THE rise of budget airlines has unleashed a new class of traveller on the flying public and fellow flyers and airports are not happy about it.

Airline and airport workers have noticed a rise in the number of badly behaved passengers and say budget airlines are partly to blame, prompting calls for a traveller's code of conduct.

A Brisbane Airport executive who declined to be named, said the number of drunken incidents involving "bogan" passengers had increased markedly since the cost of airfares had plummeted.

"With the high dollar, people are travelling who've never travelled before," he said.

He said there was strong anecdotal evidence of a rise in "stupid behaviour" such as people turning up drunk to flights, drinking too much and partying on board, getting in the face of security and fighting.

"Recently a drunken idiot tried to force his way on to an aerobridge in the mistaken belief he was about to miss his plane," said the executive.

There were also reports of a fist fight in the bar at the Brisbane Airport Virgin terminal on Tuesday night among passengers who were "tired and emotional" after a day of flight delays and cancellations.

Julie Bignell of the Australian Services Union which represents check-in staff at airports, said there were ongoing complaints from members about passenger behaviour.

"I'm not sure whether people would necessarily agree that the cost of the ticket is a factor (in bad behaviour)," she said.

"People flying business class often behave just as appallingly as people in cattle class because they have that sense of entitlement."

Etiquette expert Jodie Bache-McLean said airlines should consider introducing a code of conduct for passengers to sign before they were issued with a ticket.

"It's difficult when you're asking people to monitor their own behaviour," she said. "Some people have the attitude 'I've paid for this flight' and just don't care."

Tiger Airways' Vanessa Regan said the airline appealed to people who had never flown before because its fares were often cheaper than the taxi ride to the airport.

"We're liberating them to fly," she said.

Ms Regan denied in-flight alcohol sales were a significant part of revenue, despite a range of beverages being available on board, including beer and spirits for $5 a drink.

Jetstar passengers spend an average of $20 each on extras such as food, drink and entertainment.

A spokeswoman said that when the airline started, first-time flyers accounted for 5 per cent of its customers.



These 'bogan traveller' claims come on the back of findings released by a senate inquiry, warning about the safety of budget airlines.



A report committee, chaired by Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan, delivered 22 recommendations to improve safety, which included tougher safety standards, better incident-reporting guidelines, increased training for pilots and more funding for the aviation watchdog, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.



Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, a member of the committee, said the findings were a "huge wake-up call to the aviation industry".



"This shift towards low-cost models has meant that airlines are trying to trim costs wherever they can. We need to ensure that this does not affect safety standards," he said.



DON’T FLY BOGANAIR

Jodie Bache-McLean's tips on airport etiquette

Dress comfortably but well, as you might for a restaurant. Take some pride in your presentation

Remember personal hygiene because you're in an enclosed space in close proximity to other people

Avoid drinking to excess before or during the flight. Airlines can refuse travel to intoxicated persons, and being refused service on board the flight may cause offence

Consider those behind you before you push your seat back. For instance, are they eating?

Use the help button if you need assistance from flight attendants. Don't whistle or shout

Remember your manners and be courteous

For more on how budget airlines are creating a new bogan class of passenger go to the Courier-Mail.