Belt bumping is the latest travel habit making airports unbearable, according to frequent flyers. This behavior, where passengers fail to properly return their security trays after collecting belongings, is being called disrespectful and inconsiderate.
What is Belt Bumping?
Coined by Metro, belt bumping refers to the frustratingly common habit of leaving security trays on the conveyor belt or designated unloading tables after use. Instead of returning the tray to the stacking area, travelers abandon it, shifting the responsibility to others.
Amelia Jackson, 26, describes her experience: 'I always start the holiday being slightly pissed off. Luckily the airport pint comes shortly after.' She adds that a good holiday vibe doesn't start on the beach, but in line for security.
Why It Matters
Beyond being rude, belt bumping can also pose a health risk. A 2016 study by the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare found traces of rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, on security trays. Despite their germy nature, trays are not going anywhere, but manners seem to have left long ago.
Public Opinion on Belt Bumping
Many travelers are fed up. Fleurine Tideman, 29, compares it to people who don't return shopping trolleys: 'It's one of the societal rules that aren't about legality, so it shows you who people are.' Blaise Kelly, 26, adds: 'It's horrible etiquette and disrespectful to the queue and people working at the airport. It's also a request from the staff, so you're basically choosing to ignore them.'
Charlotte Howard, 26, has started taking action: 'I've started making a point to passive-aggressively put everyone's trays back for them, giving a big smile to the security workers as I go.' On TikTok, user @currentdowns posted about doing the same, captioning: 'Always having to start a shift at security because other people don't clean up after themselves.' A former airport security worker named Kav commented: 'We actually love people like you – I'd always make their life easier. Thank you!'
Others shared their annoyance. Nicole replied: 'It's like it's everybody's first day on earth.' Emily added: 'Nothing bothers me more than people leaving the trays to pile up.'
Is Belt Bumping Bad Etiquette?
Laura Windsor, known as the Queen of Etiquette, offers a different perspective. She says: 'It is common courtesy to return your tray to the end of the belt. But we also have to be realistic. Many passengers are travelling with young children, elderly relatives, or have mobility issues, and they can't reasonably be expected to manage everything at once.'
According to Windsor, for those who are able, grabbing a few trays when they pile up can be considerate, but 'it isn't compulsory, and it isn't the passenger's responsibility. Airport security staff should be aware of what's happening and step in when needed. Helping out is a courtesy, not an obligation.'
Amelia Jackson concludes that belt bumpers are a 'massive red flag,' especially when they clog the conveyor belt, preventing others from reaching their items.
