General Reports

[Smoothy]

Being on a long train journey with a loud American woman talking non stop and in southern drawl was quite an annoyance for those wanting to nap.

This bus driver presents a possible solution to that situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRQI2DEtu2I

[Syzygies]

I don't mind Aussies being loud. At least they stay out of my face and don't crowd my space. Indians do that shit too. I can be waiting in a cue and if there is an Indian guy behind me, he will be pushing right up against me. I can ask them to stop it, but they don't. So I let them go ahead of me and push into the person that was in front of me.

There are quite a number of cultures that will go in front of you and cut off your path. I noticed it in Germany a lot, and of course the Chinese in Hong Kong etc. Are worst in world, and Thais push in too (not liking to queue in an orderly manner) but a less. The worst thing is to be on a boat or bus with Chinese tour groups and have them pushing and shoving the whole time when could be quietly queuing, and I just turn around and push back the other way. They then have a shocked look on their faces, like they don't understand. Even being at a self serve food setup, e. G. Hotel Breakfast with Chinese is a trial. Their culture is just totally incompatible.

Thais consider Chinese (from China not American Chinese) and Viets to be very ill mannered. Manners matters more in Thailand for sure. Thais abhor the hoiking and spitting and nose blowing accepted in other cultures. However nose picking in public is accepted.

In the sports pub, in general conversations, the Americans are louder than the Aussies in my perception, but the Aussies go bananas (loud) when cheering their sports team, which can be like a lightning strike when they yell. The English have easily the most foul language (that I can understand) from mid to lower classes with the "c*nt" word coming out a lot, so I wish they could keep their foul language to a much lower volume. It's embarrassing for other farangs. In general I find americans to be polite but loud. Being on a long train journey with a loud American woman talking non stop and in southern drawl was quite an annoyance for those wanting to nap.

Out in an Isaan province, all the locals speak in a very loud excited manner for general conversation, than I am not used to, and quite unlike Bangkok. Any quieter and you know it must be something secretive or furtive. In old days I did experience very loud southern Thais when drinking and partying too, so not just Issan people.

Working in Italy, I find them very loud and over excited too. Germans quiet. Scandinavians the best in the world in all aspects of manners I think.

One work colleague was Australian, and spoke so softly in a noisy environment, I could rarely hear him. Another Brit always spoke very fast with low mouth movement (like a ventriloquist) similar to Indians but with lower pitch and English accent. Probably more like Irish who speak with a closed mouth a lot. He was very hard to understand at times, and non native English speakers had little hope. Americans are easier to understand, if they stay away from slang, Ghetto vocab, and not deep south, as tend to speak slower and higher volume levels.

I think we all get irritated by behaviour well outside what we are used to in our own cultures. I like my personal space, which groups of Indians seem to stuff up in Billboard bar. They party too much in your face or nearly on your lap. Don't notice any other ethnic group annoying me as much. I can't be near groups that stink (whatever the origin or ethnic group), so could not queue at the money exchange with Arabs and could not be in a lift with them. So that rules out Soi 3 and Soi 5 Hotels quickly, any of the low odd Sois through to Soi 9 most likely.

I don't have a problem with those that are exceptions to the stereo type. I have Chinese, Japanese, English and Indian buddies, no problem. These would all be somewhat non typical for the group.

[Mr Enternational]

Flying from Bangkok to Manila.

A few minutes before landing the attendant starts spraying some very very strong chemical spray into the vents whilst walking past.

I am not easily bothered by these things, but I was choking uncontrollably as were others, I asked wtf are you doing?

She apologized and said it was health dept protocol? It was my guess they were aware of a very very ill passenger) it was very very strong,

It is for insects. So those from one country do not fuck up shit in another country. Maybe strong is relative. The only kind that I have smelled has a lemon scent and I actually like it. It is supposed to be sprayed toward the floor, not overhead or into vents.

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/spray

https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2...-bug-spray/amp

[Kajos]

That spray is disgusting, irritating, but the active ingredient is usually permthrin which is essentially non-toxic. http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/ai...abin-spraying/ Don't know about the toxicity of the propellants etc in the spray can.

For preventative measures to avoid getting sick from a fellow passenger, probably best is a well-fitted N99-rated face mask. I like this one, comfortable, with ventilation valves so the insides doesn't get soggy and has a type of carbon fiber that specifically helps catch and kill bacteria and viruses https://cambridgemask.com/.

And wash your hands often with soap and water before, during, and after the flight. Especially after passing though immigration with those fingerprint readers that so many countries now use.

Flying from Bangkok to Manila.

A few minutes before landing the attendant starts spraying some very very strong chemical spray into the vents whilst walking past.

I am not easily bothered by these things, but I was choking uncontrollably as were others, I asked wtf are you doing?

She apologized and said it was health dept protocol? It was my guess they were aware of a very very ill passenger) it was very very strong, well before I even arrived to my hotel in manila I was getting very very ill and I didn't get out of bed for a couple of days.

I am not an infectious disease specialist, is anyone aware of any preventive measures that can prevent this? I was very ill, if not for the fact I was in manila.

And the admonition from mr tooms about medical "doctors" with crucifix wounds on their hands etc etc LOL I would have sought medical tx!

Post-script Thai hookers seems safe enough for me.

Its the ones in Mexico that get me really really ill.

Almost every visit!

[FarangPunter]

Flying from Bangkok to Manila.

She apologized and said it was health dept protocol? It was my guess they were aware of a very very ill passenger) it was very very strong, well before I even arrived to my hotel in manila I was getting very very ill and I didn't get out of bed for a couple of days.

I am not an infectious disease specialist, is anyone aware of any preventive measures that can prevent this? I was very ill, if not for the fact I was in manila.

You want to avoid having direct contact with the A/C on Airplane. It recycles the air on board. Your best beat would be to wear mask with a decent filter, wash your hands, and avoid touching the eyes throughout the flight.

[Goatscrot]

I have found that some arabs have quite poor manners. Have you flown an arabic airline and sat on the aisle? I have had many bad experiences. Often, they stand up most of the flight right next to you with their butt in your face talking with their buddies seated across the aisle from you. That has happened to me multiple times. One time in business class on Qatar airways, I had the aisle and some Arabic guy stood next to me the entire flight talking to another Arabic guy seated next to me at the window (talking over me the entire time). I nicely asked the guy next to the window to change seats with me so he and his friend could talk, and he refused saying he liked the window seat.

Just recently, I flew Lion air to Bali. Some Arabic guys (obviously not upper class or very well educated from the way they acted) were on the flight. As we were getting on the flight, they actually pushed past people to get to their seats. They would not wait in the cue, they literally forced themselves past people to get to their seats. So odd. Then when the plane landed, they did the same thing. They got up and forced their way past everyone in the aisle to get off the plane.

I don't mind Aussies being loud. At least they stay out of my face and don't crowd my space. Indians do that shit too. I can be waiting in a cue and if there is an Indian guy behind me, he will be pushing right up against me. I can ask them to stop it, but they don't. So I let them go ahead of me and push into the person that was in front of me.

I have no problem pushing back. Have had some of 'them try to cut in front of me on the mrt and bts platforms. I tell them there is a que and if they don't respond, I'll grab them. I've gotten in their grill in airports before as well.

[Kerrstar]

I do not see why you have to pay a premium to sit families together? If they increased the fares to incorporate grouped seating I wouldn't notice an increase of $20 in $5000 worth of fares.

If you decide to start your own family revisit this situation and tell me you would allow your child to sit next to a total stranger on an overnight flight with the airline telling you to suck it up.

I was flying with Singapore Airlines from Singapore to London one time with my wife and 5 year old daughter. They wanted to sit us all separately so I spat the dummy. Ended up with my wife and daugther together and me in the row behind. We were not happy.

[Dena0]

"...
This excludes United Airlines, where Economy Class Passengers have the same status as garbage.
~BKKguru

Since garbage has preassigned location bins in their aircraft, it is entirely reasonable to infer that United treats Economy Class passengers worse than garbage.

[Dena0]

This is hilarious! Having flown on Qatar and Etihad, this has been my experience too. 100% true.

The Arabs do not discriminate. They will do (what you described) regardless of who is sitting in that Aisle seat: white, black, oriental, eskimo.
This how they behave. It is cultural.

However, in Business Class, there is no reason to put up with this.
I would have called the Cabin Staff and asked them to relocate me or the guy sitting in the window seat.

~BKKguru

If it is a super rich Arab that is affected, the less-than-super rich Arab will be as meek as a mouse. Now, that is cultural!

[BKKguru]

I have found that some arabs have quite poor manners. Have you flown an arabic airline and sat on the aisle? I have had many bad experiences. Often, they stand up most of the flight right next to you with their butt in your face talking with their buddies seated across the aisle from you. That has happened to me multiple times. One time in business class on Qatar airways, I had the aisle and some Arabic guy stood next to me the entire flight talking to another Arabic guy seated next to me at the window (talking over me the entire time). I nicely asked the guy next to the window to change seats with me so he and his friend could talk, and he refused saying he liked the window seat.

This is hilarious! Having flown on Qatar and Etihad, this has been my experience too. 100% true.

The Arabs do not discriminate. They will do (what you described) regardless of who is sitting in that Aisle seat: white, black, oriental, eskimo.

This how they behave. It is cultural.

However, in Business Class, there is no reason to put up with this.
I would have called the Cabin Staff and asked them to relocate me or the guy sitting in the window seat.

BKKguru

[BKKguru]

But I wonder what the profit margin would be if an Airline began flying a certain number of intercontinental flights charging more money for their tickets obviously, but designing the plane throughout with decent size seats and reasonable space between seats. Would the consumers support such an offering or is the public hooked on so called minimal pricing. I don't know, but it might be an interesting experiment for one Airline to try. Who knows? It might be profitable and then it could catch on.

Natty,

You got your wish. The new offering is here and it is catching on fast.

It is called "Premium Economy". More leg room, a better seat with your own two armrests and drinks served in real glassware.

Lufthansa launched Premium Economy in January 2015. According to its CEO, it has been a super hit. On Lufthansa, these seats sell out fast.
Cathay Airlines launched PE recently. United is a laggard, but they too sense the business potential and plan to launch in the near future.

On a 8+ hour flight, if you cannot fly Business Class, then Premium Economy is the way to go.
Your two suitcases will fly free. And yes, you can pick your seats in advance without paying $30 or $35 per seat assignment.

BKKguru

[Smoothy]

I have some reason to hate Arabs? I actually think Aussies, my nationality are noisier on planes and can't get my earphones on fast enough!

I have found that some arabs have quite poor manners. Have you flown an arabic airline and sat on the aisle? I have had many bad experiences. Often, they stand up most of the flight right next to you with their butt in your face talking with their buddies seated across the aisle from you. That has happened to me multiple times. One time in business class on Qatar airways, I had the aisle and some Arabic guy stood next to me the entire flight talking to another Arabic guy seated next to me at the window (talking over me the entire time). I nicely asked the guy next to the window to change seats with me so he and his friend could talk, and he refused saying he liked the window seat.

Just recently, I flew Lion air to Bali. Some Arabic guys (obviously not upper class or very well educated from the way they acted) were on the flight. As we were getting on the flight, they actually pushed past people to get to their seats. They would not wait in the cue, they literally forced themselves past people to get to their seats. So odd. Then when the plane landed, they did the same thing. They got up and forced their way past everyone in the aisle to get off the plane.

I don't mind Aussies being loud. At least they stay out of my face and don't crowd my space. Indians do that shit too. I can be waiting in a cue and if there is an Indian guy behind me, he will be pushing right up against me. I can ask them to stop it, but they don't. So I let them go ahead of me and push into the person that was in front of me.

[CzarNicholas]

I remember very fondly a flight with Singapore air with two stunning hostesses, and also one very pleasant with North West Airlines, the great hostess helps a lot.

I almost always have caught a virus after a flight of 9 hours plus. I expect it every time. I recover much quicker in Thailand than elsewhere, probably due to humidity and heat. Maybe diet helps. Kissing Thai hookers seems a lot less dangerous than long flights for catching viruses.

Beware the Air Asia may have a bad safety record for Indonesian and Malaysian Franchises. Just a warning from my aviation safety engineer buddy.

Flying from Bangkok to Manila.

A few minutes before landing the attendant starts spraying some very very strong chemical spray into the vents whilst walking past.

I am not easily bothered by these things, but I was choking uncontrollably as were others, I asked wtf are you doing?

She apologized and said it was health dept protocol? It was my guess they were aware of a very very ill passenger) it was very very strong, well before I even arrived to my hotel in manila I was getting very very ill and I didn't get out of bed for a couple of days.

I am not an infectious disease specialist, is anyone aware of any preventive measures that can prevent this? I was very ill, if not for the fact I was in manila.

And the admonition from mr tooms about medical "doctors" with crucifix wounds on their hands etc etc LOL I would have sought medical tx!

Post-script Thai hookers seems safe enough for me.

Its the ones in Mexico that get me really really ill.

Almost every visit!

[Smoothy]

Maybe this had something to do with it.

The carry on KLM had me check (and pay 84 euros) that one flight is the same size as the smallest bag on the right of this photo. I almost left it. The bag and it's contents was hardly even worth 84 euros. They did that because the first leg of the flight was from London to Amsterdam and the plane they used for that flight was a tiny little puddle jumper propeller plane with hardly any room. But when I was on the flight, there was plenty of room for that bag in the overhead. It cost 84 euros because I had to pay for it to be sent all the way to Indonesia. I felt it was absurd to have to check that bag.

[Syzygies]

But what I really don't like is sitting anywhere near someone who is sick and coughing. Wow that pisses me off more than just about anything. Hey take some medicine and cover your face, you ass hole.

But more important than all these pet peeves is the fact that flying used to be fun back in the day and it is a god damn pain in the ass now and the fault is mostly with the airlines.

I remember very fondly a flight with Singapore air with two stunning hostesses, and also one very pleasant with North West Airlines, the great hostess helps a lot.

I almost always have caught a virus after a flight of 9 hours plus. I expect it every time. I recover much quicker in Thailand than elsewhere, probably due to humidity and heat. Maybe diet helps. Kissing Thai hookers seems a lot less dangerous than long flights for catching viruses.

Beware the Air Asia may have a bad safety record for Indonesian and Malaysian Franchises. Just a warning from my aviation safety engineer buddy.