Not too many people view flying as a positive experience, but you might not have realized it has gotten this bad.

A CNBC poll shows that 40 percent of Americans think waiting in a crowded airport is worse than going to a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

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That's statistically tied with the 42 percent who think the DMV is worse, as the survey has a 3.4 percentage-point margin of error. A total of 12 percent said the two experiences are equally unpleasant.

Only 25 percent of respondents view air travel as enjoyable, while 40 percent say it's bearable, and 27 percent see it as unenjoyable or awful.

Passengers aren't too happy with crowded planes. A total of 75 percent said that makes flying a less-than-favorable experience. Less than 10 percent of respondents are pleased with the size of plane seats.

About two-thirds of Americans have a favorable view of the service they receive from airline staff.

The New York Times air-travel columnist Joe Sharkey cites one other positive element of flying, the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program.

That enables you to go through TSA security at the airport without taking off your shoes, belt and sport coat; without taking your laptop computer out of your bag; and without going through a body scanner.

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