The 9 People You Meet in Airplane Hell

Flying may not be most people’s idea of a good time, but most of us wouldn’t describe it as hell – that is, unless you’re seated next to any of these people:

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The Person With Too Much Exposed Skin

In the early days of commercial air travel, passengers got decked out in their Sunday best to ride in a plane. They also smoked cigarettes during flights and had the privilege of not being frisked by a stone-faced TSA officer. Times have changed.

These days, harried travelers aren’t expected to put on a blazer and slacks just to cram into a metal tube and remain there for several hours. In fact, we’d even go so far as to argue that when it comes to choosing a flight-day outfit, comfort should be priority one. Feel free to abandon pinchy jeans and itchy sweaters for the slovenly comforts of a clean hoodie, a pair of sweatpants, and one of those neck donut pillows. You have our permission.

That said, the Person With Too Much Exposed Skin, who you’ll meet in the first circle of Airplane Hell, has abandoned all sense of decorum. If you’re seated next to them, get ready to spend the next 5 hours with a hairy thigh all up in your personal space. Good luck trying to drift off to sleep to the soothing sounds of their sweaty back unsticking from the pleather seat over and over again.