The great airline seat debate may finally be settled.
A new survey commissioned by Scoot has found that just 3 per cent of Australians prefer the middle seat, making it by far the least popular place to spend a flight.
The survey of more than 1,000 Australians found the window seat remains king, with 52 per cent choosing it as their preferred spot onboard. Better views and photo opportunities (38 per cent) and fewer disturbances from fellow passengers (23 per cent) were among the key reasons cited.
The aisle seat came in second, preferred by 36 per cent of respondents for its comfort and convenience.
The findings form part of Scoot’s ‘Great Aussie Seat Survey’, which explored how Australians choose their seats, who they want to sit beside and what matters most when they fly.
While many travellers dream of celebrity encounters, Australians appear to value peace and quiet above star power.
When asked which celebrity they would most like to sit next to on a flight, Margot Robbie topped the list, followed by Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman. However, nearly one in four respondents (23 per cent) said they would rather not sit next to a celebrity at all.
Instead, Australians overwhelmingly favour seatmates who keep to themselves. More than four in 10 respondents (42 per cent) said their ideal travel companion would be quiet and reserved, while 30 per cent preferred someone polite and helpful. Just 14 per cent said they wanted a funny and conversational neighbour.
The survey also sheds light on what Australians value most when travelling.
Comfort and space ranked as the top priority for 65 per cent of respondents, followed by value for money (55 per cent) and peace and quiet (52 per cent).
The findings suggest travellers increasingly view flying as an opportunity to rest and recharge rather than socialise, a trend Scoot says aligns with growing demand for quiet travel experiences.
Customisation also remains important, with 85 per cent of Australians saying they value the ability to tailor their journey through extras such as seat selection, additional legroom and meal choices.
As cost-of-living pressures continue, many travellers are also willing to make trade-offs to save money. Nearly four in 10 respondents said they would forgo Wi-Fi or onboard amenities to reduce airfare costs, while around one-third would skip inflight entertainment.
According to Scoot, the results highlight the continued appeal of low-cost travel, with value for money and the ability to only pay for desired extras emerging as key reasons Australians choose low-cost carriers.
“The Great Aussie Seat Survey gives us a fascinating snapshot of how Australians think about travel today; from what they value when they fly, to the choices, motivations and expectations shaping their future journeys,” Scoot Australia general manager Adam Kelly said.
“With more than 80 destinations across Scoot’s network, and even more through the Singapore Airlines Group, we’re proud to provide Australian travellers greater value, flexibility and choice so that it gives them the confidence to explore more of the world, their way.”
