Remember that time we talked about how KLM passengers would be finding seatmates using social media? Well, apparently travelers aren't actually interested -- nor are they interested in in-air socializing at all, a new TripAdvisor survey has found.
According to the travel site's annual air travel survey, 76 percent of fliers prefer to keep to themselves and only 9 percent would be willing to try one of those "social seating" programs. On top of that, 40 percent would pay to sit in a "quiet" section of the plane. (FYI, Amtrak already has that for free in its "Quiet Cars.")
The survey included more than 1,000 U.S. participants, 91 percent of which have plans to fly domestically this year. That's up from 84 percent last year. International flight plans have also increased.
Other findings of the survey:
- 22 percent of participants don't enjoy a single thing about air travel.
- 41 percent cite more leg room as the biggest improvement to be made, though 71 percent of fliers aren't willing to pay for extra leg room on a flight shorter than four hours.
- 52 percent of respondents belong to a frequent flier program, and 58 percent find brand loyalty important.
- 20 percent of passengers order an alcoholic beverage on board.
Participants also ranked their favorite airports:
- Orlando International Airport, Florida
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
- San Francisco International Airport, California
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina
Do you agree with this list or the survey findings? Leave your comments below.
For other rankings from TripAdvisor, check out the World's Best Beaches, the World's Best Hotels For Families, the most romantic hotels in America and the 2012 Travelers' Choice Awards picks for best hotels.