Dutch airline KLM is working on a tool that will give passengers the chance to choose their seatmate by linking travellers Facebook and LinkedIn profiles to their check information.
‘Meet and Seat’ will allow travellers checking in to choose their neighbour through online networking sites.
This idea allows passengers to pick people with similar interests to sit next to them.
Passengers will also be able to use these networking sites to choose their neighbour based on looks and even job description.
The matchmaking service, which is currently still in development is set to launch early next year, and further details are being kept under wrap.
An opt-out option will be available for passengers who prefer to ignore their neighbour and enjoy entertainment through their headphones; this will mean that they don’t have to share their personal information with others.
However for those who do choose to join in, their neighbour may not be what they expected, making their flight a long one. For instance their neighbour may turn out to be less attractive than first thought or they insist on talking business for the entire journey.
KLM airlines is not the first to spark controversy and harness social media for its passengers.
Malaysian Airlines are planning to release a Facebook service, allowing passengers to see whether any of their friends are booked on the same flight or plan to visit the same destination at the same time.
Making headlines in 2006 were AirTroductions, which offered an online dating service for frequent flyers, allowing them the chance to meet other travellers. However the company have since closed down.
Article by Charlotte Greenhalgh
