It’s just before midnight at Denpasar Airport, and hundreds of weary passengers are boarding a single-aisle plane bound for Sydney. Among them is travel writer Sheriden Rhodes, along with her husband and daughter, who are about to experience the notorious “Bogan Bus” flight. This route, infamous for unruly behavior, has earned its reputation for a reason.
As Rhodes and her family settle into their seats, hoping for a peaceful journey, a couple in their late 30s takes the row behind them. The sound of beer cans cracking open signals the beginning of a chaotic flight. Within hours, the situation escalates to shouting, shoving, and eventually, a fistfight. Despite the cabin crew’s efforts to calm the situation, the disturbance continues until the troublemakers finally pass out.
The “Bogan Bus” Phenomenon
The Bali-Australia route has become synonymous with disruptive passenger behavior. According to a report published in this masthead, flight attendants attribute the chaos to a “different demographic” of travelers. These flights, often dubbed the “Bogan missile” or “Flying Bunnings sausage sizzle,” are notorious for incidents ranging from vaping in toilets to physical altercations.
One flight attendant commented,
“Anywhere there are bogans basically flying for a cheap holiday is where you’ll encounter the problems.”
The combination of late-night departures, alcohol consumption, and cramped conditions creates a volatile environment.
Contributing Factors to In-Flight Chaos
Several elements contribute to the turbulence on the Bali route. The late departure from Denpasar means passengers are often overtired, many having spent the day drinking at beachside bars. The short flight duration leaves little time for rest, exacerbating tensions among passengers and crew.
The narrow aisles, occupied by beverage carts, make accessing lavatories difficult, adding to passenger frustration. The constant pressing of call bells for food and drink orders further strains the crew’s ability to maintain order.
Historical Parallels and Recent Incidents
This pattern of behavior is not new. Earlier this year, a brawl erupted on a Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Bali, and a similar incident occurred the previous year, forcing a flight to turn back. Such occurrences are not limited to one airline, as evidenced by a Qantas flight where a family was removed following a confrontation with cabin crew.
In another instance, a colleague of Rhodes witnessed young passengers spraying beer in the cabin. The flight attendant’s resigned response,
“What do you expect? It’s a Bali flight,”
highlights the normalization of such behavior on this route.
Strategies for a Smoother Journey
Experts recommend several strategies for avoiding or mitigating these in-flight disturbances. Passengers are advised to stay calm and address issues politely. If necessary, they should speak privately with cabin crew, who are trained in conflict resolution.
For those seeking a quieter experience, booking flights on less crowded days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can be beneficial. Alternatively, opting for daytime flights may reduce the likelihood of encountering unruly behavior, as Rhodes suggests based on her personal experiences.
Despite the challenges, the allure of Bali remains strong. As Rhodes reflects, the moment you step off the plane and feel the warm Balinese air, the chaos of the flight fades away, replaced by the promise of a magical holiday.
Sheriden Rhodes is a travel writer and photographer who travels the globe with her frequent small flyer, Ella. Connect via Twitter.
