by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:37 PM ET, Tue August 28, 2018
A new study classified the massive number of airline passengers around the world who have built an economy all their own worth $400.5 billion as its own country, dubbed Flyland.
New research from HSBC revealed the 11.9 million people who fly each day add more than $1.26 billion to the industry total daily, which would make the hypothetical nation the 25th largest economy in the world.
HSBC revealed the typical citizen of Flyland takes an average of 4.5 flights and spends 30 hours in the air each year. The study also found that relationships are built in the sky, with 47 percent of air travelers saying they have started a conversation with the stranger next to them and 12 percent making a lasting friendship on a flight.
Of the travelers surveyed, HSBC found 83 percent believe they now understand the world better, 77 percent feel more independent, 67 percent claim to be more tolerant and 63 percent are more patient as a result of travel.
"Air travel has become an increasingly important part of peoples' lives in the last 10 years, thanks to growing global commerce and pure wanderlust. It has made more experiences, opportunities and relationships possible than ever before," HSBC head of marketing Cindy Wong said in a statement. "The key to seamless, efficient and worry-free travel is having a bank that goes wherever you go. HSBC is in 67 countries around the globe to ensure that travelers have access to the money, support and services that they need to make the most of their adventure."
While Flyland can be a peaceful place, travelers still have gripes. The study revealed that 65 percent of passengers said children kicking their seat is the most annoying part of flying, with 59 percent of respondents saying children running wild is also a major problem.
The research also found Americans spend an average of $51.32 per flight, with Wi-Fi ($4.92), food ($11.68), drinks ($4.56), alcoholic drinks ($4.76) and duty-free ($32.53) being the most expensive purchases.
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