FAA: 'Unruly passenger' incidents actually decreasing in U.S.

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - It feels like we are seeing more and more amateur videos from planes showing unruly passengers.

Actually, the number of these type of incidents are actually decreasing, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Definitely seems scary, you know, in this day and age, it makes me a little nervous," said flyer Spencer Quinton.

He said it’s something he thinks about before he even sits down, but knows his plan of action just in case. 

“Get the flight attendant and if it seems like it’s more than they can handle, then be ready to jump in I guess as needed,” Quinton said.

Earlier this summer, six members of a men's soccer team were arrested for being disorderly and not listening to the flight attendants requests. 

Earlier this year, a woman was arrested after she poked her neighbor with a pen. Her reasoning? She said the man wouldn't stop snoring. 

These situations, while it may feel like are increasing, are actually decreasing in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration says this year through July 1, there have been 31 reported “unruly passenger” incidents.

In 2014, there were 143, with the most on record in 2004 with 310 “unruly passenger” incidents.

Though overseas, the UK is seeing the same situations increase, with the number more than doubling since 2012.

An article in the Telegraph and Argus reports one travel website is pushing for strict measures like banning disruptive passengers for life.

Travel expert Paul Hudson with FlyersRights.org says there are two reasons why people become unruly: alcohol and comfort, or lack there of.

Most airlines are now shrinking seat width from 35 to 31 inches.

“The airlines have been progressively shrinking the seat size and the space in between the seats and the more you crowd people together, the more likely there's going to be conflict,” said Hudson.

He's started an online petition pushing the federal government to adopt minimum seat standards.

One frequent flyer says she agrees that passenger satisfaction probably plays a role in plane outbursts.

“Flights being on time, your luggage not being missing, just people being attentive and careful to the needs of their customers,” said Brookshield Laurent.

FOX 32 reached out to the flight attendants union and we haven't heard back.