Air travel doesn’t suck. Here are four ways it’s actually gotten better:
Yes, airfare has gone up this year while the size of seats has shrunk. But while the state of air travel may have turned you into a curmudgeon, complaining about overpaying for a cramped spot in coach or the imminence of a nosebleed when someone reclines too far, fear not, failed optimist. There are still a few reasons to look on the bright side when flying.
Relaxed in-flight electronic device policies bring advancements
After the Federal Aviation Administration lifted restrictions on the use of electronic devices last year, many airlines have responded by improving in-flight entertainment options for travelers who tote mobile devices. In August, Delta released Delta Studio, and Alaska Airlines announced a similar service, allowing passengers to stream games, music, television, and even movies for free without paying exorbitant prices for Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, Virgin America announced this month that it will be the first U.S. domestic airline to offer Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi service’s fastest plan (ATG 4), which will be similar in speed to a home broadband connection.
If you’re worried about making it through your movie, many airlines are now adding USB plugs and power outlets to their seats.
Airlines rally for improvements
Not impressed with the aesthetic of your airline? Get ready for makeovers.
This month, American Airlines released a $2 billion budget to make sorely needed improvements to their fleet and airport facilities. This includes implementing newer airplanes through 2019, upgrading to healthier complimentary food options, and diversifying in-flight entertainment options. Worldwide, their Admirals Club lounges will also receive a more modern design. Meanwhile, Delta has allocated $770 million in upgrades through 2016.
Networks expand as do carriers
This was the year of airline startups, which brought cheaper and better accessibility to destinations like New Orleans and even West Palm Beach. Among new carries, PEOPLExpress began offering flights in June from its Williamsburg, Virginia hub with plans to expand to 24 cities over the next five years.
New fuel-efficient planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner have made this the year of the transatlantic budget airline boom. This has led companies like Iceland's WOW Air to offer flights from $99 one-way from Europe to the East Coast.
Meanwhile, travelers will enjoy greater accessibility as many popular airlines expanded their networks this year. United Airlines introduced service to Santiago, Chile. Emirates added Oslo, Brussels, and Budapest to their network. Southwest Airlines began flying to Mexico as well as Nassau, Aruba, and Montego Bay. Turkish Airlines plans to add 60 destinations over the next five years.
Security check gets quicker and easier
If you’re willing to cough up a one-time fee of $85 and don’t mind performing a background check then odds are in your favor. This year, the Transportation Safety Administration launched a Pre-Check Application Program that allows U.S. citizens and residents the chance to speed through security screening without removing shoes, jackets, or belts. This comes in addition to some four other expedited screening programs like Global Entry and Nexus.
Added to that, the former TSA administrator, John Pistole, told Paste BN he hopes the next in command will loosen restrictions on liquids and gels, at least for Precheck program members, which would make security check even speedier.