How business-class and economy-class seats might appear in 20 years – The Points Guy

Reclining seats. Access to the aisle from each seat. Enclosed suites with doors for privacy. Full onboard “apartments.” It’s clear that business and first class have significantly transformed.

Certainly, when British Airways introduced an entire cabin with seats that could transform into lie-flat beds back in 2000, it was a groundbreaking development. Today, such features are frequently the basic standard that passengers anticipate when traveling in premium class.

Airlines continue to innovate, offering features such as sliding doors found in JetBlue’s Mint cabin, as well as on many other airlines. Additionally, they are introducing completely enclosed private rooms, exemplified by the impressive new first-class seats on Japan Airlines’ new Airbus A350-1000.

Let’s consider what might happen 15 or 20 years from now. What fashionable new seat will offer the best value for your frequent flyer miles?

A recent journey to Europe provided some insights.

A novel design for a business-class seat

Late last month, inside a massive expo hall in Hamburg, Germany, I observed as two companies revealed what they envision as the future of business-class suites.

Located in a softly illuminated room with the genuine hum of jet engine white noise in the background, this advanced pod named “Maya” featured the essentials you’d anticipate from premium accommodations: a privacy door, a cutting-edge lie-flat seat, and ample storage.

However, this pod provides even more.

There is a 45-inch curved display that companies claim offers a superior movie-watching experience compared to a theater. Additionally, the entire entertainment system can synchronize with your phone.

Sensors modify the seat in response to your body temperature and pressure, similar to the features advertised in commercials for luxury mattresses.

Similar to the configuration on Japan Airlines’ new Airbus A350s, integrated headrest speakers will enable you to enjoy a movie or music without needing headphones. (Additionally, Maya features Bluetooth capabilities.)

You can do multiple tasks at once using the ultra-wide screen: watch a 5K movie and input information on your sleep, food, and drink preferences, allowing the system to customize meal timings to suit your personal preferences.

Does securing such a seat appeal to you for your next major redemption? Hold off on transferring your points for now.

A concept under development

Currently, Maya is merely a prototype — an idea developed through a partnership between Panasonic and Collins Aerospace.

Significantly, it is the anticipated direction of business class in the next few years as envisioned by these leading aviation corporations.

“This is primarily aimed at millennials and Gen Z — the individuals driving Teslas,” stated Christophe Blanc, vice president and general manager of Collins’ seat division.

Will Maya make its debut on commercial airplanes in the coming years? That decision lies with the airlines, who may either decline the technology or modify it.

However, witnessing the creativity that led to the creation of this pod is precisely why I journeyed to Germany: to experience the futuristic aircraft cabins showcased annually at the Aircraft Interiors Expo. This event is akin to the Willy Wonka factory for aviation enthusiasts, featuring a plethora of airplane seats, inflight entertainment systems, and innovative features, surpassing the imagination of the recent disappointing Wonka attraction in Scotland.

And some of it may even be on a flight you might take in the future.

Self-service water bottle refill station

Twenty steps after departing the Maya business-class pod, I encountered another idea that is certain to be valued by travelers fond of their Stanley or Yeti water bottles.

Are you familiar with those stations at airports where you can refill your reusable water bottle with filtered water? Imagine if you had the same option available during a flight.

Take a look at the configuration provided below.

No need to request a cup of water from the flight attendant. Engineers at aerospace manufacturer Safran have unveiled this prototype, offering a more delicious (and possibly more hygienic) hydration alternative compared to the potable water available on current commercial aircraft.

Double-decker seats

As I continued walking, I came across the newest version of a controversial airplane cabin design that you might have heard about before.

Have you ever come across the concept of double-decker, bunk bed-style seats?

Unveiled last year, the concept aims to accommodate more passengers in an airplane by utilizing the entire cabin space, from floor to ceiling.

The creator of it has returned with his version of an upscale cabin.

Chaise Longue is currently presenting a new “elevated” class that includes “first-class” seating on the upper level and lie-flat “business” seats on the lower level.

There is ample storage, as well as room for screens and relaxation.

The likelihood of this being implemented on an actual aircraft will depend on the interest it garners from airlines, as well as from major manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

Is anyone interested? I was planning to ask the company’s founder, but our conversation was interrupted because a representative from one of the plane manufacturers mentioned earlier was waiting for a tour.

A realm of seating, displays, and creativity.

Explore the expo, and you’ll encounter nearly everything: robotic devices, seat upholstery samples presented like paint swatches at Home Depot, and the screens that will soon be featured on Air Canada’s seatbacks.

And so many seats to choose from — whether it’s coach, premium economy, business, or any other class.

Curious about the interior design of the Airbus A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft capable of flying from some regions of the U.S. to Europe?

Here’s the overall aesthetic.

Certainly, airlines have the option (and will indeed) to tailor the interior according to their brand preferences. American Airlines, for example, demonstrated its intentions with the soon-to-be-received aircraft, which will highlight the airline’s new Flagship Business suites. The airline announced in Hamburg that this aircraft will initially service transcontinental routes, replacing the current four-cabin A321T.

Concerned about the comfort of Southwest Airlines’ new seats? Initial prototypes generated some debate.

I found them to be much more comfortable than they appeared in the 3D renderings when I sat in them during an unveiling event in Hamburg. These seats will be available on new jets beginning in 2025.

I found the lumbar support of the seats quite impressive. This was a significant focus, according to the seat-maker’s CEO during our interview.

“It’s not merely a flat backrest; it truly aligns with the S-curve of your spine,” stated Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro. “Southwest has invested a great deal of effort into creating a genuinely soft layer. I believe the feedback will be very positive.”

Certain ideas encountered in Hamburg might initially seem somewhat unconventional. For instance, the seat cushion concept by Texas-based Starr Aircraft proved to be exceptionally comforting to stand on, even after walking tens of thousands of steps over the course of three days.

At some point, you might find yourself seated on a cushioning material that, as I discovered, is made from medical-grade foam, resembling the type used in Crocs.

A company representative informed me that they are looking forward to seeing this implemented on an airline in the near future.

As I walked around, I encountered many innovations that were far from unconventional.

Airbus reveals the new interior of the A330neo.

Airbus, for example, introduced the redesigned cabin for its upcoming Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft.

The prototype of its “Airspace” cabin — similar to what will be featured in the upcoming A321XLR depicted above — showcased soothing mood lighting and roomy overhead compartments. This creates what the aviation company based in Toulouse, France, describes as a “unique ambience,” which airlines can use as a foundation for personalizing their cabins.

Ingo Wuggetzer, the vice president of carbon marketing, mentioned that Airbus received 42 A330neo orders in 2023 and delivered 32 jets.

He mentioned that this new design will be lighter, which is crucial for fuel efficiency.

Additionally, Wuggetzer mentioned that there will be “a significantly enhanced level of comfort and a more luxurious experience in the future.”

Included in the new features are larger windows without shades that have adjustable tinting, much like those found on certain other aircraft, such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing’s designated area to stretch your legs during a flight

Discussing the Dreamliner, Boeing presented its concept for introducing innovations inside the wide-body aircraft, specifically targeting the economy class section.

Named the Perch, this onboard area for the 787 provides a place where passengers can lean against a cushioned wall to stretch their legs during the flight. It features a large screen and space to enjoy a snack or beverage.

Boeing is presenting this option, but will it appeal to the airlines? Taking out seats from the cabin is typically a nonstarter; however, many of us would appreciate an opportunity to stretch our legs on long flights — particularly as trips lasting 14 hours or more become more frequent.

Looking ahead

Do not be mistaken: much of the current industry chatter is centered on creating the latest and most thrilling business and first-class seats, especially as airlines experience strong demand for these premium seats.

“There is significant investment being directed toward premium products,” stated Hiller, the CEO of Recaro. He pointed out the focus airlines have on including doors in business class and seat wings or flaps in premium economy, similar to the seats showcased by his company.

“It’s a matter of privacy,” Hiller remarked.

Bottom line

After covering approximately 45,000 steps over three days, here are my insights on future flights: Anticipate personalized spaces that you can control and customize via your phone. Airlines are likely to invest more in private suites and set new standards with exceptional, ultra-luxurious front-row accommodations.

Screens are here to stay; in fact, they are becoming slimmer, broader, and more advanced.

You’ll observe more sophisticated mood lighting, such as this dynamic illumination feature showcased by Boeing for the Dreamliner and its upcoming 777X aircraft. This specific configuration aims to replicate the Northern Lights.

Anticipate lighter materials that enhance airplane efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, which is crucial for sustainability. Additionally, expect faster and more dependable Wi-Fi that becomes progressively more affordable (although possibly not with American Airlines).

Moreover, fresh and creative methods for every passenger — irrespective of their mobility level — to enjoy travel.