If you’ve ever wondered which celeb would survive being your inflight neighbour, Scoot Airlines has you covered. The low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA) recently conducted the Great Aussie Seat Survey – and asked Aussies a simple question: if you could choose anyone, who would be your ideal in-flight seatmate?
The answer leaned immediately into star power. Top of the dream-seatmate list is Margot Robbie, followed closely by Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman – essentially the unofficial Avengers of Australian aviation small talk. The full top 10 also includes Delta Goodrem, Robert Irwin, Ash Barty, Pat Cummins, Jimmy Barnes, Hamish Blake and Cate Blanchett.
On paper, it’s a very glamorous flight. But, reality tells a quieter story. So, before you start manifesting a celebrity encounter mid-flight, here’s the twist: 23% of Australians would actually rather sit next to absolutely no celebrity at all. Not even one. Just peace, headphones, and possibly a strategic nap.
In fact, when it comes to ideal seatmates overall, Australians are leaning heavily into low-energy excellence:
- 42% prefer someone quiet and self-contained
- 30% want polite and helpful company
- Only 14% are hoping for a chatty, funny inflight bestie
In short, we’re not here to network at 30,000 feet.
Does Anyone Actually Want the Middle Spot?
If the seatmate question reveals social preferences, seat choice reveals something else entirely: control.
According to the Scoot Airlines Great Aussie Seat Survey, the window seat has officially won the popularity contest, with 52% of Australians choosing it as their preferred spot onboard – driven largely by better views and photo opportunities (38%) and fewer interruptions from other passengers (23%).
The aisle seat still puts up a respectable fight at 36%, praised for comfort and easy access. And the middle seat (surprising no one) remains aviation’s least-coveted real estate, with just 3% of travellers willingly signing up.
Comfort, Space and Quiet Are the New Travel Currency
Beyond where Australians sit – and who they sit next to – the Scoot Airlines Great Aussie Seat Survey highlights what really matters once the flight takes off.
At the top of the list is:
- Comfort and space (65%)
- Value for money (55%)
- Peace and quiet (52%)
Everything else – from onboard entertainment to food and drinks (yes. even those complimentary peanuts!) – comes secondary.
That growing desire for quieter, more controlled travel experiences helps explain the appeal of dedicated calm zones like Scoot’s Scoot-in-Silence cabin, designed for passengers aged 12 and over who want a more restful inflight environment.
With wider legroom, adjustable headrests and a deliberately quieter atmosphere, it reflects a broader shift in how Australians want to travel: less stimulation, more space.
Customisation Is Everything (and Everyone Has a Price Point)
If there’s one clear takeaway from the survey, it’s that Australians don’t just want to fly – they want to customise how they fly.
A significant 85% of respondents said they value the ability to personalise their travel experience, from seat selection to meals and extras.
The most popular upgrades include extra legroom (40%), seat upgrades (35%), travel insurance (29%), quiet zone seating (26%) and pre-selecting meals (26%).
But in a cost-of-living-conscious environment, that customisation also comes with trade-offs.
To save money, Australians said they would willingly skip:
- Wi-Fi (39%)
- Blankets, pillows and amenities (38%)
- Inflight entertainment (32%)
- Food and beverages (29%)
- Seat selection (26%)
- Checked baggage (17%)
It’s a very modern equation: less included, more intentional.
Low-Cost Travel, High Expectations
The survey also reinforces why low-cost carriers continue to resonate with Australian travellers – and how expectations are evolving.
Nearly half of respondents (49%) said the biggest appeal of low-cost airlines is simply good value, while 32% like the flexibility to only pay for what they actually want.
It reflects a broader shift in mindset: low-cost flying is no longer just about price. It’s about control, choice and clarity over what you’re paying for.
As Scoot General Manager for Australia Adam Kelly notes, today’s travellers are looking for flexibility and confidence in how they explore the world — whether that’s a stripped-back journey or a fully customised experience.
With more than 80 destinations across its network through Scoot and the wider Singapore Airlines network, Australians have more ways than ever to design a trip that suits their own version of comfort.
The Real Answer to the Seatmate Question
So, Margot Robbie or peace and quiet?
The survey suggests Australians might admire the idea of celebrity company – but when it comes to the reality of flying, they’re increasingly choosing something else entirely.
Quiet wins. Comfort matters. And control is everything.
Because at 35,000 feet, the ultimate luxury isn’t who you sit next to – it’s not having to engage at all.
