Extra legroom, complimentary wines, iPad docks: some airlines
are upgrading the economy-class experience.
By Mark Ellwood Appeared as "" in T+L Magazineare upgrading the economy-class experience.
New
Yorker Marsha Sharpe, 31, travels constantly for her corporate music business
SongDivision—logging trips to Turkey, South Africa and across America. But
she’s no longer flying business class. “Economy has become the new black,” says
Sharpe.
Yorker Marsha Sharpe, 31, travels constantly for her corporate music business
SongDivision—logging trips to Turkey, South Africa and across America. But
she’s no longer flying business class. “Economy has become the new black,” says
Sharpe.
Fortunately, even as
cash-strapped airlines raise fees and cut services, there’s a countervailing
trend that has gone largely unnoticed by disgruntled travelers: economy class
is getting better. Some airlines are introducing amenities and getting creative
with seat design to lure budget-minded travelers like Sharpe. Where once
business class was the primary revenue engine, it’s increasingly important that
every cabin and every seat is both profitable and comfortable.
cash-strapped airlines raise fees and cut services, there’s a countervailing
trend that has gone largely unnoticed by disgruntled travelers: economy class
is getting better. Some airlines are introducing amenities and getting creative
with seat design to lure budget-minded travelers like Sharpe. Where once
business class was the primary revenue engine, it’s increasingly important that
every cabin and every seat is both profitable and comfortable.
This change started in the
early 1990s, when safety certification changes forced airlines to tweak their
seats across the craft, explains Vern Alg of Aircraft Interiors Expo
early 1990s, when safety certification changes forced airlines to tweak their
seats across the craft, explains Vern Alg of Aircraft Interiors Expo
New materials like aluminums
and titaniums have brought about new design possibilities, he says, and due to
the rising price of fuel, “there’s pressure on airlines to have seats that are
lighter and more comfortable.”
and titaniums have brought about new design possibilities, he says, and due to
the rising price of fuel, “there’s pressure on airlines to have seats that are
lighter and more comfortable.”
Leave it to the Germans to
engineer a simple-yet-brilliant upgrade to economy-class seating. Lufthansa
embraced seat manufacturer Recaro’s pioneering design, purchasing 32,000 new
seats across the fleet. The seats themselves have been thinned down (without
compromising comfort) and the magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind
the tray table to increase legroom. There’s no better catalyst for change than
competition, lately in the form of new models: the Airbus A380 and the Boeing
787. As airline companies snap up these new planes, they have a chance to
reimagine the economy-class cabin in hopes of placating both profit-seeking
shareholders and comfort-craving passengers. Japan’s ANA, for instance, is
outfitting its new 787 fleet with gender-segregated bathrooms that have windows
and bidet-toilets (“Washlets”) that offer warm, pressurized water jets for a
fresher clean than one-ply paper.
engineer a simple-yet-brilliant upgrade to economy-class seating. Lufthansa
embraced seat manufacturer Recaro’s pioneering design, purchasing 32,000 new
seats across the fleet. The seats themselves have been thinned down (without
compromising comfort) and the magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind
the tray table to increase legroom. There’s no better catalyst for change than
competition, lately in the form of new models: the Airbus A380 and the Boeing
787. As airline companies snap up these new planes, they have a chance to
reimagine the economy-class cabin in hopes of placating both profit-seeking
shareholders and comfort-craving passengers. Japan’s ANA, for instance, is
outfitting its new 787 fleet with gender-segregated bathrooms that have windows
and bidet-toilets (“Washlets”) that offer warm, pressurized water jets for a
fresher clean than one-ply paper.
Of course, not all creative
ideas take flight. The semi-standing Skyrider seat that would offer just 23” of
legroom—an experience compared to riding horseback—was widely shunned last
year. But travelers have (literally) embraced a revolutionary loveseat-like
arrangement for couples that Air New Zealand has nicknamed “Cuddle Class.” It’s
an economy-class row of three seats that converts to a bed with the touch of a
button.
ideas take flight. The semi-standing Skyrider seat that would offer just 23” of
legroom—an experience compared to riding horseback—was widely shunned last
year. But travelers have (literally) embraced a revolutionary loveseat-like
arrangement for couples that Air New Zealand has nicknamed “Cuddle Class.” It’s
an economy-class row of three seats that converts to a bed with the touch of a
button.
Now if only they could come up
with a seat that prevents jet lag.
with a seat that prevents jet lag.
Economy-Class Innovation: Improved in-seat entertainment.
It
may share a name with one of the Kardashian clan, but Singapore’s KrisWorld
entertainment system delivers more than just reality stars. It’s like a hybrid
of Netflix and Spotify with 80 on-demand movies, 180 TV programs, a dozen radio
channels with hundreds of songs, and Dolby headphones for everyone. On almost
every aircraft, the airline is rolling out international Wi-Fi with OnAir for a
small fee. And even in economy there are USB ports for charging—or for
preparing presentations using a thumb drive and the built-in office software.
may share a name with one of the Kardashian clan, but Singapore’s KrisWorld
entertainment system delivers more than just reality stars. It’s like a hybrid
of Netflix and Spotify with 80 on-demand movies, 180 TV programs, a dozen radio
channels with hundreds of songs, and Dolby headphones for everyone. On almost
every aircraft, the airline is rolling out international Wi-Fi with OnAir for a
small fee. And even in economy there are USB ports for charging—or for
preparing presentations using a thumb drive and the built-in office software.
Economy-Class Innovation: A bed at your fingertips.
Imagine
if an economy row of three seats could convert to a bed with the touch of a
button. Well, AirNZ’s Skycouch does exactly that: arms retract, the seat base
extends, and the seatbelts lengthen to buckle up when reclining. Two passengers
can snuggle horizontally, leaning against the wall or lying flat. And the price
is a steal: pay a standard fare for each seat, and the third shared berth is
half price—or a 25 percent per-person premium. By the end of 2012, every flight
to America will offer this “cuddle class.” Until then, AirNZ has a last-minute
trick to help economy passengers sleep soundly on all its long-haul flights. If
available, an empty neighboring seat can be purchased for a bargain price at
check-in (often less than $60 one way).
if an economy row of three seats could convert to a bed with the touch of a
button. Well, AirNZ’s Skycouch does exactly that: arms retract, the seat base
extends, and the seatbelts lengthen to buckle up when reclining. Two passengers
can snuggle horizontally, leaning against the wall or lying flat. And the price
is a steal: pay a standard fare for each seat, and the third shared berth is
half price—or a 25 percent per-person premium. By the end of 2012, every flight
to America will offer this “cuddle class.” Until then, AirNZ has a last-minute
trick to help economy passengers sleep soundly on all its long-haul flights. If
available, an empty neighboring seat can be purchased for a bargain price at
check-in (often less than $60 one way).
Qantas
Economy-Class Innovation: More
comfortable seats.
comfortable seats.
Qantas deeded all its design
needs to industrial icon Marc Newson—and he hasn’t forgotten about economy
passengers or the little details that can make a big difference. On the A380,
seats have movable bases that recline as the back does, making for a smoother
nap. But his canniest tweak is a new riff on the footrest. Newson strung a net
from the seat like a foot hammock. It’s surprisingly comfy and a great
prophylactic against deep vein thrombosis as it keeps circulation flowing.
needs to industrial icon Marc Newson—and he hasn’t forgotten about economy
passengers or the little details that can make a big difference. On the A380,
seats have movable bases that recline as the back does, making for a smoother
nap. But his canniest tweak is a new riff on the footrest. Newson strung a net
from the seat like a foot hammock. It’s surprisingly comfy and a great
prophylactic against deep vein thrombosis as it keeps circulation flowing.
Economy-Class Innovation: iPad brackets.
The
Pinnacle seat by B/E Aerospace is an industry-wide, economy standard—more than
200 million have been produced. But the Aussie budget carrier Jetstar has
snapped up a new version with an ingenious tweak: an integrated bracket so that
an iPad can be snapped onto the back of the seat in front, creating a TV-like
screen. Passengers who don’t have their own iPads needn’t miss out: Jetstar
will soon offer an in-flight rental service for $8.40.
Pinnacle seat by B/E Aerospace is an industry-wide, economy standard—more than
200 million have been produced. But the Aussie budget carrier Jetstar has
snapped up a new version with an ingenious tweak: an integrated bracket so that
an iPad can be snapped onto the back of the seat in front, creating a TV-like
screen. Passengers who don’t have their own iPads needn’t miss out: Jetstar
will soon offer an in-flight rental service for $8.40.
ANA
Economy-Class Innovation: Luxury
toilets.
toilets.
Japan’s ANA is the first
airline to launch Boeing’s much-delayed and much-anticipated 787, nicknamed the
Dreamliner; the first delivery is expected by the end of September 2011. And in
all classes, ANA is introducing select women-only bathrooms and outfitting all
bathrooms with windows and the Japanese-style bidet-toilets known as Washlets,
which offer warm, pressurized water jets for a fresher clean than one-ply
paper. They’re common in Japan (60 percent of households use them) and will
surely make a splash internationally.
airline to launch Boeing’s much-delayed and much-anticipated 787, nicknamed the
Dreamliner; the first delivery is expected by the end of September 2011. And in
all classes, ANA is introducing select women-only bathrooms and outfitting all
bathrooms with windows and the Japanese-style bidet-toilets known as Washlets,
which offer warm, pressurized water jets for a fresher clean than one-ply
paper. They’re common in Japan (60 percent of households use them) and will
surely make a splash internationally.
Economy-Class Innovation: Breathe-easy cabins.
LAN
Chile will soon be using brand-new 787s, which have a hidden plus for cramped,
germ-riddled economy cabins: a state-of-the-art air filter and cooling system.
It strips ozone from outside air, and uses a HEPA filter to blitz bacteria and
viruses, and then a gas filter to take out any nasty smells. The result:
cleaner, fresher air throughout an entire flight. Although LAN Chile will be
one of the first to help passengers breathe more easily, it’s not the only
carrier: JAL, Air India, Royal Air Maroc, and Continental/United will also be
flying Boeing Dreamliners outfitted with this filter and cooling system.
Chile will soon be using brand-new 787s, which have a hidden plus for cramped,
germ-riddled economy cabins: a state-of-the-art air filter and cooling system.
It strips ozone from outside air, and uses a HEPA filter to blitz bacteria and
viruses, and then a gas filter to take out any nasty smells. The result:
cleaner, fresher air throughout an entire flight. Although LAN Chile will be
one of the first to help passengers breathe more easily, it’s not the only
carrier: JAL, Air India, Royal Air Maroc, and Continental/United will also be
flying Boeing Dreamliners outfitted with this filter and cooling system.
Delta Air Lines
Economy-Class Innovation: Premium
Economy without a big price hike.
Economy without a big price hike.
Many airlines now have some
kind of upgraded economy option, but usually for a hefty premium. Delta is
bravely trying to buck the trend with its new Economy Comfort class, available
on 160 aircraft beginning in summer 2011. Free for Platinum and Diamond SkyMiles
regulars, and otherwise offered at a scaling fee (nominal for Gold and Silver
SkyMiles), this new section has plenty to recommend it: priority boarding; 50
percent more recline; four extra inches of legroom; adjustable headrest and, on
some carriers, footrest; and free drinks throughout the flight. Cheers!
kind of upgraded economy option, but usually for a hefty premium. Delta is
bravely trying to buck the trend with its new Economy Comfort class, available
on 160 aircraft beginning in summer 2011. Free for Platinum and Diamond SkyMiles
regulars, and otherwise offered at a scaling fee (nominal for Gold and Silver
SkyMiles), this new section has plenty to recommend it: priority boarding; 50
percent more recline; four extra inches of legroom; adjustable headrest and, on
some carriers, footrest; and free drinks throughout the flight. Cheers!
Economy-Class Innovation: Gourmet treats and a toiletry kit.
Forget
packing a sandwich at home or worrying about running low on snacks onboard
SAA’s long-haul flights to Africa. The airline now offers passengers many of
the delicious gimmicks usually restricted to the pricier cabins: grab-and-go
juice or water bottles always available at the galley, two full meals and a
snack with three different options, and a full, gratis bar stocked with South
African wines and unusual treats like Amarula, the local answer to Baileys.
Even better, every passenger enjoys not just a blanket and pillow, but an
amenity kit with after-dinner toothpaste and eye masks.
packing a sandwich at home or worrying about running low on snacks onboard
SAA’s long-haul flights to Africa. The airline now offers passengers many of
the delicious gimmicks usually restricted to the pricier cabins: grab-and-go
juice or water bottles always available at the galley, two full meals and a
snack with three different options, and a full, gratis bar stocked with South
African wines and unusual treats like Amarula, the local answer to Baileys.
Even better, every passenger enjoys not just a blanket and pillow, but an
amenity kit with after-dinner toothpaste and eye masks.
Lufthansa
Economy-Class Innovation:
Slimmed-down seats for extra legroom.
Slimmed-down seats for extra legroom.
Trust German
engineering—whether it’s BMW or Recaro, the aviation industry’s answer to a
sports car. This seat manufacturer has just pioneered a simple-yet-brilliant
upgrade to economy seating that creates more legroom. Lufthansa has embraced
the design, purchasing 32,000 new seats across the fleet for $175 million. The
seats themselves have been thinned down (without compromising comfort) and the
magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind the tray table. The result?
Stretching your legs a few more inches without stretching your wallet.
engineering—whether it’s BMW or Recaro, the aviation industry’s answer to a
sports car. This seat manufacturer has just pioneered a simple-yet-brilliant
upgrade to economy seating that creates more legroom. Lufthansa has embraced
the design, purchasing 32,000 new seats across the fleet for $175 million. The
seats themselves have been thinned down (without compromising comfort) and the
magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind the tray table. The result?
Stretching your legs a few more inches without stretching your wallet.
Airline To-Be-Determined
Economy-Class Innovation: Automated flight attendants.
Developed in Germany, this reinvented trolley leaves the rest
looking as outdated as a VCR. Via a touchscreen, the Skytender uses syrups,
water, and a carbonation pellet to produce almost three dozen different drinks,
among them hot coffee, tea, juice, sodas, and even beer or mixed drinks. (All
that, plus a major eco-boost since fewer bottles and cans will be discarded.)
It’s currently undergoing a few final design tweaks before its onboard test in
the fall; expect the Skytender to surface in flight by spring 2012.
looking as outdated as a VCR. Via a touchscreen, the Skytender uses syrups,
water, and a carbonation pellet to produce almost three dozen different drinks,
among them hot coffee, tea, juice, sodas, and even beer or mixed drinks. (All
that, plus a major eco-boost since fewer bottles and cans will be discarded.)
It’s currently undergoing a few final design tweaks before its onboard test in
the fall; expect the Skytender to surface in flight by spring 2012.
At
Excelsior Limousine we’re all about the extra leg room in our luxury town cars
and SUVs
Excelsior Limousine we’re all about the extra leg room in our luxury town cars
and SUVs
No comments:
Post a Comment