The FBI’s most wanted man, Osama Bin Laden, and glamour model Katie Price are the odd couple that flyers would least like to get stuck next to on a plane.

It’s just one of the curious findings of a survey of travel insurance buyers, by Consumer Intelligence – a UK-based provider of information to the insurance industry, run by DMI columnist Ian Hughes.

Katie Price – aka Jordan – was easily the least popular person, almost three times more unpopular than her closest female rival, model Naomi Campbell. The bizarre trio of footballer Wayne Rooney, UK PM Gordon Brown and Libyan leader Colonel Gadaffi complete the list of passengers they seem most desperate to avoid having to sit next to.

But all is not lost; the survey found travel insurance buyers wanted to sit next to singer Cheryl Cole, President Obama, movie star Angelina Jolie and Monty Python’s Michael Palin. Other popular choices included actress Helen Mirren, The Queen, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and celebrity businessman Sir Alan Sugar.   

Commenting on the survey results, Hughes – a renowned marketing expert and speaker – said: “It just goes to show that celebrity status can work both ways – and politicians and footballers seem to have some way to go to improve their in-flight appeal.”

But forget celebrities, long check-ins and security hold-ups – it seems what irritates travellers the most are rude and inconsiderate fellow passengers. Specific problems included being woken up by having the back of seats pulled by the person behind as they get up, body odour, noisy children and those leaning across to reach for luggage, food and drink.

The survey also found that lack of seating space, airport delays, advertised prices that aren’t what you pay and officious security staff made flyers steam.

Hughes added: “Basic onboard etiquette is clearly something airlines should champion and every flyer must actively consider.”

Insurance buyers wanting to join the Consumer Intelligence Mystery Shopper panel can join at: www.consumerintel.com