Is uncomfortable airplane seating becoming a thing of the past? While we may not have reached that point just yet, some airlines are working to make air travel much more comfortable for passengers with innovative seat and cabin designs aimed at enhancing comfort during long-haul flights. Whether it’s economy, premium economy, business or first class, the new airplane cabins and seats are sure to elevate travel experience, promising better sleep and increased comfort. Let’s take a look at the premium seats and cabins set to debut in 2024 from the world’s leading airlines.
Best new airline seats and cabins launching in 2024
Lufthansa Allegris premium economy seats
Lufthansa is set to offer more business-class perks to premium economy passengers with its new Allegris cabin designs. The Allegris premium economy seats offer additional legroom, a hardshell seat back, a fold-out leg rest, a coat hook, a cocktail table in the armrest, USB charging ports, noise-cancelling headphones, and a 15.6-inch screen featuring Bluetooth connectivity. The hardshell back seats are designed to allow passengers to recline without causing discomfort to those seated behind them. These new premium economy seats will debut on the upcoming A350 and 787 Dreamliner planes this year.
First Class Suites by Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s new Allegris First Class Suites promise a luxurious experience. Featuring a spacious dining table, a 32-inch entertainment screen, a personal wardrobe, and lie-flat beds with in-built temperature control, passengers can expect all the comforts of home even at cruising altitude. Additionally, the door and walls of the new airplane cabins extend almost to the ceiling, enhancing privacy for passengers.
SkyNest bunks by Air New Zealand
Beds in economy? That’s right, Air New Zealand is introducing the first-ever beds in economy class with its SkyNest bunk beds. Passengers from the regular and premium economy classes will have the opportunity to book these beds for a four-hour session The special SkyNest sleep zone, located between the two economy cabins, will feature six lie-flat beds in bunk bed style. Priced between USD 400 (INR 33,199) to USD 600 (INR 49,798), SkyNest will be available on select long-haul flights, such as the 17-hour New York to New Zealand route, and will be introduced on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner planes.
New Recaro seats by Southwest Airlines
In collaboration with Tangerine, a designing firm, Southwest Airlines is introducing a new blue-themed look in their cabins along with slimmer seats designed by Recaro, a German firm specialising in aircraft seating. The seats will feature a personal electronic device holder, an ergonomic backrest, an armrest that maximises seat width, and an adjustable headrest.
Indigo’s new, slimmer economy seats
Indigo is introducing slimmer Recaro BL3710 seats for its new fleet of aircraft, enhancing comfort for long flights. The lightweight seats, with customised finish and trim, will provide passengers in economy class with ample legroom, integrated neck support, and a backrest with lumbar support.
La Premiere first class suites by Air France
Air France is elevating the luxury flight e-xperience with its updated La Premiere First Class Cabins, which will be the longest cabin available on commercial flights, stretching across five windows. Each cabin, with only three seats, offers three seating options including a sofa, a seat, and a fully flat bed.
Business class suites by Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is introducing fully closing doors in its business class seats, transforming them into private suites. These suites offer passengers a range of amenities including a large storage cubby, a wireless charging station, an in-built high-quality speaker in the headrest, and a 24-inch entertainment screen. The new business-class cabins have achieved a more aesthetic look by removing the overhead storage area. These upgrades will be rolled out on Japan Airlines’ new A350-1000 aircraft.
Luxurious premium economy seats by Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is enhancing the flight experience for premium economy passengers on its new A350-1000 aircraft. The upgraded seats feature a hardshell back, an automatic recline function, motorised legrests, privacy partitions, a 16-inch entertainment screen, noise-cancelling headphones, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Business class by Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is introducing its first-ever business class suites on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With 34 lie-flat seats, each with individual fully closing doors and direct aisle access, these new airplane cabins offer a starlit ceiling, an 18-inch entertainment screen, and wireless charging.
New business class suites by Etihad
Etihad is introducing new business class seats on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These seats come with extra under-feet storage space, Bluetooth connectivity, and 17.3-inch entertainment screens. High walls and ‘halo’ wrapping over the top of the suite ensure enhanced privacy.
(All conversions were done at the time of filing.)
(Feature image credit: Sergey Kohl/Shutterstock)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What improvements can I expect in the new airplane cabins?
Passengers can expect more legroom and enhanced privacy in the new airplane cabins.
-How do new airplane cabins impact passenger comfort?
The new airplane cabins offer more space, increased privacy, and aisle access, positively impacting passenger comfort.
-Are there changes in cabin aesthetics in new airplane designs?
Some new seats and cabins being introduced in 2024 are expected to bring changes in cabin aesthetics, including colours, trims, finishes, and enhanced space management.
-Are there improvements in in-flight entertainment systems in new airplane cabins?
Yes, new airplane cabins in 2024 are expected to come with improved in-flight entertainment systems, featuring larger entertainment screens and in-built speakers in the headrest.
-Are new airplane cabins more environmentally friendly?
New lightweight cabins can help decrease the overall weight of the plane, reducing fuel consumption and benefiting the environment.
-Can passengers customise their seating arrangements in new airplane cabins?
Most new seats and cabins introduced in 2024 will offer passengers the option to customise their seats in different reclining positions.
-Can I experience new airplane cabins on any airline?
Airlines launch new seats and cabins on select aircraft or fleets. Passengers can book or request upgrades if the airline has introduced new cabins on that particular aircraft.
The story originally appeared in Travel and Leisure India
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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