The Man Who Snored in the Sky: A Reflection on the Erosion of Air Travel Courtesy

Six and a half hours can feel like a lifetime when you are trapped beside a sound you cannot escape. For the first time in nine years of international travel, the author found himself reaching for earplugs not because of engine noise or cabin pressure, but because of a fellow passenger whose thunderous snoring turned what should have been a peaceful flight into an unforgettable ordeal.

The journey had begun normally enough. Passengers boarded at Kotoka International Airport in Accra and settled into their seats for the overnight flight to Amsterdam. Greetings were exchanged, luggage adjusted, and everyone prepared for the long journey ahead. Then, shortly after takeoff, the unexpected happened. A passenger seated nearby quickly drifted into a deep sleep. Within minutes, a loud and relentless snoring sound filled the cabin.

At first, the instinct was to ignore it. Everyone deserves the opportunity to rest during a long flight. But as the hours passed, the volume and intensity of the snoring only grew stronger. The passenger’s head leaned backwards against the seat, mouth wide open, as the sound reverberated throughout the aircraft. Sleeping peacefully, he appeared completely unaware that his nighttime symphony had become the unwanted soundtrack of the flight.

A Health Concern Disguised as an Annoyance

The experience prompted deeper reflection on a growing issue that frequent travellers quietly endure. Long-distance flights place hundreds of strangers together in a confined space for several hours. Courtesy, consideration, and awareness become essential for ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone.

Medical experts have long noted that persistent and unusually loud snoring may indicate underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep. While occasional snoring is common, excessive snoring should not always be dismissed as harmless. Had the passenger been a friend or relative, a gentle encouragement to seek medical advice would have been appropriate, not because snoring is a crime, but because extreme snoring can be both disruptive to others and a warning sign of a health issue requiring attention.

The Aerosol Mystery

The snoring episode was not the only thing that caught attention during the journey. Moments before takeoff, cabin crew members had walked through the aircraft spraying an aerosol substance into the cabin, a practice accompanied by a noticeable hissing sound that is common on certain international routes departing from Ghana.

Many travellers, particularly first-time passengers, frequently wonder about the purpose of this procedure. Is it for insect control? Is it a public health measure? Is it a requirement imposed by destination countries? While aviation authorities and airlines may have established explanations, greater public awareness would help reduce confusion and concern among passengers. Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities and naturally wish to understand what substances are being sprayed in their environment. Clear communication builds confidence.

Courtesy as a National Image

Air travel also reminds us of the importance of personal presentation and public courtesy. Travelling abroad does not require expensive clothing or luxury accessories. However, cleanliness, neatness, and respectful conduct contribute positively to the image we project as individuals and as representatives of our nation.

Whether at airports, schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, markets, or public transportation hubs, courtesy remains one of the simplest yet most powerful virtues. A polite greeting, considerate behaviour, proper hygiene, and respect for others can make shared spaces more pleasant for everyone.

The truth is that modern society often focuses heavily on rights while paying less attention to responsibilities. Yet communities function best when both coexist. The lesson from this flight to Amsterdam extends far beyond one passenger’s snoring. It is a reminder that in a crowded world, our actions affect those around us more than we realise. The way we speak, dress, behave, and care for our health can either contribute to harmony or create discomfort for others.

Good manners cost nothing. Consideration requires no special training. And sometimes, the difference between a pleasant journey and a miserable one is simply remembering that we are not travelling alone.

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