. Drunk passengers
5. Using a device without headphones on
6. People talking too loudly
7. People taking ages putting their bags in the overhead locker when first boarding
8. People standing up to get their bags out of the overhead lockers before the flight has officially ended
9. People getting louder the more alcohol they drink
10. People pulling the back of your seat to stand up
11. Sitting next to a chatty stranger
12. Children running up and down the aisle
13. Queuing for the toilet
14. People who keep getting up to put something in and out of their bag in the overhead locker
15. Passengers constantly coughing
16. The person next to you falling asleep so you can’t get out to use the toilet
17. Double armrest hoggers
18. Poor quality flight food
19. People who sit in the wrong seat when first boarding
20. Snoring passengers