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Americans are the unhappiest air travellers in the world, according to new research.

A survey conducted by aviation IT specialists SITA reveals that 28 per cent are dissatisfied with their flying experience, compared with global average of 22 per cent.

While the remaining 78 per cent say they are generally happy with their air travel experiences, more than half of all passengers would like to see better fare comparisons during booking, improved real-time flight information and wifi on board all flights.

Frustrated: 28% of American travellers are dissatisfied with their air travel experience, according to a survey

Happy travellers: Middle Eastern passengers are happiest (pictured: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways flight)

Passengers from the Middle East and Africa are the happiest with just 16 per cent complaining about their air travel experience.

A significant number of Asian travellers are also unhappy, with 23 per cent expressing their dissatisfaction, followed by Europeans (18 per cent).

The dreaded baggage carousel is the cause of most travel headaches, according to the survey, with 27 per cent of respondents wishing to see 'significant' improvement. 

Streamlined service: More than half say technology has improved travel, such as automated passport checks

Security and border control procedures (25 per cent), flight connections (24 per cent) and check-in (23 per cent) are also areas where passengers would like airlines to work on. 

Issues such as service by crewmembers, flight delays and cancellations and other passengers were not included in the survey, which focused on aviation technology.

Aviation processes where technology solutions have been implemented are the cause of fewer headaches for travellers, the survey indicates.

Streamlined procedures such as automated passport control and 'smart security' are already being rolled out across airports globally.

Headaches: Baggage collection is where the most travellers would like to see improvement

SITA reports that an improved bag delivery system should be implemented by 2018, and mobile apps with the ability to update passengers on the whereabouts of their luggage are in development. 

More than half of those surveyed say that their travel experience has been improved by technology improvements, and 95 per cent use websites to make travel arrangements. However, just 13 per cent have used a self-service kiosk at an airport.