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A NEW economy seat has been revealed but it isn’t your normal limited leg-room option.

Dubbed the ‘SkyNook’, there’s a new economy seat that could offer passengers a “semi-private” retreat when flying.

The seat would feature at the back of a plane, transforming the underutilised space into an area that could host families, travellers with service animals or pets, travellers with sensory sensitivities or even someone flying with either a bulky or fragile item that cannot go into hold.

The reason the seat would feature at the back of a plane, is because widebody aircraft often taper inwards at the back – which means a triple row of seats cannot fit.

Instead, two seats are usually put in this area, but there is still some extra room between the side of the plane and the window seat.

The SkyNook would fill this space so that a secure car seat would fit or a pet carrier or service animal.

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Mock-ups of the cabin show how the armrest of the seat nearest the window could lay flat to be used as a table or to sit a baby carrier on.

A bassinet could also be fitted into the space and secured onto the armrest.

Travellers in this seat could also make use of a privacy divider which is designed to reduce cabin noise and separate the seats from the aisle, which can often fill with people waiting for the toilet.

The screen could be particularly useful for passengers who want to feed children, for example.

Created by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, the seat is up for a 2026 Crystal Cabin Award in the Passenger Comfort category.

The award recognises innovation, excellence and creativity in aircraft cabin interior design.

The winner of the award will be announced on April 14.

Another concept that has been named a finalist is Airbus’ new Airspace A350-1000 first class cabin concept.

The new first class cabin experience would be similar to flying in a private jet and would feel more like an apartment.

A master suite would be in the middle of the cabin of the aircraft and for two travellers with a double bed, a private toilet, a changing area and a bar.

And to make the experience not feel claustrophobic, there are virtual panoramic windows that wrap around the suite which stream images from outside the aircraft.

So, essentially, you will always have a view.

Another finalist is Spaceframe, which is another take on an economy seat.

The seat would have a mesh backrest with foam to make it more comfortable for longer journeys and they would also slide forwards, to recline, which would mean they don’t invade the passenger’s space behind.

The seats would also have integrated power, lighting and wireless charging.

Some airlines are already well-known for their economy seats, such as Emirates.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot recently flew in economy with Emirates and said: “Even in economy it’s easy to see how Emirates is in a different league to other long haul airlines.

“Launching their first London flights back in 1991, the next year they were the first ever airline to install in flight entertainment screens in all seats across every class.

“And as the first airline to order the game-changing Airbus A380 and I was among the first to travel on the two-deck leviathan capable of holding up to 615 passengers.

“The in-flight catering always feels generous compared to other airlines and while the seats may not be any more generous than our flag-carrier, the plush padding makes it much more comfortable over a long flight.

“And unlike the service I’ve received on some American airlines over the years, the Emirates crew have been faultless on every trip I’ve been on.”

In other aviation news, here’s the airline with the best economy seats in the world – and you can even book private beds.

Plus, the UK airline with the comfiest Economy seats revealed.

You’ll have to hurry

The UK’s tiniest railway station measures just 15 metres in length and can only accommodate one train door opening at a time. Among the hundreds of stations dotted across Britain linking villages, towns and cities, one holds the record for being the smallest.

Beauly Station in the Scottish Highlands claims this unique distinction. Its platform is considerably shorter than a single train carriage, meaning passengers must be given advance notice if they wish to alight there.

An announcement alerts travellers to plan accordingly if Beauly is their destination.

The station boasts a rich heritage, having first opened its doors in 1862. But by 1960, fierce competition from local bus services forced its closure.

More than four decades later, following determined campaigns by local residents, it reopened. Since 2002, Beauly Station has featured a modest 10-space car park, bicycle storage and shelter facilities, reports the Express.

Whilst there’s no ticket office, the diminutive station remarkably handles approximately 35,000 passenger journeys annually, according to figures from the Carno Station Action Group. Located roughly 10 miles west of Inverness, it serves ScotRail services.

Trains calling at Beauly travel onwards to Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dingwall, Invergordon, Ardgay and Inverness.

The station wasn’t always this compact, having previously boasted two platforms. Originally constructed for the Inverness to Invergordon line in the 1800s, it featured twin platforms, a passing loop and a goods shed.

During the 1960s, Beauly was amongst numerous stations axed. All stations between Inverness and Dingwall were shut down.

The solitary platform at Beauly standing today was constructed in 2002 when the station reopened. The reinstatement scheme came with a £250,000 price tag.

Class 158 trains normally operate on this line, which extend beyond Beauly’s platform length.

Usually, only the front door of the train opens to allow passengers to board and alight.

A flight attendant has shared a simple hotel room safety tip that doesn’t require any expensive security gadgets

Hotel stays typically involve minor inconveniences – sluggish Wi-Fi or uncomfortable pillows – but feeling unsafe shouldn’t be one of them.

Sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings whilst travelling can leave you feeling exposed, and it’s perfectly understandable to worry about safeguarding your belongings when you’re away from home.

Nina Bolders, a flight attendant with 15 years of global travel experience and founder of Fly Me to the Vegan Buffet, has revealed a straightforward technique she employs to enhance her security in hotels.

She explained: “Even in a five-star hotel in the safest country, you sleep better when you know that no one can sneak into your room unnoticed while you sleep or shower.

“I used to make my own alarm system by placing a glass or cup on the doorknob and another one on the floor underneath, hoping that the noise would wake me up and maybe even convince the intruder to leave.”

Whilst it may seem peculiar, positioning cups or glasses on or close to your hotel room door can create considerable noise should someone attempt to enter whilst you’re asleep.

Thieves typically seek out straightforward opportunities and may be deterred by unexpected commotion, or pause if they spot an obvious warning sign, as this indicates the room’s occupant is vigilant.

It’s a straightforward method to boost your sense of security when you’re on the road without needing to pack extra items or spend additional cash. Numerous hotels provide door wedges, which can be wedged into your door before bedtime to prevent anyone from attempting to enter your room.

It’s advisable to store essential items, including your phone, wallet, and passport, in an easily reachable spot so you can monitor them regularly.

The most secure location for valuables is either on your person or within a bag that remains in your sight at all times. Should you need to leave them behind, it’s worthwhile purchasing a portable lockbox.

Nevertheless, the most crucial thing to bear in mind whilst travelling, according to Nina, is to trust your gut instinct and remain vigilant in busy areas you’re exploring.

She advised: “Be alert when strangers approach you, especially around tourist attractions or when things happen or are being said that make no sense. There are a lot of thieves and scammers out there.”