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 10 ways airlines are working to make your coach flight more enjoyable.
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.
Air New Zealand's Skycouch allows for a row of three economy seats to be converted into a flat bed, all with the push of a button.
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.
Several airlines have copied Air New Zealand's design. China Airlines offers an economy class Family Couch, with three economy seats that adjust into a flat bed to accommodate family and friends. The seats come with a mattress protector, pillows, blankets, and a toy for young travelers. The in-flight entertainment system for these seats also features a "Seat Chat" so you can share movies, music, and messaging with one another.
There is also Air Astana's Economy Sleeper, which allows passengers the chance to have an entire row of three seats on long-haul flights. The Economy Sleeper has arm rests that fold up and include a mattress, pillow, duvet, complimentary amenity kit, and priority check-in. The only downside is these seats come at a hefty price, at about half the fee of the airline's business class flights.
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.
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 al