The article is paywalled, but the implication is that passengers would potentially balk at radically different plane designs. The truth is that we suffer through modern day air travel - either by paying a fortune for moderate conveniences or by getting the equivalent to a 1970s school bus seat. Whoever makes a cheaper flight will win, as we will pay slightly more for another inch of personal space. The public doesn't care about the design - they care about the price and the comfort.

Lived in NYC for fifteen years and always internally grumbled at subway/bus music and kids with the volume up on games.

Started commuting from the Hudson Valley and got the same folks on Metro North. Even in the Quiet Car.

Started working remotely and hiking the mountain every morning... Guess what? Folks play their music on the trail.

Get some good headphones. These folks are unavoidable.