Headphones, Alcohol, and 'No-Child Zones': Flyers Reveal Their Favorite Airplane Amenities

When it comes to flying, everyone has their amenity of choice, from the perfect pair of noise-canceling headphones to the elusive, non-lumpy neck pillow. Expedia recently asked flyers which paid amenities made their must-have list—most aren't a surprise (extra legroom), but some are pretty creative (child-free quiet zones). Here's what made the list (in order from most-popular to least): water, phones/mobile devices, headphones, an in-flight meal, and magazines/newspapers. Thirteen percent of Americans reported not being able to live without prescription medication and 9 percent cited alcohol. That being said, Australians topped the list for being the largest fans of in-flight alcohol (14 percent put it among their top five flying essentials).

Of all of the nationalities surveyed, Americans were the least likely to pay extra for in-flight amenities when it comes to short flights (three hours or less). That being said, Americans are more than happy to open their wallets for optional amenities on longer flights (between seven and 12 hours). Of the surveyed 41 percent would pay for extra leg room, 20 percent would pay for a cocktail, and 49 percent would pay for a full meal. Americans are also the likeliest passengers to pay for an aisle seat (16 percent would opt in), slightly following Singaporeans (17 percent).