Unveiling In-Flight Annoyances: Agoda's Latest Insights

Unveiling In-Flight Annoyances: Agoda's Latest Insights

By Author

Published on September 1, 2023

Embarking on a journey by air brings the promise of adventure, but let's face it – not all flights are seamless. From noisy seatmates to unexpected delays, the ups and downs of air travel are a familiar tale. Agoda, the digital travel platform, has peeled back the curtain on the less glamorous side of flying with its recent Travel Bugbears Survey 2023. This exploration delves into the realm of in-flight annoyances, revealing that even the smoothest flights can hit a few bumps.

Agoda's survey cast its net across 10 markets in Asia, including India, to pinpoint the niggles, gripes, and frustrations that passengers grapple with while soaring through the skies. The findings offer a candid look into what irks us most during air travel and what makes our journeys less than picture-perfect.

Top Culprit: Invasion of Personal Space

At the forefront of in-flight vexations stands the discourteous invasion of personal space. It's the unrivaled pet peeve for passengers, as revealed by Agoda's findings. For travelers from South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, the invasion of personal space, whether it's the battle for armrest dominance or the unintended serenade of bodily noises and foot odors, is a major source of frustration.

The Wait Game: Flight Delays

Not surprisingly, flight delays snag a prominent spot on the list of passengers' grievances across the Asia Pacific region. Philippine travelers, in particular, have their patience tested when flights are delayed. This sentiment resonates with travelers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam as well.

Noisy Neighbors: A Shared Annoyance

Loud passengers, ranging from talkative seatmates to boisterous groups, grab the third spot on the roster of in-flight irritations. Australians and Malaysians appear less sensitive to noise, while travelers from Taiwan and South Korea prefer a tranquil atmosphere. Interestingly, Japanese travelers cherish peace and quiet but voice intolerance for passengers who are disrespectful to cabin crew.

Indian Insights: Delays and Decibels

Zooming in on the Indian perspective, delayed flights reign supreme as the main irritant. Noisy fellow travelers and discourteous behavior are tied for second place. The battle for armrest supremacy takes the third spot among Indian passengers' grievances.

Liyana Jamil, Vice President of Global Partner Services at Agoda, remarks, "For many of us, the holiday fun starts the moment we board a plane. But while flying is generally an enjoyable experience, it sometimes comes with minor grievances. There are over a 130,000 bookable flight routes on Agoda, and I hope that the findings of this light-hearted survey create awareness, increase consideration, and make the in-flight experience on any of these routes even more enjoyable.”

In the end, while the sky is vast and the journey exciting, Agoda's Travel Bugbears Survey reminds us that even amidst the clouds, a few stormy moments can arise.


Tuan Anh Nguyen Clinches Victory at Faldo Series Asia Grand Final

Tuan Anh Nguyen Clinches Victory at Faldo Series Asia Grand Final

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2025

Vietnam’s rising golf star, Tuan Anh Nguyen, delivered a sensational performance to win the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, sealing the title with a clutch birdie on the final hole.

At just 15 years old, the youngster from Ho Chi Minh City showed remarkable calm and composure to finish with an eight-under-par total of 205, with rounds of 65, 70, and 70. He was the only player to shoot under par on all three days, fending off a strong final-round push by South Korea’s Jaemin Park.

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“I just tried to stay calm and focused,” said Tuan Anh. “It’s a special feeling to win such a big event, especially in Vietnam. This gives me a lot of belief going forward.”

With this win, Tuan Anh becomes the third Vietnamese champion in a row, following Nguyen Duc Son (2024) and Nguyen Anh Minh (2023). His victory not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reflects Vietnam’s growing prominence in the junior golf circuit.

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The event, held at the Laguna Golf Lang Co—a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design course—hosted around 60 young players from over a dozen countries. The venue has been the home of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final since 2017 and is regarded as one of Asia’s finest championship courses.

“It’s been a tremendous week of golf,” shared Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series. “How these young players have conducted themselves—both on and off the course—has been magnificent.”

Other notable winners included Japan’s Rinka Yasuda, who took the Girls’ Under-21 title, and Singapore’s Jaydon Pang, who won the Boys’ Under-16 division. Tuan Anh also topped the Boys’ Under-18 category in addition to his overall win.

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Supported by the Vietnam Golf Association and strategic partners like Vietnam Golf Coast, the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final continues to be a platform for emerging talent. With stars like Tuan Anh leading the way, Vietnam’s junior golf future looks exceptionally bright.

“This week has reinforced our commitment to junior golf in Asia,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “To see a Vietnamese champion crowned here at our course is a proud moment. The future of golf in Vietnam is full of promise.”


The Art of Graceful Change: A Transformative Menopause Retreat at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

The Art of Graceful Change: A Transformative Menopause Retreat at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, where turquoise waters kiss powder-white sands, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is preparing to host a unique retreat designed to honour a powerful life transition—menopause. From June 5 to 9, 2025, the soulful Maldives resort will unveil The Art of Graceful Change, a four-night wellness retreat co-created by ELE|NA Spa for women embracing midlife with authenticity, strength, and grace.

This thoughtfully curated experience is rooted in ELE|NA’s ‘Wellness Your Way™’ philosophy, which recognises that every woman’s journey through menopause is deeply personal. The retreat combines expert-led sessions on hormonal health, nutrition, healing therapies, conscious movement, and mindful storytelling, creating a safe space for reflection, reconnection, and empowerment.

As Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA Spa, shares:

“Menopause is a profound transition. As I navigate my own perimenopausal journey, I felt a deep calling to create a compassionate, judgment-free sanctuary—one where women can explore this chapter authentically, equipped with knowledge, empowered with tools, and uplifted by community.”

Just 15 minutes from Malé International Airport, the serene setting of Ailafushi offers the ideal backdrop for such transformation. With its nature-inspired design, tranquil colours, and open views of the sea, every corner of the resort is infused with calm and clarity. Participants will immerse in bespoke spa rituals, guided breathwork under Maldivian skies, and nourishing meals, all attuned to support hormonal balance and holistic well-being.

This retreat is more than a getaway—it’s a reclaiming. It is for the woman who has spent a lifetime giving, and is now ready to pause, receive, soften, and rise into her next phase of life with clarity and compassion.

For women ready to honour their evolution, The Art of Graceful Change offers a sacred space where self-love, healing, and community come together on a sun-kissed island of soulful simplicity.


Four Seasons Maldives Marks 15 Years of Turtle Rescue and 9,000 Coral Frames

Four Seasons Maldives Marks 15 Years of Turtle Rescue and 9,000 Coral Frames

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2025

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru is celebrating a major environmental milestone—15 years of the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) and the planting of the 9,000th coral frame in partnership with Reefscapers. These achievements reflect a continued dedication to marine preservation through science, care, and education.

The journey began in 2010 when the country’s first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre was established at Landaa Giraavaru. Since then, more than 500 injured turtles have been rescued and treated, with over 280 successfully returned to the wild. Around the same time, a coral regeneration partnership with coastal oceanographer Thomas Le Berre led to a coral propagation method that has since become a global model. Today, it supports one of the Indian Ocean’s largest artificial reef systems, now spanning over 3 acres.

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The MSTCP has introduced many innovations over the years, including an ocean enclosure, on-site veterinarians, and modern medical tools like underwater ultrasound scanners and laser therapy devices. At the same time, coral frames have helped revive reef habitats and attract vibrant marine life such as eagle rays, reef sharks, and turtles.

One of the programme’s most touching initiatives is the Flying Turtles project, which finds permanent homes in international aquariums for turtles unable to survive in the wild. A notable example is Trooper, a turtle rescued in 2018 and later fitted with prosthetic flippers after severe injuries. Trooper has become a symbol of resilience and marine rehabilitation success.

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The impact goes beyond the ocean. Through the Junior Marine Savers programme at Kuda Huraa, young guests learn hands-on conservation skills, while outreach efforts connect with schools, NGOs, and scientists to build broader community engagement.

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“These 15 years have been a journey of learning, innovation, and hope,” said Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager. “From rehabilitating turtles to planting our 9000th coral frame, we remain committed to protecting marine life and inspiring global awareness for ocean conservation.”

With turtle care, coral restoration, and community-driven conservation at its core, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives continues to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and a legacy of marine stewardship.

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