The Australian travel industry is bearing the emotional scars of the recession in addition to the material damage as authorities have disclosed an alarming rise in disruptive behaviour and air rage, leaving airlines concerned at the level of baggage left over from the economic crisis.

The increase of low-cost or budget carrier market share is thought by many to be the primary reason behind the massive 65 percent rise in reported cases in the Australian skies last year. Government statistics reveal that in 2007 there were 64 disruptive incidents, a figure which quadrupled in 2008 to 279. In 2009 there were 461 incidents reported – a six hindered percent increase in just two years.

A disruptive incident could include smoking on the plane, intoxication, altercations or deliberate refusal to follow directions from the crew, although aviation experts are quick to point out that with 50 million domestic and 27 million international passenger flights recorded last year in Australia the number of disruptive incidents is miniscule.

However, airlines in the UK and in New Zealand have all reported an increase in unruly behaviour on their respective aircraft.

Industry insiders have suggested that the trend by Australian travellers towards budget carriers has left many with a sour taste in their mouths with nobody to blame but the airlines themselves but also identify more robust reporting practices and heightened security awareness as possible reasons for the increase. Budget carriers offer no frills service but this generates more possibility for error and reaction, despite the possibility of an AUD $5,500 fine for disruptive passengers.