Given the extended periods of time many people spend waiting in airports, it stands to reason that there is a large demand for airport innovations.
Comfort is a significant concern when sitting at the airport for hours at a time. For that reason, a multitude of seating options have been created, from adjustable airport seats to secluded sleeping pods.
Flight security has also become an issue at airports. However, technologies like liquid-testing lasers and full body scanners are being implemented to keep flights safe.
Though many airport innovations have a focus on keeping travelers safe and comfortable, airports are turning to gimmicks to attract more traffic. Spaces like Hobbit-based lounges and floating airports are created to attract more visitors based on their novelty.
70 Advanced Airport Additions
From Airport Relaxation Pods to In-Air Customs Clearances:
Alexander Lam — May 17, 2013 — Art & Design
70
Boxed Bedding Hotels
Arch Group Presents a Hotel Made from Modular Sleeping Rooms
69
Cavernous Shelving Units
The Cave-Like Wooden Installation is a Grand Retail Display
68
Airport Resting Chambers
The Sleep Box Concept by Arch Group is Sure to Take Flight
67
Covered Airport Pods
Abu Dhabi Airport's Sleeping Pods Will Have You Relaxing Like a Baby
66
Indoor Airport Parks
The Schiphol Airport Park Allows Passengers to Relax Before Take-Off
65
Anti-Social Seating
The CALA Indoors Bench by Veronica Martinez Faces Two Directions
64
Prodigious Accessory Pavilions
Beijing World Jewelry Expo is an Epic Edifice to Exhibit Tiny Items
63
Anonymous Airport Security Scanners
Companies Update Software to Protect Privacy and Decency
62
Airport Relaxation Pods
Obsideon from Roger Kellenberger Offers Weary Travelers a Place to Rest
61
Manga Airport Lounges
The Tao Yuan International Aiport in Taiwan is Adorned in Hello Kitty
60
Major League Lounge Chairs
Yoonjung Heo's 'Baseball Furniture' is Designed for Big League Airports
59
Smart Sensored Luggage
The Hop! Following Suitcase Won't Get Lost
58
Futuristic Floating Airports
The London Britannia Airport Will Have Underwater Tunnels
57
Compact Airport Castles
The Dream and Fly Micro Hotel is Jet Set on Making You Comfortable
56
Luxury Airport Waiting Rooms
The 'Virgin Upper Class Lounge' is High-Society Relaxation
55
House-Like Airport Terminals
IKEA VIP Lounge in France Helps Travelers Alleviate Stress
54
Industrial Public Perches
The Nanu Bench Commands a Presence in Massive Civic Spaces
53
In-Airport Playgrounds
The Schiphol Departure Lounge 4 Lets Kids Play During Layover
52
Temporary Transit Motels (UPDATE)
The SleepBox Debuts in International Airports Around the Globe
51
Elevated Ecological Airports
Symbiotic Vaulting Lets Nature, Neighborhoods and Airlines to Coexist
50
Sinuous Slumber Pods
SleepBox by Caspar Lohner Offers Peace in Busy Environments
49
Shimmering Sky-High Airports
3DReid Architects' Farnborough Airport is a Winning Innovation
48
Hobbit Home Airports
The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge Has a Circular Motif
47
Astronaut-Accommodating Airports
The Virgin Galactic 'Spaceport America' is the First of Its Kind
46
Airplane Playground Equipment
This Giant Slide Extends from the Side of a Tupolev Tu-124 Jet
45
Ant-Sized Airports
Miniature Airport Exhibit Opens at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg
44
Airport VIP For Pets
Lufthansa Frankfurt Animal Lounge
43
Business Backpack Chairs
The Restpoint Personal Seating Chair Makes Traveling Comfortable
42
Pumpkin-Shaped Airports
Wellington International Airport Unveils its New Terminal Named The Rock
41
Space-Age Airline Pavilions
The Midfield Terminal Airport Complex Features a Futuristic Design
40
Retro Waiting Room Seating
Pierre Paulin's Concorde Chair Was Originally Made for Airport Lounges
39
Adjustable Airport Seats
This Adjustable Airport Seat is Great for Sitting and Napping
38
Vertical Lake-Like Structures
Urban Art Projects & Ned Kahn Build a Kinetic Wall
37
Elderly Air Travel Aids
The Airport Compass Helps Guide Travelers to Their Gates
36
Advertising Airport Seats
The Beetling Airport Seat Turns Pre-Flight Seats into Billboards
35
Fast Food Style Flying
The Büro FÜR Mehr Drive Through Airport System is Convenient
34
Virtual Triage Kiosks
The Smart Consulting Service Helps Patients Admit Themselves into Hospital
33
Stylish Airport Seating
These Vitra Chairs Will Ensure Travelers Stay in Their Seats
32
Interior Navigators
Google Maps Indoors Helps You Find Your Way Inside Large Buildings
31
Shipped Parcel Monitors
The DropTag Lets You Check a Sealed Package's Condition
30
Illuminated Airport Seats
Marcial Ahsayane's Airport Seating is Transformable Terminal Furniture
29
Intuitive Airport Installations
Christopher Janney's 'Harmonic Convergence' Combines Light & Sound
28
Sci-Fi Sailboat-Style Airports
The New Kuwait International Airport Flies into the Future
27
Chic Tech-Infused Airports
The Virgin America SFO Terminal Acknowledges Tech-Savvy Travelers
26
Extraterrestrial Airport Terminals
Ed Lopez Imagines Year 3000 Travel in 'Space Port'
25
Illustrated Airplane Tickets
FastJet Airline Branding Animates the Tedious Airport Experience
24
Identity-Examining Devices
The 'Generation P' 3D Scanner Looks Eerily Avant-Garde
23
Airport Tablet Areas
OTG Management Provides Free iPads For Use Between Flights
22
Enveloping Teepee Chairs
The Cocoon Armchair Offers Private Relaxation in Public
21
Lifesaving Luggage Locators
The Trakdot Keeps Tabs on Your Suitcase When Your Airline Cannot
20
Airport Getaways
The Mestia Airport by J. Mayer H. Doubles as a Ski Resort
19
Enlightening Airport Areas
The SFO Yoga Room Gives Travelers a Place to Calm the Mind
18
Liquid-Testing Lasers
The Cobalt Insight100 Could Change Airport Security Measures
17
Seismic Superstructures
The Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Can Withstand Severe Earthquakes
16
Gadget-Powering Luggage
The Rolling Suitcase Charger Provides a Boost for Technology
15
Musical Baggage Walkways
'Me-lo-di' is a Luggage Path That Lets Travelers Make Music
14
Sinuous Duty Free Shops
The Wiener Walzer Shelving is Inspired by the Famous Viennese Waltz
13
Free-Use Tablet Terminals
Use an iPad Free of Charge in the Delta iPad Terminal at JFK
12
Branching Aerodome Beams
The Oita Airport Lounge by Takao Shiotsuka is Inspired by Nature
11
Weather-Synced Art Installations
The Dynamic eCloud Sculpture at San Jose International Airport
10
Rideable Luggage Carts
The Human Drive 3Roll Trolley Makes Traveling More Fun
9
Public Privacy Pods
The 'Nucleo' Pod for Personal Space or Quiet Meeting Place
8
Futuristic Flying Airports
The Airborne Metro Uses Nuclear Power to Cut Costs of Travel
7
Waitless Luggage Claim Devices
The Baggage Tray System Promises 100% Accuracy with Fast Deliveries
6
Traveling Laptop Desks
The Andrew Liszewski CartDesk Allows Easy Typing on the Go
5
In-Air Customs Clearances
On-Board Biometric Immigration Checks Coming to a Major Asian Airport
4
Airport Security Brain Fingerprinting
Behavioral Intent Research
3
Intelligent Surveillance Cameras
Smart CCTV Cameras Recognize Suspicious Behavior
2
Airport Security Tunnels
The Checkpoint of the Future Will Expedite Air Travel Safety Measures
1
Inhaling Bomb Sensors
Japan's Explosives Detector Can Find Threatening Materials in a Single Puff
Related Ideas
Optimized Airline Travel Bags
The Air Porter Backpack Meets Carry-On Requirements
Double Bed Airline Upgrades
Japan Airlines Elevates its First Class Suites with Larger TVs
Dog-Friendly Airlines
BARK Air is a First-of-Its-Kind Airline for Dogs
Upright Cafe Sleeping Pods
Nescafé Harajuku Will Launch Giraffenap Pods for Quick Naps
Fashionable Inflated Phone Cases
The 'Air Case 2' Offers Stylish Protection for the iPhone
Face-First Flight Rest Aids
The 'Trurest' Allows For Restful & Pain-Free Economy-Class Travel
Exclusive Hawaiian Airport Lounges
Hawaiian Airlines Launches a Premium New Lounge at HNL
See-Through Ride-On Suitcases
The Latest Airwheel Suitcase Holds Up to 28-Liters of Essentials
Ultra-Durable Headphone Concepts
This AirPods Ultra Concept by Taiseer Zarruk is Extra-Rugged
Luxurious Airline Amenity Kits
Etihad Airways Debuts Giorgio Armani Loungewear and Amenity Kits
Vacuum Compression Travel Packs
The Airback Travel Deluxe Backpack Offers 50% More Storage
Ultra-Slick Modern Cube Chairs
Blå Station's BOB Solo Chair is Versatile and Privacy-Focused
Posture-Aligned Travel Pillows
The 'Sleeper Hold' Travel Pillow Prevents the Head from Wobbling
Futuristic Portable Pods
This Ventilated Pod is Designed For a Multitude Of Applications
Luggage-Inspired Backpack Designs
The Ekster Grid Backpack Functions Like a Suitcase
Carry-On Luggage Strollers
The TernX Carry On Was Named One of TIME's Best Inventions of the Year
Functionally Fashionable Mobile Accessories
These MOFT Mobile Accessories Debuted at CES 2023
Lifestyle-Conscious Transportation Pods
The KIA Pod Concept by Junseok Park Has Level 5 Autonomy
3D-Knit Airplane Seat Designs
The 'Modulo' Aircraft Seat Concept Sustainably Upgrades First Class
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
Inflatable Multi-Story Tent Cabins
The Magic Fort by Thecatal Joins its Boundary Series
Autonomous Timber Transportation Shuttles
The Conceptual 'Timber Shuttle' is Eco-Focused
Portable Air-Filled Sofas
Muji's Sofa Made from Air is Lightweight and Easy to Move
Thai Airline Amenity Kits
Thai Airways Unveils the New Royal Silk Amenity Kits for Passengers
Connected Workplace Privacy Pods
The New Framery Office Booths Come in Four Models
Customizable Office Furniture
The Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces Desk System is Comfy and Private
Vineyard-Topped Airport Terminals
The New Plans for Florence Airport Integrate Rooftop Greenery
3D-Printed Hotels
A First-of-Its-Kind Hotel is Coming to Marfa, Texas
DIY Backyard Office Kits
Coexist Build’s DIY Traveler Series Kit Addresses Modern Problems
Shapeshifting Outer Space Hotels
The Acromnia Orbital Hotel Imagines Life in Space
Sustainable Airport Terminal Designs
This Lush Green Terminal is Powered By Renewable Energy
Aerogel-Insulated Jacket Designs
The 'SpacePeak' Jacket Has a Three-in-One Design with 20 Pockets
Performance-Driven Ergonomic Office Chairs
Stan Deng's Newtral Magich Chair is Ultra-Adaptable
In-Airport Toy Retailers
Toys R Us is Expanding its Retail Presence with Up to 24 Airport Stores
Relaxing Airplane Seat Designs
The Tranquil Airlines Seating Technology Has a Rocking Mechanism
Multi-Level Orbital Modules
The 'Airbus LOOP' Aims to Offer Comfortable Long-Term Stays In Space
Mood-Enhancing Car Air Purifiers
The Conceptual 'FRI' Air Purifier Has a 3D-Printed Design
Inflatable Tote-Style Seats
The Bag Sofa Can Be Easily Carried for Relaxation from Anywhere
AI Travel Campaigns
Away's Extraordinary Is Out There Uses AI to Show Real-World Destinations
Modern Cushioned Outdoor Furniture
Paola Lenti Designs the Pod Outdoor Seating Series
Rewarding Travelwear Collections
Fruit of the Loom and Southwest Airlines Made Travel Uniforms
Modular Electric VTOL Aircraft
The 'Sigma-6' Will Come With Swappable Passenger & Cargo Pods
Optimized Business Class Cabins
Lufthansa's Next-Gen Business Class Comprises Seven Seat Versions
Modular Minimalist Travel Bags
The FIREFLYX Travel Bag is Designed for Frequent Fliers
Two-In-One Neck Pillows Chairs
VEAR's Neck Pillow Lounge Transforms to a Comfortable Seat
Premium Skincare Amenity Kits
JetBlue's Mint Airline Amenity Kits Feature Multiple New York Brands
Premium Skincare Airplane Kits
The JetBlue Mint Amenity Kit Now Has Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Ergonomic 3D-Printed Pens
ADD APT is a "Superior Writing Tool" That is Incredibly Comfortable
Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards
This 3D Coca-Cola Billboard Dispenses Real, Cold Drinks
Inflight Snack Stations
United Introduced Self-Serve Grab-and-Go Stations for Economy Fliers
AI-Powered Health Offices
Forward Health Debuts a New Self-Contained Doctors Office
Luxurious Amenity Kits
EVA Air Teams Up with Giorgio Armani and Jason Wu for a New Travel Kit
Transforming Imaginative Furniture Designs
The Kiddie Couch Encourages a Sense of Play
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Ultra-Comfy Seating Collections
FURN OBJECTS Designs a Cushy Lounge Chair and Pouf Set
Upgraded Airline Cabin Products
Lufthansa Launches Its Allegris Product for Premium Customers
At-Home Heat Therapy Blankets
The HeatPod Sauna Blanket from Hydragun is Sweat-Resistant
Luxury Airport Retail Expansions
Schiphol Airport's Lounge 2 Will Feature More Luxury Brands
Intelligent Relaxation Reclining Chairs
The DOT Chair V2.1 is App-Connected with Heat and More
Spatial Computing Shopping Apps
'Alo Yoga' Debuted a New App for the Apple Vision Pro
Accessible Airport Aids
PriestmanGoode Boasts a "One-Person Autonomous Airport Vehicle"
Air-Purifying Stool Seats
The Conceptual 'ZAZEN' Air Purifier by Jiayan Li is Multipurpose
Fan-Equipped Leather Chairs
Fantasylab Debuted a Size-Accommodating Gaming Chair with Cooling Fans
Luggage-Honoring Fashion Collections
The Louis Vuitton 'Flight Mode' Collection is Travel-Ready
Relaxed Anti-Distraction Seats
The 'Fortune Chair' Provides a Private Space to Work or Read
Capacious Airline Seats
These Opulent Seats Are Designed For Ultra-Long-Distance 'Qantas' Flights
Sand Dune-Inspired Airport Roofs
Kohn Pedersen Fox Completes a Terminal Design
Tech-Enabled Room Control Systems
Honeywell and Marriott Design Lab Partner for More Customization
Circular Concierge Kiosks
This Conceptual Screen Concierge by Ivan Zhurba Automates Check-ins
Ergonomic Luxe Comfortable Chairs
Porsche Design Unveils a New Reclining Lounge Chair
Sustainable Air Travel Concepts
The Airbus Airspace Cabin Vision 2035+ Concept is Eco-Focused
Pod-Inspired Bulbous Furniture
One Week Presents Its New Pod Collection of Furniture
Future-Facing Charging Concepts
These Wireless Charger Concepts Imagine a True Wire-Free Future
Sustainable Office Pods
Impact Acoustic Designs the New Assembled Chatpod 700 Office
Single-Room Rental Services
Airbnb Rooms Offers Access to Single Spaces in a Home
Ethical Animal Transport Initiatives
Qatar Airways Cargo Launched a Cutting-Edge Animal Centre
Zero-Gravity Hard Seltzer Bars
The Truly Zero Gravity Bar is Opening on a Training Aircraft
Village-Inspired Tapered Stone Airport
Foster + Partners Designs a Set of Stone Buildings
Airline Amenity Add-Ons
Etihad Airways Launches a New Amenity Kit and Loungewear Selection
Inclusive Amenity Kits
Formia Launches the New Business Class Amenity Kits for Japan Airlines
Feature-Rich Airport Apps
The 'byAir' App Offers Indoor Maps, Transport Options and More
Accessible Airline Seats
Delta is Incorporating Seats to Support Travelers with Mobility Issues
Feather-Like Airport Terminal Designs
Mad Designs Terminal 3 at the Changchun Longjia Airport
AI-Powered Accessory Platforms
PopSockets' AI Customizer Personalizes Accessories with GenAI
Air-Powered Office Chair Cushions
The BATU Airbag Massage Cushion Supports and Massages
Personal Overnight Train Cabins
The 'Yolochka' Cabin Concept Supports the Needs of New Passengers
Hoverboard-Luggage Design Concepts
The Trunk Car is a Concept with a Detachable Hoverboard
1960s-Inspired Airport Hotels
The TWA Hotel in New York Captures the City's 60s Aesthetics
Farm-To-Terminal Dining Concepts
Sunset Loop Bar & Grill Brings Elevated Dining to Denver
Garden-Like Airport Terminals
SOM Designs a Terminal at the Kempegowda International Airport
Two-in-One Vacation Programs
Icelandair’s Stopover Program Turns One Vacation into Two
Hotel-Inspired Home Fragrances
The Hotel Collection by ScentAir Makes Homes Welcoming & Luxurious
Flight Center Cannabis Stores
Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store Opens at JFK Airport
Premium Airplane Amenity Kits
Emirates Presents Its New Bulgari Amenity Kits for Travelers
Space-Conscious Air Conditioners
The ComfyAir is Simple to Install for Climate Control
Stress-Free Holiday Lounges
Pure Leaf Holiday's Holiday Oasis Lounge is a Place of Peace
Standing Tranquil Napping Pods
The giraffenap Pod Models Provide Comfort Through Bodily Support
Entirely Business Class Aircrafts
BermundAir Presents its Aisle Class with New Seating
Redesigned Unifying Transit Terminals
Foster + Partners Renovates the NY Midtown Bus Terminal
Updated Air Taxi Designs
Hyundai Unveils the New Elevated S-A2 Air Taxi During CES
Progressive Sleeper Transit Designs
2050 Lab Designs a New Sleeper Car for Comfort On-The-Go
Public Flying Air-Taxis
The Public eVTOL Design Project by Joowon Lee Readies for Urban Spaces
Cannabis Consumption Lounges
The 420 Hotels Launches Crowdfunding Round for Boutique Hotel
Personalized Airport Assistance
SkipQ Helps Travelers Navigate the Airport with eSim Technology
Upcycled Aircraft Luggages
Emirates Launches a Collection Made from Upcycled Aircraft Interiors
LED-Wrapped Airport Renovations
Prague's Airport is Getting a Sustainable and High-Tech Update
Comfortable Bleacher Seats
Sitbax™ Bleacher Seat is a Solution for Uncomfortable Stadium Seating
In-Flight Cocktail Menus
Straightaway Cocktails and Alaska Airlines Deliver In-Flight Cocktails
Smart Lock-Supported Rentals
Airbnb Releases a Software Update with Support for Smart Locks
Red Roof Airport Terminals
Luis Vidal + Architects and AECOM Designs a New Terminal
Fashion House Airport Lounges
Louis Vuitton Opens a Luxurious Airport Lounge in Qatar
iOS-Influenced Travel Apps
Uber’s Redesigned App Uses the Latest iPhone Features on iOS 16
Large-Scale Airport Installations
Hank Willis Thomas and Coby Kennedy Create the Reach Sculpture
Luggage-Tracking Airline Services
Virgin Australia Enhances its Bag Tracking Feature for Guests
Member-Exclusive Airport Lounges
Chase Unveils the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Boston Logan Airport
Airport-Navigation App Updates
The Latest Uber Updates Make Planning Travel More Streamlined
Vineyard-Detailed Airport Terminals
Rafael Viñoly Architects Showcases Plans for Florence Airport
Futuristic Gaming Pods
Cooler Master's 'Orb X' Gaming Pod is Perfect for Elevating Any PC Setup
QSR Summer Promotions
Starbucks Canada Offers Mobile Ordering and Rewards at Canadian Airports
Lounge-Inspired Artful Sofa Capsules
EQ3 Presents its New Bird Collection of Sofas
Comfort-Focused Business Features
Uber Launches a Series of Features to Benefit Business Travelers
Renovated Airport Upgrades
Upgrades to Turkey's Kayseri Airport Could Triple Its Annual Visitors
Festive Film Lounges
M&M's Merry Movie Holiday Lounge Enhances Holiday Travel Experiences
Slumber-Inducing Hotel Collections
Sleep Glow Launches its Newest Sleep Collection for Hotels
Premium In-Flight Cosmetics
Thirteen Lune and American Airlines Partnered for Onboard Amenities
Opulent Airline Kits
Hawaiian Airlines Elevates the In-Flight Experience with Stylish Amenity Kits
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Elevated In-Flight Menus
Delta Airlines Enhances its Onboard Experiences with Upgraded Menus
Complimentary Unpacking Services
Eliza was here's New Service Gifts Travelers More Leisure Time
Luxuriously Revamped Airport Lounges
Chase Sapphire Lounge Has Opened at Laguardia Airport
Inflated Vibrant Futuristic Buses
Midjourney Helped Create the Mutated School Bus Design
Optimized Inflight Coffees
Alaska Airlines & Stumptown's Custom Coffee Blend is Crowd-Pleasing
Updated Airport Baggage Drops
Queenstown Airport Installs an Elenium Bag Drop and Kiosk Facilities
Festive Senior Deliveries
easyJet's Jolly Trolley Helps the Spirit of the Season Travel to Seniors
Revamped Airline Pricing
Fiji Airlines Launches a New Pricing Structure with Different Categories
Maori Skincare Amenity Kits
Air New Zealand & Aotea are Showcasing Potent Herbal Ingredients
Climate-Sensitive Pavilion Structures
Querkraft Designs the Pavilion Inspired by Wind Towers
Spacious Airline Seating Selections
Quaras Airlines Presents the New Neighbor Free Seating
Airport Porridge Restaurants
Haferkater's Porridge-to-Go Launches in Vienna Airport, Germany