When people say that life is more about the journey than the destination, they weren’t talking about ultra-long-haul flights. The seemingly endless hours seated, with a lack of personal space and sleep deprivation – while often worth it for the destination – are not exactly the nostalgic holiday memories we look back on.
However, if your typical travel routes include New York, London or Sydney, we have news for you. Australian airline Qantas just added 12 new and improved A350 aircrafts with inflight ‘wellbeing zones’ to their fleet, and they’re set to be a long-haul game-changer.
Starting early 2027, these new aircrafts will be used for ultra-long-haul flight routes from Sydney to London or to New York. Clinical studies conducted by the airline and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre showed that the need to move from one’s seat is physiological and psychological need, not a financial privilege, the airline decided to develop a concept with passenger comfort in mind.
Set between economy and premium economy, wellbeing zones were designed to feel like relaxing ‘third spaces’ made from acoustic materials and with soft, ambient lighting that’s totally unique from the rest of the plane, according to Simple Flying.
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The goal is for passengers to safely take a break from the mundane, stuffy seating, and get up, stretch and reset. There are sculpted handrails specifically made for stretching, as well as on-screen exercise programs with digital instructors and a healthy, self-service refreshment station with snacks and hydration therapy beverages. And the best part? Wellness zones are totally free of cost.
This is all part of Qantas’s Project Sunrise that strives to take a more holistic approach to passenger wellness. The project will also add six totally enclosed suites to first class, designed to resemble a boutique hotel in the sky, while business class will now offer a ‘business suite’ with sliding door for privacy and a two-metre lie-flat bed.
As for premium economy, the focus is more on ergonomic support for the body with new seats that have a 40-inch pitch and a unique cradle recline, and economy seats will have an extra inch added to their pitch, as well as upgraded cushions. Snazzy, right?
ICYMI: The airline launching economy ‘sleep pods’ on long-haul flights.
Plus: This is officially the world’s cleanest airport.
