Airline amenities have come a long way since 1938, when carriers offered chewing gum dispensers to help passengers ease ear pressure during climbs and descents because cabins weren’t pressurized. This lack of pressure forced planes to fly at a lower altitude, where wind and weather frequently bounced passengers around, according to the Air and Space Museum.
In comparison, the cramped legroom of current economy-class seating doesn’t seem all that bad.
Flights have evolved from loud, cold and uncomfortable journeys to experiences that — for some — include beds, bidets and bars.
Recently, Air New Zealand announced the November debut of the “Skynest,” a group of six bunk-bed style sleeping pods for economy passengers. The pods will be available on the roughly 17-hour flights between Auckland and New York.
Each SkyNest pod features a privacy curtain, full-length mattress, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports, according to the airline.
A kit with an eye mask, ear plugs, socks and skin care products is also included.
Economy travelers can book one four-hour session in the SkyNest for 495 New Zealand dollars. Based on the conversion rate at the time this article was published, the cost is approximately $292. Initially, two sessions will be available for each economy passenger.
This move follows United Airlines’ debut of expanded high-end seating and upgraded cabin features. The airline recently announced the Relax Row: a special row of economy seats “that can transform into a couch,” according to a March news release. The Relax Row is set to debut next year.
These latest amenities might leave you wondering: What other luxuries do planes offer?
Beyond standard meals and seatback screens, some carriers offer truly extravagant upgrades for first- and business-class passengers.
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites offer reclinable swivel seats and a separate full-size bed. For those traveling with a companion, two sets of those seats can transform into a “double suite,” allowing passengers to lay side by side if they wish.
Emirates A380 shower suite
Aboard Emirates A380, first-class passengers fly in a “private sanctuary” with sliding doors and a private cinema.
After a long flight, passengers may feel like they need to freshen up. Emirates has conveniently provided those first-class travelers with the A380 shower spa to refresh before landing. The spa offers passengers an exclusive Bvlgari amenity kit, according to the airline.
Qatar Airways A380 business class bar
If passengers feel a little restless during the flight, Qatar Airways’ onboard lounge offers a bar complete with dedicated lounge seating. Travelers can spend a part of their flight here, sipping on a beverage of choice while socializing with fellow first- and business-class passengers.
Japan Airlines A350 headrest speakers
First class onboard a Japan Airlines A350 features headrest-mounted speakers and a 43-inch 4K screen — the largest in the industry. The suite includes a convertible bed available as either a twin with a side chair or a full-size bed, according to Japan Airlines.
While some may worry about sound bleeding into the cabin and bothering other passengers — or conversely, it bothering them — travelers have noted the suites are private enough that engine noise is more likely to be heard than the speakers, though headphones are always an option.
Etihad A380 private bedroom
Etihad Airways has seen other airlines’ private suites and raised the industry with “The Residence.” This apartment in the sky provides a 6-foot-plus bed, designer loungewear and a separate reclining armchair, according to Etihad.
EVA Air Hello Kitty flights
For travelers who have ever thought, “I wish this were Hello Kitty themed,” EVA Air has it covered with its “special livery designs.”
The experience includes an exterior painted to match the character along with themed in-flight items including playing cards, slippers, hand towels, coasters, cups, toiletry bags and more, EVA Air shared.
Guests can choose to book a trip on the Lolly Jet, the Pinky Jet or the Besties Jet.
ANA and JAL bidet toilets
In 2007, Japan’s All Nippon Airways became the first to install bidet toilets in its Boeing 787 Dreamliners fleet, according to Reuters. The goal, according to ANA’s chief executive at the time, is to “refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach.”
One can only hope the bidet isn’t in use when the plane hits turbulence.
Saudia Airlines 777 prayer room
While many airlines maximize every inch of space for seating or luxury upgrades, Saudia Airlines dedicates precious cabin space to a prayer room for anyone to use at no extra charge.
The area accommodates up to eight people at a time and includes a screen that points travelers in the direction of Mecca.