Only a third of S'pore travellers will wake aisle seat passenger to get to the bathroom: Survey
Singapore travellers tend towards thoughtfulness and practicality in-flight, findings from a travel survey by international insurance company Allianz Partners suggest.
On May 14, the company released its first Asia-Pacific (Apac) edition of the Allianz Partners Travel Index, a survey it has been conducting in the United States since 2009 and in Europe since 2012.
This latest version includes insights from 502 respondents in Singapore, alongside travellers from Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Hong Kong and Japan.
Among its key findings is that a third of Singapore travellers will wake a passenger in an aisle seat to use the washroom - the same proportion as respondents from Australia and India.
At 38 per cent, New Zealand has the highest proportion who will do so. In contrast, Japanese respondents are the least likely to do that (18 per cent).
Dr Amy Lim, discipline lead for psychology at Murdoch University Singapore, explains that in such moments of urgency, travellers typically face two awkward options: "Climbing over or waking the aisle passenger."
"From an evolutionary-social psychology lens, we avoid unwanted physical contact with strangers. Respectfully asking someone to move - instead of brushing past him or her - honours that need for distance," she says, suggesting that it may be why a third of Singapore travellers choose to wake the passenger in the aisle seat.
Singaporean travellers speaking to The Straits Times list being considerate among the reasons for preferring not to awaken the aisle passenger.
Professional photographer Lee Aik Soon, 30, says: "I think I'd be disrupting their rest or bothering them, since they have to unbuckle their seat belts and stand to let me out.
"If I were sitting at the window seat and the flight is more than six hours, I'd probably allow myself to go to the washroom only twice, so I don't disturb passengers in the middle and aisle seats."
Fitness trainer Carissa Wong, 26, has taken multiple flights - some up to 12 hours long - without using the washroom and prefers a window seat.
"Moving around in-flight is too troublesome. Window seats come with a wall to lean on and sleep, and no one needs to climb over me to get out," she says.
The survey also found a notable gender divide when it comes to giving up seats on board for families to sit together. In Singapore, 38 per cent of male travellers say they will do so, compared with 26 per cent of women.
"Maybe guys are less picky with seats? Or women are tired of giving in elsewhere and want some me-time on holiday?" Ms Wong wonders, surprised by the finding.
A third of respondents from Singapore, Australia and India say they would wake a passenger in an aisle seat to use the washroom during a flight. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Dr Lim says an analysis of the composition of demographic variables will help with arriving at fuller conclusions. For instance, are the families travelling with young children and are the respondents parents?
She adds: "The fact that more men are stepping aside suggests another layer: Fathers may experience stronger kin-care motivations and greater sensitivity to family needs.
"Would we observe men who are not fathers, or females who are mothers, giving up their seats? Only by exploring how single men and mothers behave in this context can we arrive at a fuller explanation of the gendered dynamics at play."
The survey, which primarily focuses on identifying macro trends in the travel industry, does not record the personal information of respondents, such as age or marital status.
Mr Vinay Surana, managing director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Allianz Partners, says: "While the survey doesn't explore the underlying motivations behind each behaviour, these insights offer a glimpse into cultural nuances, social expectations and the unspoken rules of travel etiquette in different countries."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
Global airlines trim 2025 profit forecast over trade tensions and supply woes
NEW DELHI :Global airlines shaved a key forecast for 2025 industry-wide profits on Monday, blaming trade tensions and declining consumer confidence, while hitting out at "unacceptable" delays in jetliner deliveries that have hindered their growth plans. The IATA industry body now expects global airlines to post a combined profit of $36.0 billion this year, down slightly from a previous forecast of $36.6 billion in December, before U.S. President Donald Trump took office. He has since launched a trade war and tightened enforcement of U.S. border controls. But airline profits are still set to rise from $32.4 billion last year, helped by lower oil prices and record passenger numbers. The International Air Transport Association issued the widely watched forecasts, which give clues to the wider economy, at an annual meeting of its more than 300 member airlines in New Delhi. "Earning a $36 billion profit is significant. But that equates to just $7.20 per passenger per segment," IATA Director General Willie Walsh said in a statement. That is a thin buffer against any future demand shocks or taxes as the industry returns to a more normal regime after a sharp bounceback in air travel from the pandemic, he said. Strong employment and easing inflation are expected to push revenues up 1.3 per cent compared to last year. But airlines will have to wait a little longer to hit the $1 trillion mark after IATA trimmed its prior forecast for industry-wide revenues by 2.1 per cent to $979 billion, which would still be an all-time record. Trump's sweeping tariffs have stoked fears of an economic slowdown and squeezed discretionary spending, prompting many consumers especially in the United States to delay or scale back travel plans. Meanwhile, aircraft delivery delays have hampered airlines' ability to meet soaring travel demand in certain regions, while driving up operating costs as carriers are forced to keep older jets in service or pay more for the dwindling number of available spare parts. "It's been something that has frustrated everybody, particularly airlines who are waiting to take delivery of aircraft or have aircraft sitting on the ground that they'd love to see in service,' Walsh told Reuters in an interview. In a statement on the new outlook, Walsh called predictions of delays throughout this decade "off-the-chart unacceptable". Total expenses for the industry are forecast to reach $913 billion in 2025, up 1.0 per cent from 2024 but below earlier projections of $940 billion, as lower fuel prices help offset rising aircraft maintenance costs. IATA predicted that cargo revenues would drop 4.7 per cent to $142 billion in 2025, mainly due to reduced global economic growth and trade-dampening protectionist measures, including tariffs. Amid a tug of war over who should absorb the tariffs, Walsh recognised that some manufacturers would be tempted to pass them on to their customers, but warned this would also push up fares.
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Thai beauty queen crowned Miss World 2025
Ms Suchata won over the judges with her eloquent and inspiring answers. PHOTO: OPAL SUCHATA/INSTAGRAM BANGKOK - Thai beauty queen Suchata 'Opal' Chuangsri was crowned the 72nd Miss World 2025 on May 31, marking a historic moment in Thai pageantry. The event took place at the Hitex Convention Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and was celebrated with great splendour. She was officially crowned by the 2024 winner, Ms Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic. The competition's final rankings saw Ms Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia as the first runner-up, Ms Maja Klajda of Poland as the second runner-up, and Ms Aurelie Joachim of Martinique as the third runner-up. Miss World 2025 commenced with a dazzling parade featuring contestants in their national costumes, followed by an elegant showcase where each participant took to the stage individually in breathtaking evening gowns, organised by continent. The competition then moved on to the announcement of the top 40 contestants, selected from 108 countries. These finalists were divided into four continental groups, with 10 representatives from each: the Americas & Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia & Oceania. Some of the contestants advanced automatically to the top 40 through the fast-track events. Among them was Ms Suchata, who secured first place in the Asia & Oceania Multimedia Challenge. The anticipation continued as the competition narrowed down to the top 20 finalists, featuring some of the strongest contenders of the year. The countries that made it through were: Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the United States, and Martinique Africa: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, and Tunisia Europe: Iceland, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, and Wales Asia & Oceania: Australia, India, Lebanon, the Philippines, and Thailand. The announcement of the final eight contestants followed, featuring representatives from Brazil, Martinique, Ethiopia, Namibia, Poland, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Thailand. The competition then entered its most challenging phase, where the final eight contestants had to respond to the question: 'Do you believe you deserve to be Miss World and the representative of Asia & Oceania?' Ms Suchata delivered a heartfelt answer. 'For this question, I see it as tending to a flower garden. Anyone can water the plants, but to create a truly beautiful and sustainable garden, there must be someone who nurtures it consistently,' she said. She added: 'This mirrors the role of Miss Asia & Oceania—it's not just about presenting oneself with a title, but about making people truly feel that I am here for them, standing by their side. 'Through the Beauty with a Purpose programme, I have learned that living a meaningful life means giving back dreams and hope to those who have lost them. That is why I stand here today—to be a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and to leave behind a legacy of purpose until my very last breath.' The four continental winners were then announced: Martinique, the winner from the Americas & Caribbean; Ethiopia, the champion from Africa; Poland, who triumphed in Europe; and, finally, Ms Suchata from Thailand, who secured victory for Asia & Oceania. The final four contestants faced one last decisive question, with Ms Suchata receiving: 'How has this journey taught you about truth and personal responsibility in shaping the stories that are told?' Ms Suchata's response was both eloquent and inspiring. 'Standing here today is the greatest honour of my life. One of the most profound lessons I have learned from my time on the Miss World stage is the responsibility we hold in shaping how the truth is conveyed. 'The most significant action that I, along with all the contestants and everyone in this room, can take is to be role models—individuals whom others can look up to. I have always believed that no matter who we are, how old we are, or what roles we take on in life, there is always someone who looks up to us. It could be a child, a friend, or even our own parents.' 'The best way to guide them is through leadership rooted in kindness and action, because our actions always speak louder than words. This is the greatest gift we can offer to those around us, and to the world. Thank you, and I wish everyone the best—remember to stay strong, and let your actions speak louder than words.' With this heartfelt and compelling answer, Ms Suchata won over the judges and was crowned Miss World 2025, making history as Thailand's first-ever winner of the prestigious pageant. At just 21 years old, Ms Suchata hails from a family with deep roots in the hotel industry in Phuket province. Despite not being of mixed heritage like many previous Thai beauty queens, she is fluent in English, having attended international schools from an early age. In addition, she is proficient in Chinese, having graduated from Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok with a specialisation in the Chinese language. Currently, Ms Suchata is pursuing a degree in International Relations at Thammasat University's esteemed Faculty of Political Science. She harbours aspirations of becoming a diplomat in the future, a career goal that perfectly complements her new role as a global ambassador for Thailand. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
5 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Brain injury, fractures: Cyclists recount the dangers of riding along Tanah Merah Coast Road, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Life has not been the same for Kathleen Seng and her family since she suffered a traumatic brain injury and partial memory loss from a cycling accident along Tanah Merah Coast Road. In February 2022, the retiree - a seasoned cyclist of 25 years who used to frequently join overseas expeditions - was cycling at the back of a group of four when her friend hit a large rock on the road and fell. Seng swerved to avoid running over her friend and fell off her bike. She was unconscious for two weeks, and woke up unable to move or talk coherently for a month. Three years on, the right side of the 54-year-old's body remains significantly weaker, even with the help of physiotherapy. Tanah Merah Coast Road has a straight 10km-long stretch with a dedicated on-road cycling lane stretching from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Changi Ferry Terminal, which allows cyclists to travel uninterrupted at high speeds. The dangers of cycling along Tanah Merah Coast Road were brought to the fore by a Straits Times Forum letter writer, who wrote on May 19 that increased construction activity along the stretch has raised the risk of cycling accidents there. The writer, Michael Price, 66, pointed to a large number of heavy vehicles stopping illegally along the cycling lane to wait their turn to enter construction sites, and how they scatter construction debris on the road. The Singaporean, who is originally from the UK, fractured his hip socket - part of the pelvis - when he was flung off his bicycle after he hit a rock the size of a fist along the road in May 2024. He said the increased construction activity comes amid the expansion of Changi Airport, with Terminal 5 (T5) in the works. Price added that the heavy vehicles often push the speed limit. Tanah Merah Coast Road has a speed limit of 70kmh. Development works for T5 resumed in 2022 after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. The mega terminal, which broke ground on May 14, is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. Works related to T5 that have been completed so far include a new runway, an underpass for vehicular traffic, and tunnels for baggage and automated people-mover systems similar to the Skytrain. Also along Tanah Merah Coast Road is a worksite for the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) Changi East Depot for the Cross Island Line and some workers' dormitories. The accident took the retired business owner off cycling for almost a year, and he said he had to rely on painkillers extensively and use walking aids in the first four months after the accident. Price noted that it is challenging to weave through traffic on Tanah Merah Coast Road, as many heavy vehicles stop in the cycling lane. He added that drivers of these trucks often wash or clean debris off their vehicles at the side of the road. Meanwhile, Seng still needs to be accompanied by her husband, Ng Bur Kiat, 60, whenever she leaves home as she cannot run errands independently. Ng, a technical sales manager, makes it a point to rush home after work every day to bathe Seng, who retired about 10 years before the accident. Seng told ST that her memory was "gone" after the accident, and that she could not remember anything that happened. Ng added: "Right after she got discharged, she thought our son was still in secondary school, when he was actually in his last year of university... She still thinks our sons are younger." He likened taking care of Seng when she first got discharged to caring for a baby, as he had to teach her everything from scratch, such as how to put on a shirt or get out of bed. Ng said the police had investigated the accident and concluded that no party was liable. His family made insurance claims totalling about $1 million under Seng's personal insurance policy. Describing his wife's recovery as a "miracle", Ng said the family has chosen not to blame anybody. Seng is hoping for a full recovery for her right arm, which now hangs limply by the side of her body when she walks. She is undergoing electrotherapy, which uses electrical energy as a form of medical treatment. She added: "Everything that is over, is over. I am just looking forward, for good things to come." In January 2025, another cyclist sustained a collarbone fracture after the front tyre of his bicycle ran into a sharp metallic object along the same road, causing him to fall off. Lee, 43, who did not want to give his full name, had to wear an arm sling for three weeks and was on hospitalisation leave for 60 days. He has not returned to cycling - something he used to do three or four times a week. Back in April 2023, Jonathan Lau, an oil and gas consultant in his 40s, fractured his left wrist when he hit a rock along Tanah Merah Coast Road. He said he felt incapacitated when he had to stay in a cast for three months, and had "a bit of post-traumatic stress disorder" when he returned to cycling about six months after the accident. He has not gone back to cycling along Tanah Merah Coast Road, although he lives nearby in East Coast, and has no plans to do so. Several cycling-related accidents have happened along this stretch over the years. These include one where a teenage cyclist collided with a stationary car in 2018 and another involving a cyclist who ran into a stationary truck parked in the cycling lane in 2021. Responding to ST's queries, LTA said on May 30 that it has been carrying out enforcement operations against illegal parking along Tanah Merah Coast Road. It added that it will step up enforcement against motorists who do not comply with traffic regulations. "Motorists are reminded to park responsibly in designated parking locations to prevent obstructing or endangering other road users," it added. Regarding speeding heavy vehicles, the Traffic Police said it deploys speed cameras and conducts speed enforcement operations to detect speeding violations involving all vehicles, including heavy vehicles, in Tanah Merah Coast Road. The National Environment Agency said its cleaning service provider cleans Tanah Merah Coast Road daily, with manual cleaning carried out in the afternoon, and a mechanical road sweeper being deployed at night. Mark Cheng, associate director of law firm PKWA Law Practice, said victims can potentially pursue claims if they can clearly prove that a party failed to keep the debris off the road. To justify these claims, evidence such as photos of the debris, dashcam footage from other cyclists or vehicles, and witness statements should be gathered and preserved. Cheong added that personal injury lawyers can request site inspection or maintenance records from contractors to identify potential lapses in safety or clean-up measures. None of the cyclists ST interviewed have pursued legal action. Cycling-related injuries Common injuries caused by cycling accidents include musculoskeletal injuries such as superficial abrasions and fractures, said Dr Ang Shiang-Hu, head of the department of emergency medicine at Changi General Hospital. He added that cyclists who break their falls using their arms may suffer wrist fractures, elbow injuries or collarbone fractures, while higher-speed accidents may result in lower limb fractures. Some cyclists may also suffer from fractures that displace the cervical spine - which is the vertebrae in the neck - which could cause paralysis, as well as injuries that could lead to impairments of nerve, spinal cord or brain function, and major trauma, he said. [[nid:713589]] This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
