Bounce Selects Top Airlines for Stress-Free Travel
Crying Babies and Turbulence Cited as Main Stress Factors
Singapore Airlines Ranked No. 1 for Least Stressful Experience
Chairman Cho Won-tae of Hanjin Group and James Kim, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, are inspecting the interior of the Boeing 787-10 aircraft featuring the new CI at the 'Rising Night' event held on the afternoon of March 11 at the Korean Air headquarters hangar in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Airport Photographers Group
The most uncomfortable factors for passengers during flights were found to be crying babies and turbulence. Recently, Bounce, a luggage storage service company, conducted a survey on in-flight stress factors with over 2,000 travelers. More than half of the respondents (51.6% and 51.5%, respectively) cited 'crying babies' and 'in-flight turbulence' as the main stressors. Surrounding noise, delays, and crowded restrooms also ranked high. Other factors included unfriendly flight attendants, congested aisles, extremely cold or hot cabins, and waiting for restrooms.
On the afternoon of March 11, at the Korean Air headquarters hangar in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, an aircraft featuring the new CI was unveiled during the 'Korean Air Rising Night' event. Photo by Airport Photographers Group
Excessive alcohol service on board ranked 11th, with the proportion of discomfort more than doubling as age increased. Among respondents aged 18-24, 14.5% expressed discomfort with in-flight alcohol service, whereas 34.8% of those aged 65 and older felt uneasy.
Based on the survey data, Bounce comprehensively evaluated in-flight crew service, seat space, and additional support programs to select the airlines with the least stressful experience.
Ranked first was Singapore Airlines (Stress-Free Score: 8.94 out of 10). Its economy class seat width is 18.5 inches, offering the widest space among the top 10 airlines, ensuring a more comfortable journey even on long-haul flights. Although Singapore Airlines does not operate a separate support program for sensitive passengers, it provides a meditation playlist available on board. The Spotify playlist, composed of natural sounds and soothing instrumental pieces, helps passengers relax.
Second place went to Korean Air (Stress-Free Score: 8.82), which Bounce described as an excellent choice for sensitive passengers. Its economy seat pitch is 32.5 inches, offering more generous space than competitors Cathay Pacific (32.0 inches) and Japan Airlines (31.7 inches). The seat width is 17.8 inches, narrower than Singapore Airlines, but still provides a comfortable flight experience on long-haul routes from Seoul Incheon Airport to Los Angeles, Paris, Bangkok, and others. Like Singapore Airlines, Korean Air received perfect scores for safety and reviews, making it one of the airlines passengers feel safest with, according to Bounce.
Third place was Cathay Pacific, fourth was Japan Airlines, and fifth was Qatar Airways. Additionally, British low-cost carrier easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Swiss International Air Lines were ranked in the top 10.
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