“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.”
Some people can remember when the process of flying involved rickety old seats and a bag of peanuts for passengers. Entertainment was not an option besides bringing a book or a magazine. Comfort was also less of a priority for airlines and the earlier designs of huge planes were left lacking when it came to customer comforts.
Big airlines and planes taking commercial passengers quickly latched onto the fact that people would want more forms of entertainment than this and that it wasn’t enough to just let people amuse themselves.
Some airlines focus on comfort as the main form of advertising – people really value things like being able to sit and relax on a flight and even getting some sleep. Nobody wants to be bored while they travel and though economy classes don’t have quite as many accommodations for people’s comfort, things are getting better.
In-Flight Entertainment
There was a time when it was considered fortunate if people were shown a movie on their flight. They probably would not have had a choice in what kind of movie was played and it was a case of putting up with what you got. Entertainment has come on in leaps and bounds.
No more movies being shown on a small overhead screen often miles from where you were sitting! Those days are mostly gone.
The selection itself is impressive. Airlines are partnering with streaming giants and content creators to bring a mix of blockbuster movies and television shows for all ages. On-demand entertainment systems mean no more awkwardly starting a movie halfway through or waiting for a specific program.
For those who prefer their own devices many carriers now offer free or low-cost Wi-Fi. This opens up a world of different possibilities for the sort of things people can do as entertainment. Bringing a device enables travelers to play a variety of different games even while they are being transported around the globe. A lot of people opt to play casino games due to the fact that these come in a lot of varieties and can take up as much or as little time as somebody has.
There are shorter casino games that can be played for a few minutes here and there on the flight or games that last longer. Slots are a popular option as they do not require a huge level of focus (it can be hard to strategize in a game while on a plane). These online casino games provide one of many different options for players who are looking to entertain themselves on the trip.
There are lots of other games people can play as well as potentially streaming sports and live events happening back on the ground. Entertainment has come a long way.
People who are fans of slot games may find that they can also use this time to explore the best games and most recently-released slot games out there. The industry definitely moves quickly.
An Evolution of Cabin Design
It’s not just about seats and snacks and cabins themselves are being designed with comfort in mind. Newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are setting new standards. These planes are quieter and have better air filtration systems that reduce the dry feeling so common in older cabins. Lower cabin pressure also helps lessen the dreaded “jet lag” effect. Airbus has put a lot of research into reducing Jet Lag and some of the comfort features offered are impressive.
Lighting is another area where things have improved. Airlines are using LED mood lighting to mimic natural light cycles. This helps passengers adjust their internal clocks which can make long-haul travel less of a strain. Boarding a plane that gently shifts from bright whites to calming purples can feel surprisingly soothing.
Overhead bins are also being redesigned to fit more luggage, reducing the usual scramble to find space. Wwider aisles and redesigned lavatories add subtle but noticeable convenience to the overall experience.
Much quieter designs are also available. There are still engines that run that were invented over 100 years ago but these aren’t on commercial airliners. Thankfully there are much quieter options for airlines to use and customers may feel more relaxed as a result.
On customer airlines, this has become more widely expected. Even some of the little things like USB charging ports and complimentary water bottles show that airlines are listening to what travelers want. Passengers may also be given extra perks like free earbuds or activity packs for kids. It helps in ensuring everyone stays content. Even in the economy classes, there may be some extra comfort features people can rely on.
Conclusion
It’s clear that airlines are putting real effort into improving comfort across the board. Companies need to think about their customers in order to survive as a company and people who fly as passengers are reaping the rewards.
“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.”
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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