Uncomfortable seats are the worst thing about flying, say travellers

uncomfortable seats the worst part of flying

Uncomfortable seats are the worst thing about flying, according to a survey of air passengers.

As many as 71 per cent of 3,700 UK travellers polled cited cramped conditions on board as their biggest air-travel gripe, the survey by Tripadvisor showed. WORDS: PA.

One third (33 per cent) said more legroom was the thing that would most improve their flying experience.

Some airlines, including a number in the US, have introduced "slimline" seats. People in the survey who had sampled them appeared unimpressed, with 55 per cent saying they were less comfortable than the previous economy-class seats.

The survey also revealed a shift in attitude since a similar poll last year, which revealed that price was the most important factor for passengers when picking flights.

This year, fewer travellers named price as a key factor when choosing flights than those citing departure and arrival times or the option to fly direct.

Charges for checked-in luggage topped the pet hate list of aviation fees, followed by seat-selection charges.

The favourite UK airport was Heathrow, followed by Manchester, with Gatwick third.

Most popular airline was British Airways, with Virgin Atlantic second and Dubai-based carrier Emirates third. Ryanair polled just two per cent of the votes cast.

TripAdvisor spokesman James Kay said: "The numerous added fees that have become the norm in the aviation industry can drastically alter the cost of flying, so it pays to research upfront what you're likely to fork out for those extras."