In-flight socializing just got an upgrade into the 21st century. Passengers flying on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Malaysia Airlines are now able to share their social network profiles or photos to pick seatmates before the flight. USA Today writes, “The social-seating plans are seen as the ultimate social-networking dream by some and an invitation to stalkers and a privacy nightmare by others.” The plus side is, just like striking up a conversation with your seatmate about the quality of airport kiosk sandwiches, participation in this new facet of social media is completely voluntary.

This new initiative has also sparked interest from JetBlue, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, although none have definitive plans to adopt similar programs just yet. JetBlue spokeswoman Allison Steinberg stated, “We haven’t ruled out social seating or similar concepts, but it’s not something we’re actively pursuing. We’re conscious of some of the privacy concerns it might raise and are careful to listen to cues from our customers on what they want.”

Time to weigh in - if a social seating program was available on your next flight, would you participate, or do you think this is a recipe for a stalking disaster?

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