Photos.com
Every time I book a flight I always have to click the dreaded “Economy” button. I long for the day I will be able to even look at the business class flight prices (and yes, it will happen). But for now, coach it is. And finally things are looking up.
Economy used to be great as a kid traveling to and fro from Australia. It could have been because I was small and therefore didn't need much roomy, but that's not the point. What I do remember is: each flight had all meals and drinks included (for my mum -- yes, she needed them), blankets and pillows were given out free of charge, you simply took earphones from the box as you entered the plane, long haul flights always included toiletries such as (at the very least) an eye mask and toothbrush/paste and if you were a kid (or even a big kid) playing cards or a “kids” pack were practically thrown at you as soon as you sat down.
But the good news: as Travel + Lesiure has reported, some airlines are getting their act together and putting back innovations into Economy Class instead of taking away. Sadly only one of them is on a US-based carrier (Delta). It's no wonder we can't seem to crack the World's Best Airlines.
Skip the jump to find out airlines that are upgrading their economy class to make flights more comfortable and carefree and at no extra cost to you.
Breathe a breath of fresh air onLAN
One of the first airlines to operate a HEPA filter, which will attack bacteria and viruses in the air, and then a gas filter will take out any nasty smells so you can have clean, cool and fresh air the entire flight.
Other airlines to utilize device: JAL, Air India, Royal Air Maroc and Continental/United
A little bit extra for nearly nothing at all on Delta Airlines
Delta is now offering their Economy Comfort Class free for it’s Platinum and Diamond SkyMiles regulars, and otherwise offered at a scaling fee. Comfort Class includes: priority seating, more reclining, more legroom, adjustable headrest, footrest and free drinks.
Never, ever, ever get bored on Singapore Airlines
Each seat is now equipped with a personal TV that is linked up Singapore Air’s KrisWorld. An entertainment system that has basically thousands of things to watch, listen and play with. International WiFi is soon to be released (small fee) and USB ports can be found in every seat as well so if you can’t find something on KrisWorld (doubtful), you can watch/listen to your own stuff.
Be a little bit cheeky on Air New Zealand
Look, everyone is thinking it. We are just saying it okay. Air NZ just puts us in awkward yet nice positions all the time. They are now introducing a SkyCouch where 3 passenger seats turn into a bed – they are naming it “cuddle class” – ohhh.
Just like back in the day on South African Airways
Finally. At least someone is bringing sexy back. SAA is has grab-n-go juices or water bottles always available in the galley, gourmet meals and snacks throughout the flight as well as a fully stocked bar. Oh and don't forget about the pillow, blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste and eye mask. Ahhh...
Slimming down on Lufthansa
The Germans know what to do. Slim down a seat, but keep it comfortable, move the magazine rack up so it’s not in the way of your legs and vallah, more leg room/more space in general. Brilliant.
Hanging around on Qantas
Keep up with this one. Qantas a.k.a The Flying Kangaroo has used inspiration from their emblem, the kangaroo, to come up with an innovative idea: a pouch for your feet. A footrest that takes up no room, is comfy, and can even lessen deep vein thrombosis.
And the Aussie ideas just keep coming on Jetstar
Budget airline in Australia, Jetstar, have instead of using money, saved money and put a clip on the back of each seat so you can buckle in your own iPad and watch/do whatever it is you need to. And if you don’t have an iPad you can rent one for less than $10.
Battle of the sexes on All Nippon Airways
Japan airlines ANA launches the Dreamliner Boeing 787 this month. And what's its special feature? Separate bathrooms for males and females, all of which offer a window (so you have a restroom with a view) plus a high-tech Japanese "Washlet” (where warm, pressurized water jets offer a fresher bidet clean instead of the one-ply paper).
A new invention on an airline that is yet to be determined
A reinvented drinks cart that has coffee, tea, juice, soda, beer and mixed drinks is currently undergoing last minute tweaks before entering the sky. It is a machine intended to pour drinks (instead of using bottles and cans every five seconds). Why did no one think of this earlier?
--JESS KLAEBE
