Airlines Introduce Double Beds To Flights For Passengers To Cozy Up In The Air

In terms of flying, anything more than extra legroom can be considered luxurious—let alone fully stretching out or even getting a double bed all to yourself or to share with your partner.

The first double bed to take to the air was on Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 sometime in the mid-2000s. It featured two first-class cabins that could be turned into one joined in the middle. The option was extravagant and revolutionized the first-class industry as other airlines, such as Etihad, followed suit.

 
So far, the more common route for that privilege is to opt for private suites, which are often reserved for the most elite travelers. However,  Singapore Airlines is opening up the luxury to business-class flyers by introducing a new double bed function on its Airbus A380.
 
Previously, business-class seats had a divider that only rolled down to the waist and kept lovebirds away from each other. But now they’ll no longer be separated as the separator rolls down, and a steward will come and make up a double bed for both to jump in and cuddle at 36,000 feet in the air.
 
Qatar Airways also offers a similar configuration with its QSuite, where the dividing partition can be removed entirely, and two single seats can join to form one.

The only area of discomfort? Other travelers watching you snuggle in the open. 

Outside of that, Qatar Airways allows passengers to turn around and join their companions a row behind them at a table for four to share in a meal or a game of cards while cruising through the skies.

 
According to CNN, cabin designer and the managing director of airline design company LIFT Aero Design in Tokyo, Daniel Baron, notes this shift towards more inclusive and comfortable flying experiences has come about due to the pandemic. After the virus shut down travel for more than a year, it’s no wonder airlines are welcoming passengers back with open arms (and beds).

 
 
 
[via CNN, images via various sources]