In the last millennium, air travel became technologically advanced and properly accounted for with modern logistics. But future air travel could be better in both technology and logistics -- including free air travel -- in the near future.
Solar-powered airplanes are possible. It would very well alter the basic design of airplanes to optimize its power-collecting capabilities through solar panels. If the costs of solar panels can get knocked down, the future of airplanes using solar energy for flights will also drive down flight costs for passengers. Liquid nitrogen is another low cost solution to the problem of air fuel.
On the logistic side of things, using advertising traffic -- similar to Internet-style advertising -- could boost airplane profits immensely while driving down passenger costs. The Huffington Post cites budget airline RyanAir CEO Michael O'Leary's vision that the future of air travel is practically "cost-free" for passengers. Airlines would work with business advertising and amenities to make passengers view more advertising traffic, which enhances business profit which pays airline companies the fares of their passengers.
"Smart surfaces" can also become the next best thing. According to Outside, airlines can use infrastructure-level touchscrens that "would replace white plastic cabin halls and windows." The aircraft becomes an ultimately complete entertainment system that also becomes a public address system -- a true next-tier to the currently existing amenities for entertainment inside airplanes. The "smart surfaces" can also work in conjunction with external cameras to offer a 360 view of the sky from outside the airplane.
In some luxury liners, convertible seating -- where the seat turns into a bed -- has become reality. While still expensive, private airplanes such as the Crystal AirCruise guarantees guest comfort through convertible and customized seats for 84 passengers who would travel with them throughout the world in 27 days. In the future, this particular model could become reality even for the economy class.
If this is how economy class would look like, first class is highly likely to become more personalized. The possibility of introducing hotel rooms in airlines, complete with amenities such as a spa room and a study common with luxury hotels, is what might be in store for luxury travelers in the near future.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
