An expert has shared five red flags that can classify a traveller on a flight as a nightmare passenger. 

From subtle body language to overtly assertive demands, certain behaviours can signal trouble before you even present your boarding pass.

Psychologists from Colour Profiling, C-me , suggest that airlines often assess risk based on subconscious behavioural cues—sometimes without passengers even realizing it. 

Whether it’s a sense of entitlement, impatience, or the way you engage with staff, you might be flagged as a “difficult passenger” before you've even taken your seat.

1. Overconfidence and Entitlement at check-In

Loudly demanding upgrades, insisting on bending rules, or treating airline staff as personal assistants have been classified as red flags. 

According to the experts, travellers should ask politely instead of demanding. They said: "If you’re hoping for an upgrade, courteousness goes much further than arrogance.

"Airline staff are more likely to help those who treat them with respect.

2. Impatience and rudeness at security

Red flag behaviour including heavy sighing, eye-rolling, snapping at security officers, or attempting to rush through checks.

Security officers are trained to observe behavioural cues. According to aviation security reports, excessive fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or appearing unusually nervous can trigger extra screening.

3. Passive-aggressive or hostile behaviour at the gate

Experts believe that arguing about boarding priority, pushing to the front of the queue, or making sarcastic remarks to staff can annoy the airline authorities. 

It is advisable to accept that boarding is a structured process. If you are frustrated, take a deep breath—being difficult won’t get you on the plane any faster.

4. Excessive intoxication before boarding

Slurred speech, unsteady movement, or aggressive drunkenness before even stepping onto the plane refers to behaviour that can signal a passenger may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs before boarding the flight.

These behaviours often raise concerns for safety since a passenger who is already displaying signs of intoxication could be more difficult to manage during the flight, increasing the risk of in-flight disruptions or even creating a potential safety hazard. It can result in a passenger being flagged as a troublemaker even before they board, leading to possible denial of boarding or further scrutiny.

5. Uncooperative or confrontational attitude

Refusing to follow instructions, challenging crew decisions, or displaying aggressive body language refers to behaviours that indicate a passenger is being uncooperative or confrontational with airline staff, which can create tension or disrupt the flight experience.

Psychological experts from Colour Profiling, C-me highlight that body language—crossed arms, defensive postures, or an unwillingness to make eye contact—can be early indicators of defiance or potential trouble.

Being marked as a ‘nightmare passenger’ doesn’t just mean dirty looks from staff—it can have real consequences.

Airlines rely on behavioural assessments to identify potential troublemakers, and psychological experts from Colour Profiling, C-me suggest that once a passenger is flagged, their interactions are scrutinised more closely