As the world is getting airborne once again, it’s essential to discuss the aspects of travel that ruffle feathers.
Agoda has stepped in to throw light on these commonly ignored, yet ever-pertinent in-flight annoyances. Titled “Agoda Travel Bugbears Survey 2023,” the study covers 10 Asian markets and provides a comprehensive look into what grinds travelers’ gears in the sky.
The War on Personal Space
At the top of the list is the invasion of personal space—something we’ve all experienced. South Koreans, Thai, and Taiwanese flyers were particularly perturbed by fellow passengers invading their ‘air-bubble,’ whether it’s a battle for the armrest or the less-than-pleasant odors emitted from uncovered feet.
Delays, Delays, Delays
Flight delays hold the second position in the list of in-flight grievances. This issue hits particularly close to home for travelers from the Philippines, as well as those from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, who rank delays as their top annoyance.
Noise Pollution in the Skies
Holding the third position in this list are loud passengers. Taiwan and South Korea were found to be markets that prefer peaceful flying experiences. Meanwhile, travelers from Japan appreciate the silence but express a unique intolerance for passengers rude to the cabin crew.
“Flying is generally an enjoyable experience for many, but it sometimes comes with minor grievances,” remarks Liyana Jamil, Vice President of Global Partner Services, Agoda. She hopes the survey’s findings will raise awareness and contribute to a more comfortable in-flight experience.
Country-Specific Findings
Malaysia
While flight delays topped the list, discourteous behavior and disturbances from loud passengers tied in third place.
Philippines
Nearly one-third of the respondents mentioned delays as their biggest concern, followed by passengers rude to service staff and discourteous behavior.
Indonesia
Flight delays were also a leading source of annoyance here, followed by rude and noisy passengers.
India
Delayed flights are the main grievance, but loud travelers and discourteous behavior tie for second place. The “armrest war” takes third.
Thailand
Rude fellow travelers top the list for Thai passengers, followed by delays and disdain for passengers rude to service staff.
Vietnam
Delayed flights lead the pack, followed closely by discourteous and loud passengers.
South Korea
Discourteous behavior holds the top spot, with loud passengers and the “seat recline dilemma” trailing behind.
Japan
Japanese travelers are unique in ranking rudeness to cabin crew as their top annoyance, followed by discourteous and loud passengers.
Australia
Discourteous behavior ranks first, but Australians also dread sitting next to a crying baby.
Taiwan
Tied in first place are discourteous behavior and loud passengers, followed by flight delays and the dread of sitting next to a crying baby.
Agoda’s foray into this often-ignored area of travel shows the company’s commitment to understanding the traveler’s experience beyond just bookings. The survey, conducted by YouGov in July 2023, is a call for greater awareness and consideration among travelers to ensure a smoother flying experience for everyone.
This article is based on the findings of the Agoda Travel Bugbears 2023 research, conducted by YouGov in July 2023.