# Alternative Comfort In-flight comfort is elevated for individuals in economy class. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 6, 2018 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-comfort ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Alternative Comfort trend? **Alternative Comfort:** Air travel companies are accommodating the needs of individuals in economy class by offering in-flight comfort that is low in cost for the companies, but that enhances the perceived luxury of travel for the consumer. These enhancement initiatives aim to improve the public perception of economy class for consumers seeking affordable but elevated travel experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 17, 2017 to Aug 20, 2018 - Published: Aug 6, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Comfort trend ### In-Flight Comfort Enhancements Air travel companies are improving economy class comfort to enhance the perceived luxury of travel for consumers seeking affordable but elevated travel experiences, creating opportunities for companies to offer innovative in-flight comfort solutions such as inflatable hammocks, in-flight mindfulness programs, and bunk beds. ### Customer-Centric Airline Services Airlines are providing customer-centric services to enhance convenience and comfort of air travel for passengers, such as free in-flight messaging and pre-selected airline meal options, opening up opportunities to create new services to better serve customer needs. ### Technology-Based Air Travel Solutions Technology-based solutions are being developed to solve common air travel problems, as seen in temperature-reporting apps that enable passengers to report uncomfortable temperatures in real-time, creating opportunities to develop new technologies for more comfortable air travel experiences. ## What the Alternative Comfort trend means for industry ### For Air Transportation Industry The air transportation industry provides a broad reference point for businesses to think about innovations and solutions that can improve passenger experience, such as developing new technologies for in-flight comfort and convenience. ### For Travel and Tourism Industry The travel and tourism industry provides a broad reference point for businesses to create new affordable travel experiences with elevated comfort that cater to the evolving needs and expectations of consumers, using innovative travel solutions and services. ### For Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry provides a broad reference point for businesses to create innovative solutions for customer comfort and convenience in air travel, such as pre-selected meal options that offer more menu choices and provide a more comfortable flying experience for passengers. ## Workshop question How could your brand attach more perceived value to its product/service? ## Trend signals for Alternative Comfort Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Comfort trend 6 featured examples from Jun 17, 2017 to Aug 20, 2018. - [In-Flight Bunk Beds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbus-bunk-beds): Airbus Bunk Beds are Set to Change Comfort in Air Travel (Category: World) Implication: The introduction of Airbus bunk beds and other comfort modules presents a unique opportunity for airlines to differentiate their services and win over customers who prioritize com… - [Pre-Selected Airline Meal Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-airlines-economy): American Airlines' Economy Passengers Can Customize Their Meals (Category: World) Implication: Airlines can leverage the trend of pre-selected meal reservations to differentiate their services and enhance customer satisfaction. - [In-Flight Mindfulness Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cathay-pacific): Cathay Pacific's Yoga and Meditation Program is Available to Fliers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Airlines can benefit from offering in-flight mindfulness programs as a way to differentiate themselves and attract wellness-oriented travelers. - [Inflatable In-Flight Hammocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-inflight-hammock): 'Fly Legs Up' Hammocks Make Long-Haul Coach Flights More Bearable (Category: World) Implication: The travel industry can explore disruptive innovation by incorporating inflatable in-flight hammocks as a new seating option to enhance passenger comfort during long-haul flights. - [In-Flight Temperature-Reporting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2hot2cold): 2Hot2Cold Helps Passengers Report Uncomfortable Temperatures (Category: World) Implication: The in-flight temperature-reporting app trend presents an opportunity for airlines to differentiate themselves by prioritizing customer comfort and safety. - [Free In-Flight Messaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflight-messaging): Delta Air Lines is Launching Free Messaging Services Beginning October 1 (Category: Tech) Implication: The aviation industry has the opportunity to leverage disruptive innovation by adopting technology like free in-flight messaging, biometric boarding passes, and facial recognition… ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)