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| Bo Jio, B787 |
According to "The Great Aussie Seat Survey", conducted by research company PureProfile on behalf of Scoot, more than half of Australians prefer a window seat when flying, highlighting a growing desire for comfort, privacy and a more personalised travel experience.
The survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,000 Australians, provides an intriguing snapshot of how travellers are making decisions in 2026 and offers valuable insights into the future of air travel.
Window Seats Remain Australia's Favourite Place to Fly
For many travellers, the journey begins the moment they step onboard, and where they choose to sit can shape the entire flight experience.
The survey found that 52 per cent of Australians prefer a window seat, making it the nation's most popular seating choice.
The appeal is easy to understand. Thirty-eight per cent of respondents said they enjoy the views and the opportunity to photograph landscapes, coastlines and city skylines from above. Another 23 per cent value the reduced interruptions that come with sitting by the window, allowing them to relax without needing to move for fellow passengers.
The findings suggest that modern travellers increasingly view flying as part of the overall travel experience rather than simply transportation between destinations.
Aisle Seats Remain a Strong Contender
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| Scoot 787 |
Thirty-six per cent of respondents chose aisle seats as their preferred option, citing comfort, convenience and easier access to the cabin as key benefits.
Only three per cent selected the middle seat as their preferred location onboard, reinforcing its reputation as the least desirable place to spend a flight.
The results highlight how personal travel preferences continue to influence booking decisions and onboard experiences.
Peace and Quiet Outweigh Celebrity Encounters
One of the survey's most entertaining findings involved Australians' dream celebrity seatmates.
Hollywood star Margot Robbie topped the list as the celebrity Australians would most like to sit beside on a flight, followed by Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman.
The top ten celebrity choices also included Delta Goodrem, Robert Irwin, Ash Barty, Pat Cummins, Jimmy Barnes, Hamish Blake and Cate Blanchett.
However, despite the appeal of celebrity company, nearly one-quarter of respondents said they would rather not sit next to a famous person at all.
Instead, Australians overwhelmingly preferred quiet fellow passengers who keep to themselves. Forty-two per cent selected a quiet traveller as their ideal seatmate, while 30 per cent preferred someone polite and helpful.
Only 14 per cent said they would choose a funny and talkative companion, indicating that many travellers see flying as valuable downtime rather than a social occasion.
Comfort and Value Drive Travel Decisions
The survey highlights that Australian travellers continue to focus on comfort and affordability when choosing flights.
Comfort and personal space emerged as the most important inflight consideration, selected by 65 per cent of respondents. Value for money followed closely at 55 per cent, while peace and quiet ranked third at 52 per cent.
These findings reflect a growing trend among travellers who view flights as an opportunity to relax, rest and recharge before reaching their destination.
Factors such as inflight food, social interaction and baggage storage ranked lower on the priority list, suggesting that personal comfort has become the dominant concern for many travellers.
The Rise of Personalised Travel Experiences
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| A321neo Aircraft |
An overwhelming 85 per cent of Australians said they value the ability to personalise their travel experience by selecting optional extras and services that match their individual needs.
Extra legroom was the most sought-after upgrade, chosen by 40 per cent of respondents, followed by premium seating upgrades at 35 per cent.
Travel insurance, quiet zone seating and pre-selected meals also ranked highly among optional purchases.
The results indicate that travellers increasingly prefer flexibility and control rather than paying for services they may not use.
Australians Seek Better Value in the Air
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to influence household budgets, many travellers are carefully evaluating where they spend their money when booking flights.
The survey found that Australians are willing to forgo several onboard services to secure lower fares.
Wi-Fi, inflight amenities, entertainment systems, meals and even seat selection were among the services respondents would consider skipping if it reduced the overall cost of their journey.
These findings support the growing popularity of low-cost carriers that allow passengers to customise their travel experience according to their priorities and budget.
Low-Cost Airlines Continue to Evolve
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| Adam Kelly |
Nearly half of respondents identified value for money as the primary benefit of flying with a low-cost carrier, while many appreciated the ability to pay only for the extras they genuinely need.
The findings demonstrate how the low-cost airline model has evolved beyond simply offering the cheapest fare. Modern travellers increasingly value flexibility, transparency and the freedom to tailor their travel experience.
According to Scoot General Manager for Australia, Adam Kelly, today's travellers are seeking greater choice, value and control when planning their journeys.
With access to more than 80 destinations across Scoot's network and connections throughout the Singapore Airlines Group, Australian travellers are finding more opportunities to explore the world while travelling on their own terms.
What the Survey Reveals About Modern Travel
The Great Aussie Seat Survey provides a revealing glimpse into the mindset of Australian travellers in 2026.
Whether choosing a window seat to admire spectacular aerial views, seeking a peaceful inflight environment, or customising every aspect of their journey, Australians are placing greater emphasis on comfort, value and personal choice.
As airlines continue to adapt to changing passenger expectations, understanding these preferences will play an important role in shaping the future of air travel.
For travellers, the message is clear: the modern journey is no longer one-size-fits-all. Today's passengers want flexibility, comfort and the freedom to travel exactly the way they choose.
Scoot Airlines
Website: https://www.flyscoot.comAustralian Travel Information: https://www.flyscoot.com
Singapore Airlines Group: https://www.singaporeair.com
Survey Conducted By: PureProfile
Website: https://www.pureprofile.com
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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