A new international survey has shed light on the airport habits that frustrate travelers the most, with queue-jumping, seat-hogging and poor boarding etiquette ranking among the top complaints.

The research, conducted by online travel agency Opodo, surveyed 9,000 people worldwide about their airport routines, boarding behaviors and the actions they find most irritating while traveling.

The findings show that most passengers prefer to play it safe when it comes to arriving at the airport. Around 59 percent of respondents said they arrive earlier than necessary to avoid stress, even if it means spending extra time waiting at the terminal. Another 36 percent said they usually follow airline recommendations by arriving two to three hours before departure.

Only 4 percent admitted they intentionally arrive at the last minute. The survey found British men were twice as likely as women to risk cutting it close before a flight.

The study also explored how passengers behave before boarding begins, grouping travelers into several distinct categories. Nearly half of those surveyed fell into the “sitter” category, choosing to remain seated until their boarding group is officially called.

Portuguese travelers were most likely to wait patiently, followed by Britons and Italians. Another 23 percent identified as “hoverers,” standing close to the boarding area while waiting for the queue to move.

Meanwhile, 12 percent admitted they regularly form unofficial queues before boarding even starts in hopes of securing a better spot. Germans and Italians were especially likely to join these early lines.

At the opposite end were the so-called “anti-queuers,” who deliberately board last and avoid standing in line altogether. Italians and French travelers were the most relaxed about late boarding, according to the survey.

When asked about the most annoying airport behavior, passengers around the world overwhelmingly pointed to people cutting lines at security checks or boarding gates. Nearly half of respondents described queue-jumping as their biggest frustration.

Passengers placing bags or belongings on empty seats ranked second among the most disliked habits. British and Portuguese travelers were particularly irritated by people taking up extra seating space in crowded waiting areas.

Leaving rubbish behind at airport gates or onboard aircraft also featured high on the list of complaints. French travelers were especially critical of untidy behavior, while Germans and Spaniards shared similar frustrations.

The survey also highlighted smaller but familiar irritations, including loud phone conversations, travelers crowding baggage claim belts and noisy rolling luggage hitting other passengers.

The findings reflect the growing pressures faced by airports worldwide as passenger traffic continues to rise. While airports remain a stressful part of travel for many people, the survey suggests that simple courtesy and patience could make the experience more manageable for everyone passing through busy terminals.

Frankfurt Airport is set to expand its capacity significantly with the opening of its new Terminal 3, a major development aimed at accommodating growing international travel demand. The facility, which officially opens on April 23, is designed to handle up to 19 million passengers annually, adding to the airport’s already substantial traffic of more than 57.5 million travellers recorded last year.

The new terminal complex includes a main building and two piers, known as H and J, and will be integrated with existing terminals through the airport’s Sky Line people mover system. Passengers will be able to transfer between terminals in approximately eight minutes, improving connectivity across the airport.

Over the next three months, airlines currently operating from Terminal 2 will gradually shift to Terminal 3. Among the first carriers scheduled to relocate are Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, and Korean Air. Airlines based in Terminal 1, including Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners such as Air Canada and United Airlines, will remain in their current location.

The terminal has been designed by German architect Christoph Mäckler, who envisioned the space as more than a transit hub. The layout is intended to resemble a city environment, with gates, lounges, and corridors functioning like streets and public squares. The seven-level structure features a distinctive outward-curving façade and a central marketplace area with a reflective steel ceiling.

Art also plays a central role in the terminal’s identity. Frankfurt-based artist Tobias Rehberger has been appointed “Artist in Residence,” contributing installations themed around travel and transition, with additional works expected over the coming year.

Terminal 3 will offer a wide range of dining and retail options. Food outlets include international brands and concepts such as EL&N London, Sophia Loren Restaurant, and Burger King, alongside local and regional offerings. Retail spaces will feature global brands including BOSS, Montblanc, LONGCHAMP, and Victoria’s Secret.

Additional amenities include napcabs for resting passengers and a variety of convenience stores, catering to both short-haul and long-haul travellers.

The opening of Terminal 3 marks a significant milestone in Frankfurt Airport’s expansion strategy, positioning it to handle rising passenger volumes while offering an upgraded travel experience.