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Five airline amenities making a comeback ... and the one we want
Wow, there's a headline I never thought I'd write! Though I suspect it has little to do with actual customer demand – after all, the airlines don't even call us customers – several are starting to bring small, small perks back into the cabin. Two factors help, of course: (1) they aren't expensive and (2) airlines have shown solid profits this year (at least in the United States).What are the airlines offering? Let's take a look at five amenities, according to MSNBC:
1. The "stretch bar": SAS is installing a bar on some of its flights – and not the drinking kind. It's an exercise rod that passengers can use to stretch out while on long flights. In continuing to cater to the vain, SAS is also adding mirrors to some seats, so you can make sure you look your hottest without having to leave your seat for a trip to the lavatory.
2. Lighting and sound effects: All Nippon Airways is using these tools to create "a calm cabin atmosphere that invites passengers to relax and rest," MSNBC reports. The goal is to make flights more comfortable for passengers with late-night departures. The new "Relax" cards go with this – press a button and enjoy the lavender aroma.
3. Happy Moms: Asiana Airlines, based in South Korea, offers a "Happy Mom Service" at many airports, according to MSNBC, with a dedicated check-in line for families with small children. Nursing blankets, baby slings and baby seats are available on board the planes.
4. Locally-sourced booze: Horizon Airlines is kicking in free local wines and microbrews from the Pacific Northwest on its flights – even in coach!
5. In-flight wifi: since a relatively small number of passengers has been using this service, some airlines are seeking out sponsors and offering it up free to passengers. On Delta, AirTran and Virgin America, Google Chrome is ponying up the cash for free passenger use through January 2, 2011.
So, what's the one amenity not being offered that would make flights so much more comfortable? How about an alternative to the lav for mile-high club membership? It's not easy to pull off, and there has to be a better way than this.
[photo by PhillipC]
2. Lighting and sound effects: All Nippon Airways is using these tools to create "a calm cabin atmosphere that invites passengers to relax and rest," MSNBC reports. The goal is to make flights more comfortable for passengers with late-night departures. The new "Relax" cards go with this – press a button and enjoy the lavender aroma.
3. Happy Moms: Asiana Airlines, based in South Korea, offers a "Happy Mom Service" at many airports, according to MSNBC, with a dedicated check-in line for families with small children. Nursing blankets, baby slings and baby seats are available on board the planes.
4. Locally-sourced booze: Horizon Airlines is kicking in free local wines and microbrews from the Pacific Northwest on its flights – even in coach!
5. In-flight wifi: since a relatively small number of passengers has been using this service, some airlines are seeking out sponsors and offering it up free to passengers. On Delta, AirTran and Virgin America, Google Chrome is ponying up the cash for free passenger use through January 2, 2011.
So, what's the one amenity not being offered that would make flights so much more comfortable? How about an alternative to the lav for mile-high club membership? It's not easy to pull off, and there has to be a better way than this.
[photo by PhillipC]
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Casey Dec 21st 2010 1:11PM
Mirrors are so not an amenity! I once sat next to a woman who coiffed herself for a full 20 minutes and it is truly disgusting to have someone flicking bits of hair and scalp in your breathing space. I can only imagine how happy we will be when rowmates start to floss or pluck their eyebrows in their back-of-seat mirror.
brian s Dec 31st 2010 7:59PM
free meals is the one i want back. i fly frequently and i am not always free to make a food run (and my EUA success is getting thinner as FF programs look for more cash). continental was the last of the big 5 to give out free food in Y and quite frankly, that was one of the big honking reasons i am so loyal to CO (i want my turkey dogs back).