What the high-fliers really want

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner has electronic dimmable windows, vaulted ceilings, larger overhead compartments than other aircraft and mood lighting. Photo / Grant Bradley

A place for a proper nap tops the list for those in search of the perfect flight.

A recent survey by website Skyscanner found 20 per cent of frequent flyers were tired of sleeping close to upright and wanted capsule beds. This was followed closely on the priority list by a soundproof area for noisy children.

Other requests included anti-kick seats, massage chairs, free use of iPads and even transparent floors and ceilings for the ultimate view.

Dave Boyt of Skyscanner said the capsule beds, iPads and showers were already available for those in the first and business class, but he didn't know of any airline planning to introduce them to economy.

Cinemas, cocktail bars and a soundproof area for kids also might remain a dream.

"Soundproof sections for children and anti-kick seats would be a first in a relaxing flight experience as they haven't yet been introduced by any airline," Boyte said.

A surprisingly high number of voters saw flying as an opportunity to flirt at 10,000m - 4 per cent of those who took part in the survey voted for a singles section.

Last month, Air New Zealand showed off a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has electronic dimmable windows, vaulted ceilings, larger overhead compartments than other aircraft and mood lighting.

Air New Zealand has ordered 10 of the larger nine-series planes, which promise 20 per cent fuel efficiency gains on similar-sized aircraft and greater passenger comfort, but will not get them until around the middle of 2014.