HATE FLYING ECONOMY CLASS?

HATE FLYING ECONOMY CLASS?

Source: www.businessinsider.com

HOW WORLD AIRLINES ARE AIMING TO MAKE IT RELAXING

Modern air travel has become increasingly unpleasant as airlines continue to shrink seat sizes to fit more passengers on board — and this is especially true in economy class. But not all airlines are heading in this direction. In fact, many of them are working to increase passenger comfort through new innovations.

From coach seats that convert to flat beds to cabin filtration systems that produce cleaner air, here are 5 ways airlines are working to make your economy class flight more enjoyable.

1. Coach seats are converting into flat beds

Economy class usually consists of uncomfortable cramped seats that follow a standard row format. But that's changing. Several airlines have introduced economy seats that can be converted to flat beds, and some have taken that even further.

The arms on the seats retract, while the seat base extends and seat belts lengthen to give you space for reclining. Up to two people can recline together by lying horizontally against the wall. It's been dubbed the "Cuddle Class," and comes at the standard price for each seat, and the third shared seat for half price.

2. Airlines are coming up with creative new seating arrangements in economy class

Air New Zealand is also thinking about new ways to lay out economy class seating. The Air New Zealand Space Seat, offered on its 777-300 Premium Economy, gives passengers space and privacy with curved, couch-style seats that can rotate so that you can face the person next to you and share a meal or turn away for privacy.

The seats are a good option for people who may need to do work or catch some sleep in privacy. Offered for its premium economy class, the seating provides the option for comfortable seating without having to pay for business class.

3. There is more leg room in economy class

Lufthansa created slimmer seats that are made with a mesh fiber instead of traditional foam padding to allow for increased leg room. Plus, the magazine slits are found at the top of the seat back to give you more knee space. It also offers a premium economy class that features lots of leg room at just a little more than economy class prices.

Delta Air Lines has its economy comfort class, which offers priority boarding, 50% more recline, four more inches of legroom, and adjustable headrests and footrests. Singapore Airlines' premium economy class seats are 19.5 inches wide, with increased leg room, 8 inches of recline, and a calf- and footrest.

Virgin Atlantic has refitted its Boeing 747 aircrafts flying out of London, Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow, to include premium economy seats that offer up to 38 inches of seat pitch and 21 inches of width.

4. There are in-flight iPad rentals

While it's not uncommon for airlines to offer the ability to stream content on your own iPad or mobile devices, some airlines provide you with in-flight iPads themselves.

Qantas offers the option to stream on your own device or to use their iPads, offered on all 2-class B717 aircrafts and select A330-200 aircrafts.

Several airlines also offer iPads that you can rent for a fee. Jetstar has integrated brackets that iPads, which you can rent for $8.40, can be snapped into on the back of each seat to offer personalized TV-like screens where you can access movies, TV shows, interactive games, e-magazines, and music. Philippine Airlines offers iPads for rent at $15 for select Middle East routes including Abu Dhabi, Dammam,Riyadjh, and Dubai. And Hawaiian Airlines has iPads for rent at $15 pre-flight.

5. Filtered cabins are making breathing easier

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a state-of-the-art filtration and cooling system installed into airline cabins to provide cleaner and fresher air. The system uses a HEPA filter to clean out bacteria and viruses, and a gas filter to rid the air of any odors.

Instead of the typical cabin pressure of 7,000 feet, the Dreamliner has a pressurization of 6,000 feet that customers say makes breathing easier thanks to air that is less dry.

Airline pressure and moisture can also affect how food tastes on a flight, and scientists predict that the more moisture there is in the air, the better the food will taste. LAN Chile, JAL, Air India, Royal Air Maroc, and United are some of the airlines that fly the Boeing Dreamliners equipped with this special filter system.