Brits 'would choose plane seat next to Clinton rather than Trump'

Boris Johnson topped the list of political travel companions

Hillary Clinton boards an aeroplane at Philadelphia International Airport on 6 November (AFP/Getty)

UK holidaymakers would prefer to sit next to Hillary Clinton on a flight than Donald Trump, a survey has found.

Mrs Clinton was chosen by 17% of travellers as the politician they would most like to make small talk with at 30,000 feet, compared with her US presidential rival who was selected by just 3% of those polled.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson topped the list of political travel companions with 23% of the vote, as holidaymakers perhaps hope to grill him over his thoughts on Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May was in second place at 20%.

Some 13% of the 1,000 British holidaymakers surveyed said they would like to sit next to Ukip leader Nigel Farage on a flight.

The research was commissioned by World Travel Market (WTM), a travel trade exhibition opening at the ExCeL convention centre in east London on Monday.

The event's senior director, Simon Press, said: “Whatever one thinks of his politics, Boris Johnson comes across as an affable type who would be fun to talk to on a flight.

”For those interested in a more serious conversation, Theresa May or Hillary Clinton gets the nod.“

The study also suggested that travel bosses fear victory for Mr Trump on Tuesday could be bad for their businesses.

A survey of 2,044 senior industry professionals found that just 7% believe him winning the election would be better for the sector, compared with 60% who selected Mrs Clinton.

Almost one in three (33%) felt neither candidate would be good for business.

Press Association