When I was a kid and flying alone, I'd always strike up conversation with the person next to me - probably normally to their annoyance!

But these days, when flying alone, it seems so rare to actually talk to the person sitting inches away from you. OK, in CW, the screen usually goes up, but on short hauls, or when travelling in Y, do you chat or keep to yourself?

On the occasions I've been sociable in recent times I've had some great and memorable conversations in the air. The Aussie couple flying back from DUB to LGW a few years ago, who downloaded a whole load of great travelling advice to me on what to do on my forthcoming holiday to Oz.

Then there was the pilot flying from NCL to LGW for a second-round interview with Dragon Air. He was telling me all about the interview process, and why he wanted to fly out in China and what it would be like etc. I found it fascinating...

But too often we smile to the person next to us when they sit down, and then prepare to ignore then and keep to ourselves for the whole flight.

So tell me, are you a chatter? Or do you only speak if spoken to (or if the lady next to you is absolutely stunning)