Airbus is currently developing a design to turn its cargo holds into flying capsule hotels. After take-off, passengers would be able to access the hold, where they could nap in modular beds, work at pull-out desks or exercise in airborne gyms. There could even be a children’s play area, a godsend to any parent who’s ever held a squirming toddler on their lap for the length of the Atlantic. It’s still in the concept phase, so don’t expect to be getting out of your seat any time soon.

Many of us are preoccupied with not getting sick on planes, hence the perennial popularity of articles with titles like “How not to get sick on a plane.” One possible way to avoid the economy class head cold could be this new self-cleaning seat. Designed by Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH, the seat, currently under development, is impregnated with germ-killing disinfectants. The company says the seats will be available in the next year or two.

Do you find economy seats too comfortable? Eschew empty spots on the subway in favor of strap-hanging? Well we’ve got an innovation for you! Airlines have been kicking around the idea of standing seats for a while now, and this year at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Germany, Italian company Aviointeriors unveiled a prototype of such a design. The Sky Rider 2.0 seats are “saddle seats,” allowing people to lean a bit of their weight on the seat while still basically, well, standing. Previous standing seat designs have been nixed by regulators, so it remains to be seen whether the Sky Rider ever takes off (sorry).

Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/seven-airplane-innovations-that-could-change-how-we-travel-180969166/#hqBeShAYR3UQdwJM.99
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