UPDATE: Happy April Fools Day! OK you got us – we’re not actually launching a Silent Flights feature. We had a bit of fun with our April Fools prank, but we’re serious about making your travel experience the best it can be, and we’re always looking for new ways to do that!
01 April, 2023: Hate small talk on flights? Get ready to say “Shhh!” the next time you’re airbourne, because KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, has launched a new ‘Silent Flights’ feature to help passengers avoid talkative seatmates.
Based on KAYAK’s unique algorithm of flight data and user reviews, the new feature will help travellers easily search for flights that have a higher likelihood to offer a calm and interruption-free atmosphere.
The new feature comes as a new study* amongst 1,020 UK travellers reveals nearly 1 in 5 (21%) do not welcome the EU’s recent ruling to enable phone on flights within Europe this year, while a staggering 80% of travellers say they would be likely to book a flight that offers a “no phone call zone” to limit noise and disturbance from other passengers.
Using the new feature is simple. Just click ‘Silent Flights’ when you’re searching for your next flight, and select from two preferences: “No phone call zone” and “No small talk”. Choose one or both options, and voilà: You’ll be on your way to a peacefully quiet and relaxing travel experience.
Evan Day, KAYAK UK Country Manager, comments: “We understand that some people can’t resist the urge to strike up a conversation with their fellow seatmates or use their flight time to make calls once the new EU legislation for 5G on planes takes effect. Others just want to relax, catch some z’s, or binge-watch a season of their favourite show in peace. With our new Silent Flights feature, passengers can now easily find flights with more fellow quiet comrades for a more zen-like atmosphere.
The new filter doesn’t just benefit passengers wanting peace and quiet. The Chatty Cathys of the world can also seek solace knowing they’ll be able to talk away to their hearts desire during their flight without the fear of judgement and eyerolls from fellow passengers. So everyone’s a winner.”
For more information on ‘Silent Flights’ and other KAYAK news, head to https://www.kayak.co.uk/news/.
STUDY METHODOLOGY
An online survey was conducted by Walr among 1020 UK based EU country travellers, can be for work or leisure, travel by any means, a minimum of once a year. The research
fieldwork took place between March 17 – 19, 2023. Walr is a member organisation of the
Market Research Society and abides by all codes of practice.
ABOUT KAYAK
KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car, cruise, or vacation package. We’re also transforming the in-travel experience with our app and new accommodation software. For more information, visit www.KAYAK.com.
