Forget the celebrity seatmate. Forget the inflight Wi-Fi. Forget even the great aisle-versus-window diplomacy. Australians have revealed what they really want at 35,000 feet: a window seat, a little extra space and the kind of seatmate who understands that silence is golden.
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has released the findings of its “Great Aussie Seat Survey”, with 52 per cent of respondents naming the window seat their top pick onboard, ahead of the aisle at 36 per cent and the middle at just 3 per cent (and even that’s too many). The research lands as the carrier doubles down on Australia, having recently added more flights to Sydney and Perth on the back of strong demand.
Better views and photos of the scenery (38 per cent) and fewer disturbances from other passengers (23 per cent) drive the window preference, while aisle fans cite comfort and convenience.
The survey, conducted by research firm PureProfile with Australians aged 18 and over, also offers a wider snapshot of what travellers value when they fly in 2026: comfort and space (65 per cent), value for money (55 per cent) and peace and quiet (52 per cent) top the list.
Who do Aussies want next to them?
When it comes to seatmates, 42 per cent of Australians want someone quiet who keeps to themselves, while only 14 per cent want a chatty companion.
Asked which celebrity they would most like to sit beside, Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman took the top three spots, ahead of Delta Goodrem, Robert Irwin and Ash Barty. Even so, 23 per cent said they would rather not sit next to a celebrity at all, preferring a peaceful journey.
Scoot says the rest-and-recharge findings reinforce the appeal of Scoot-in-Silence, its quiet cabin for travellers aged 12 and above, located between the ScootPlus and standard Economy cabins on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with wider legroom and adjustable headrests.
What will travellers give up to save money?
With cost-of-living pressure still biting, and several carriers trimming Australian schedules and lifting fares as fuel costs climb, the survey found Australians are most willing to forgo Wi-Fi (39 per cent), amenities such as blankets and pillows (38 per cent) and inflight entertainment (32 per cent) to cut the cost of a flight. Only 17 per cent would sacrifice checked baggage.
Customisation on flights matters too: 85 per cent value the ability to tailor their trip, with extra legroom (40 per cent), seat upgrades (35 per cent) and travel insurance (29 per cent) among the most popular add-ons. Good value (49 per cent) and paying only for the ancillaries needed (32 per cent) were named the top perceived benefits of 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 General Manager for Australia 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.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: The numbers paint a clear picture of the 2026 budget flyer: quiet, value-conscious and happy to strip back extras, but firmly attached to checked baggage and a window view. It’s a useful read on where inflight add-on spend actually lands when clients book low-cost carriers for short-haul Asia trips.
