Air rage refers to the behavior of passengers who become disruptive or violent on a commercial flight. The word "air" is spelled with the open-mid back unrounded vowel sound /ɛə/, while "rage" is spelled with the diphthong vowel sound /eɪ/. Together, the word is pronounced as /ɛər reɪdʒ/. The spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of each individual word, and the two words are combined with the linking "r" sound to create a smooth and fluid pronunciation of "air rage."
Air rage is a term used to describe aggressive or violent behavior displayed by passengers aboard an aircraft. It refers to the extreme anger or frustration exhibited by individuals in flight, often resulting in disruptive or abusive actions towards other passengers, crew members, or the aircraft itself. This phenomenon typically involves a range of unruly behavior including verbal abuse, physical violence, and threats.
Air rage may be triggered by various factors, such as flight delays, overcrowded cabins, uncomfortable seating arrangements, intoxication, personal conflicts, or simply an individual's inability to cope with the stress of flying. It can manifest in different ways, from shouting, cursing, or insulting others, to physical altercations, damaging aircraft property, or attempting to open the emergency exits.
The consequences of air rage can have severe repercussions. It poses potential risks to the safety and security of passengers and crew members, disrupts the smooth operation of the flight, and may necessitate diversion or even emergency landings. Airlines and aviation authorities treat air rage as a serious offense, leading to legal consequences for perpetrators, such as fines, imprisonment, or being banned from airlines. Furthermore, air rage incidents have prompted the development of preventive measures and training programs for airline staff to handle such situations appropriately and defuse potential conflicts to ensure the safety and well-being of all aboard.
The word "air rage" is a portmanteau combining the noun "air" referring to the aviation industry, and the noun "rage" meaning intense anger or fury. The term was coined in the 1990s to describe incidents of aggressive or violent behavior by passengers aboard commercial flights. The word "air rage" is often used to describe unruly or disruptive behavior exhibited by individuals while traveling by air.