Beyond Flying Bliss: An Integrative Review of Passenger Stress During the Aviation Experience

Air travel is widely regarded as a safe mode of transport, yet the aviation journey remains a significant source of psychological and physiological stress for many passengers. Existing research has largely focused on fear of flying during the flight itself, with limited synthesis of stress experienced across the entire passenger journey. This integrative review aimed to synthesize evidence on stressors affecting commercial airline passengers during the pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight stages of travel. A comprehensive search of Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025. Following screening and quality appraisal using an adaptation of Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) principles, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review identified 12 major categories of passenger stressors across the aviation journey. Pre-flight stress was primarily associated with procedural, socio-psychological, and financial factors, while in-flight stress centered on perceived loss of control, physical cabin constraints, environmental conditions, and disruptive passenger behavior. Post-flight stress was linked to physical fatigue, communication gaps, baggage-related challenges, immigration procedures, and ground transport difficulties. The review also revealed a substantial geographical imbalance, with most evidence originating from high-income countries. By providing a comprehensive temporal synthesis of passenger stressors, this review offers an evidence-based framework to inform passenger wellbeing initiatives, aviation policy, and future cross-cultural research.