We all know the type: the ones who turn TSA lines into a mini-drama series or pack their bags like they’re moving to the Moon. We’ve all been behind that person fumbling with a mountain of carry-ons or the one who seems genuinely surprised that, yes, water bottles are still a no-go at security. But where in America can you find most of these traveling “personas non gratas?”
USA Today’s recent study takes an interesting look at air travel habits across America. They surveyed 5,000 travelers from October 3-19, 2023, zeroing in on everything from TSA etiquette to luggage logistics. The resulting “Inefficiency Score” was derived from responses to questions about 15 unique air travel-related behaviors, like nature of check-in, TSA interactions, and luggage handling.
The ranking is from 10 (least inefficient of the group) to 1 (most inefficient).
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10. Oklahoma
Inefficiency score: 1387.5
The survey finds that Oklahoma passengers are most likely to get stopped for having liquids in their carry-ons, placing them 10th in the ranking for inefficient travelers.
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9. Louisiana
Inefficiency score: 1397.5
Louisiana takes the 9th spot on the list for being among the most inefficient travelers.
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8. New Jersey
Inefficiency score: 1401.0
New Jersey shows specific travel inefficiencies with scores of 532.0 for overpacking, 83.0 for getting carry-on luggage into bins, and 450.0 at security checkpoints.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
7. North Dakota
Inefficiency score: 1429.5
North Dakota, landing at a notable spot for travel inefficiency, scores 515.5 for overpacking and 480.0 at TSA checkpoints.
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6. Vermont
Inefficiency score: 1471.5
Ranking 6th in travel inefficiency, Vermont scores 516.0 for overpacking and 46.5 for deplaning.
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5. Alabama
Inefficiency score: 1554.5
Alabamians were voted 5th most annoying travelers as they seem to take it slow when deplaning, with an inefficiency score of 51.0. Also, when it comes to packing, they’re carrying a bit more than sweet tea, scoring 536.5 in overpacking.
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4. New York
Inefficiency score: 1566.5
The “New York minute” doesn’t apply at airports, as it seems. New Yorkers—despite their fast-paced reputation—rank 4th on the list of the most inefficient travelers with inefficiency scores of 607.5 for overpacking, 108.0 for carry-on struggles, and 502.0 at security checkpoints.
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3. Arkansas
Inefficiency score: 1588.5
Arkansas grabs the third spot in America’s lineup of annoying travelers with an inefficiency score of 77.0 for getting carry-on luggage into those overhead bins, and a significant inefficiency score of 529.0 in overpacking.
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2. West Virginia
Inefficiency score: 1596.5
West Virginia comes in as a close second in the race for the title of America’s most bedraggled travelers.With an inefficiency score of 551.5 at security checkpoints, it’s clear that West Virginians often face challenges when navigating through TSA.
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1. North Carolina
Inefficiency score: 1670.0
North Carolina has earned the crown jewel for being the sloppiest travelers in the U.S., according to a recent study. They lead the pack with an inefficiency score of 572.5 in overpacking, clearly showing a trend of bringing way too much luggage. On top of that, they score 95.5 for struggles with fitting carry-ons into overhead bins.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
Image Credit: Heather Berzak.
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