Interaction or privacy?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 3
Interaction or privacy?
I am more a person who likes to have my own privacy during a flight. There are always some people who like to have a chat with you, so have some social interaction with the neighbours. Normally, I am not that bothered with a little chat but do not really like to have a long conversation during the flight.
I was wondering what do you guys prefer during a flight, more privacy or more social interaction.
I was wondering what do you guys prefer during a flight, more privacy or more social interaction.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 7,560
With me, it depends.
I am not naturally chatty, and I don't tend to strike up conversations myself... but I will always exchange at least a "hello" with my seat neighbours, and sometimes conversations will just develop naturally.
I don't like it when people just talk to me incessantly, assuming that I want to have a conversation with them (fortunately this hasn't happened very often) - but I've had some very enjoyable in-flight conversations which, somehow, just "happened".
I am not naturally chatty, and I don't tend to strike up conversations myself... but I will always exchange at least a "hello" with my seat neighbours, and sometimes conversations will just develop naturally.
I don't like it when people just talk to me incessantly, assuming that I want to have a conversation with them (fortunately this hasn't happened very often) - but I've had some very enjoyable in-flight conversations which, somehow, just "happened".
#5
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,031
For me, privacy when alone... some interaction when travelling with a friend or my partner.
I have a tendency to start wearing my Bose headsets as soon as I sit down... that makes the privacy desire pretty obvious.
I have a tendency to start wearing my Bose headsets as soon as I sit down... that makes the privacy desire pretty obvious.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: MCI
Programs: AAdvantage Citi Platinum Select, DL Skymiles/AMEX Plat
Posts: 185
Just depends on my mood and other factors.
If I'm flying solo (which is about 90% of the time) on business, I don't mind having friendly conversation with people (strangers) sitting next to me if they're not annoying and or creepy. If they do meet those two elements, I'll usually do a quick hi and put on my headphones.
Overall, I like a good balance of conversation and some privacy to where I can listen to my MP3 player and focus on getting work done on my laptop if need be.
If I'm flying leisure with friends or family, I'll talk to them the entire flight. No problem there.
If I'm flying solo (which is about 90% of the time) on business, I don't mind having friendly conversation with people (strangers) sitting next to me if they're not annoying and or creepy. If they do meet those two elements, I'll usually do a quick hi and put on my headphones.
Overall, I like a good balance of conversation and some privacy to where I can listen to my MP3 player and focus on getting work done on my laptop if need be.
If I'm flying leisure with friends or family, I'll talk to them the entire flight. No problem there.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA LT Gold; BA Silver; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,081
I'm always well-stocked with books and tunes, but have found that I tend to get into more conversation with seatmates on long-hauls in Business. Maybe part of it is that you have so little personal space in Coach that withdrwaing is more comfortable. It's especially nice if I end up next to someone from the country I'm visiting/have just visited. I learn a lot.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happily living in Frenaros Cyprus having escaped the near-death experience called Sofia Bulgaria
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold, DL FO and 1MM, and a bunch of others at a low level
Posts: 2,051
I generally prefer privacy, but do interact politely just to be cordial. I do not, however, appreciate the loud-talkers who have to share their life story with their seatmate on a long TATL flight.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YBG, YUL, TXL
Programs: AC Aeroplan, LH M&M, BA Executive, FI Saga Club
Posts: 122
It depends, really. I'm very sociable but when you talk to strangers, it can turn against you. I wouldn't like a conversation lasting the whole flight.
I do say hello and some casual talk if that happens but mostly during boarding only. Greetings at deplaning, that's about it.
This being said, I have always dreamed of meeting a girl during a flight.
I do say hello and some casual talk if that happens but mostly during boarding only. Greetings at deplaning, that's about it.
This being said, I have always dreamed of meeting a girl during a flight.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: MCI
Programs: AAdvantage Citi Platinum Select, DL Skymiles/AMEX Plat
Posts: 185
Yep never fails. I've met women many times on flights...particularly ones coming back from Dallas or Chicago. I've also found that airport bars and restaurants tend to be good places to chat up the ladies.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 3
I see that most people do not mind a quick chat, but also prefer there own privacy now and then.
I always use my earphones or shut my eyes (try to get a sleep) to create my own privacy.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: on the Llano Estacado
Posts: 2,652
Ditto, although mine are in-ear Etymotics. Combine that with the book I'm holding, and someone would pretty much have to scream and wave their hand in front of my face to get my attention.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,784
Exactly. Airplane time is quiet time. A nod and some mumbled pleasantry are about the maximum interaction in which I am willing to participate.
#14
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
I don't mind one or the other, I don't plan for either when I board. Some of my best flights have been interacting with others.
With privacy though you know what you are getting. With interaction, I hope it's somewhat above the level of peek - a - boo with a three year old (which sadly, sometimes it is not).
With privacy though you know what you are getting. With interaction, I hope it's somewhat above the level of peek - a - boo with a three year old (which sadly, sometimes it is not).