Flying Is Easier and More Comfortable ... Really!

Sure, flying an airplane will never be a perfect experience, and it's always a lot of fun to get cranky about the major carriers and their inept approach to people carrying, but the fact is that the last few years have seen some innovations in flying and airport environments that are good news for travelers. Here are a few:

- Cathay Pacific Airways has reconfigured the economy-class seat to be more comfortable for those in it AND those behind it: As the seat reclines, the bottom slides forward, but the back stays in place. No chair in your face cuz the guy in front wants to recline. American Airlines is reportedly adopting this style of seat as well.

- Sick of harsh light that keeps you from napping on a long flight? The airlines are responding. Virgin America has an in-cabin lighting system that calmly rotates through 12 shades of violet to match the time of day. Air Canada, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways also offer mood lighting on many long flights.

- How great would it be to check your luggage at a bus or trains station before you get to the airport? In many cities, you can. For instance, passengers can check their bags at London's Paddington station (for Heathrow flights), Vienna's Wien Mitte station, Moscow's Kievsky station, and Hong Kong station. If you're at Walt Disney World, your hotel will check your bags for you.

- WiFi and sockets are on their way on planes. Virgin is offering them now, and other carriers are scrambling to catch up. Planes are soon going to be high-speed, in-the-sky offices, which is great news for business travelers.

Let's hope all the airlines and airports get the message from these innovators and start adopting measures that bring a smile to people's faces when they think of taking to the air.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.