We all suffer annoyances and nuances when we fly. Unfortunately no-one is the perfect ‘sit next to’ partner but below are those people you dread sharing a common space with.
1. The Late Comer
There is a reason why you are advised to be at the airport three hours before an international flight and an hour before domestic. It is so you are on time! There is nothing worse than being the person who holds up the plane. The death stares people give you as you board the plane, not to mention the snarls and bitter comments of snappy, impatient travellers as you hurriedly bump past everyone to your seat. There is no excuse for being late to board tour flight. Just be more organised!
2. The Arm-rest Hogger
Everyone has access to two arm rests when flying. They are there to share – not hog. Jostling with your seated neighbour or sharply jutting your elbows into someone to stake claim is not acceptable.
3. The Seat Kicker and TV Puncher
Most travellers have experienced this painful process. The constant bashing of your seat, feet and knees digging into your back and repetitive harsh tapping on the screen behind your head simply because the touch screen isn’t responding. Take a chill pill and calm down. If you’re too big for your economy class seat, pay extra for an exit row. Most airlines offer it these days. You’ll be much more comfortable and won’t create plane enemies.
4. The Chatterbox
Quite often when you board a plane, you just want to switch off, kick back and relax. The constant nattering in your ear from a complete stranger can be frustratingly annoying. Be respectful of your fellow passengers. Not everyone is interested in hearing about the first time you flew back in 1967 or guessing what might be on the inflight menu for lunch today.
5. The Weak Bladder in the Window Seat
This one is annoying. Especially on a long haul flight. If you have a mini bladder, be smart about it and book an aisle seat. There is nothing more annoying than being asked to move every five minutes so someone else can go to the bathroom, or even worse, if it is an evening flight, waking to find someone straddling you or waking you up repeatedly every time they need to get up.
6. The Picker and Flicker
Now this is just plain gross. We all know that when you fly you dry out. Your skin may flake and you have a greater thirst due to the dry air conditioning. This also causes a build-up of dry boogers in your nasal cavity. If they are causing you discomfort, use a tissue or go to the bathroom. PLEASE don’t pick and flick! You would be surprised how many people do this with no shame. Gross!
7. The BO Bandit
Possibly the worst in this list. Being stuck next to someone who smells like decaying garbage is not cool. Unfortunately I have experienced this misfortune on several occasions especially in foreign countries. You know you are going to be sitting in one sit for a long time before you board a plane. Surely common sense prevails to shower before you fly and ensure you are adequately deodorised. Make sure you also always wear a fresh shirt, pants and socks when flying. No-one appreciates bad body odour.
8. The Window Opener on a Night Flight
Luckily now the crew on board planes are fairly proactive in getting people to close their window shades when it’s lights out time on a flight. Unfortunately there are still those who feel the need to open windows and blind everyone in a dark cabin because they want to see if it’s light outside yet. There is always a small little window in the emergency exit door near the toilets. If you are desperate to see outside, look through here, that way you won’t wake up and annoy your fellow travellers.
9. The Non-Flushers
Again gross! We all know that quite often airline food does not agree with a lot of people’s stomachs. It’s quite often heavily processed and sometimes just plain terrible. If you suffer ‘stomach issues’ from plane food and do use the aircrafts facilities, please don’t be a douche and leave your filth for other people to deal with. Be a doll and clean up after yourself. It’s just common courtesy.
10. The Loud Talker
Some people feel the need to speak louder than the planes engine and think that by shouting this will make them clearer to understand. Totally unnecessary, super annoying and just disrespectful to your fellow travellers. We don’t all want to hear about little Tommy’s toilet training progress or how good the guy was you dragged back from a local pub.
I went to social media the other day when I expressed my annoyance of delayed flights and late comers and asked what you thought was unacceptable on planes. Here are a few that come through:
1. Turn the Damn Light Off
The person who falls asleep in a dark cabin but leaves their reading light on to illuminate all who surrounds them. I still don’t get how someone can somehow sleep through a blaring light and be totally oblivious to it.
2. The Overhead Hogger
How some people manage to get five oversized bags through as hand luggage is beyond me. Some airlines are so strict with this, but others are super lax. There is more than enough overhead compartment space for those who respect the two piece policy, but those hoggers who take up metres of space – you think you’re smug now, but just you wait for the day when you have to check it all in and get charged for excess luggage….
3. The Seat Puller
Pulling back on someones seat to lever yourself upright is not only rude, annoying and unnecessary, it’s just plain lazy. Push down on your arm rests instead to get to your feet if you really need that much assistance.
4. The Aisle Dawdlers and Ponderers
When a plane lands and has arrived at the gate, that ping that says its fine to release your seat belt buckles also apparently means ‘everyone get up at once and stand awkwardly super squashed in an aisle for 10 mins while we wait for the doors to open.’ Do not stand and loiter in the aisle if you are not ready to get off or require assistance to lift down your over weight seven bags that are in the overhead compartment. Take a seat and be patient and let others off first while you get yourself organised.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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