Emirates Airline

While the company is known for offering a more luxurious travel experience for passengers in business and first class seats, Emirates has now revealed a brand new upgrade for economy travellers

When it comes to travelling in comfort, Emirates is often praised for the comfort it provides passengers on long-haul flights, and the company has even been named one of the most luxurious airlines in the world. However, the extra bells and whistles are likely to cost you, as they are mainly offered to passengers in business or first class.

But that doesn’t mean its cheaper, economy class is uncomfortable. The airline has upgraded economy seats in its newer A350 planes to provide more legroom. The on-screen entertainment system has also been given an upgrade. Passengers can also choose to pay an extra fee to enjoy Wi-Fi services on their flight – something budget airlines like Ryanair don’t always offer.

But now, the airline has revealed one more upgrade to their economy seats, and claims to be the first in the world to have upgraded seats’ pillows to provide more support for the passengers’ heads.

Emirates upgrades economy class seats

Taking to Instagram, the airline shared a video with the reveal, writing in the caption of the post: “Emirates just added something to Economy that no other airline has.

“Introducing the U-Dream adjustable headrest – just one of the many ways we’re continuing to invest in Emirates Economy. From thoughtful comfort to award-winning in-flight entertainment, every detail is designed to make your journey even better.”

The clip showed a female passenger seated in an economy seat aboard an Emirates plane, before pulling down two sections of cushioning behind her head, one on either side, creating a makeshift travel pillow that makes nodding off on the plane considerably easier. The clip went on to explain that, while the carrier is widely recognised for its more premium offerings in business and first class cabins, it is equally committed to delivering a comfortable journey for those travelling in economy.

Branded the U-Dream, the ground-breaking adjustable headrest boasts flexible inward-folding wings designed to cradle the head and neck, enabling passengers to unwind in comfort throughout their journey.

To date, the headrests have been fitted on three A350 aircraft, with plans to install them across all of the airline’s A350s and the majority of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

Fans have different responses to the news

Viewers were quick to flock to the comments section to share their opinions. While the majority seemed to be happy with the upgrade, some also pointed out some of their worries with the headrests, such as how hygienic they would be.

“Personally, I will never use this new tool as they are never cleaned,” one person wrote. Another said: “U dream: Pre-seasoned headrests, comes with free dried drool flavor from previous passengers.”

Some flight attendants have previously revealed that the seats on planes don’t get cleaned as often as you make think, making these worries very valid.

Someone else also pointed out: “This doesn’t address the root issue. When people sleep/doze on the plane, their heads fall forward, not sideways; therefore, they really need something that supports the front of their neck and head/face.”

But despite the skepticism, the majority of fans seemed to be excited about the upgrade, with one person saying: “THANK YOU EMIRATES.”

Someone else said: “@emirates taking things up a level AGAIN!” A third person also commented: “”Honestly a simple but beautiful solution.”

With the summer holidays set to be one of the busiest travel periods, everyone needs to be aware of the different rules when it comes to taking a nifty gadget on board flights

Before jetting off abroad this summer, it’s vital to understand the little-known gadget rule that varies by airline.

For most of us, packing a power bank for our holiday is top of the list, whether it’s to use at the airport or while exploring a new city. But there are strict rules for carrying the nifty gadget onboard.

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation amended its rules on passengers carrying power banks, along with lithium cells or batteries, onboard any aircraft. The changes came into effect on 27 March, limiting how travellers pack and use their power banks, with a cap on the number that can be taken on board.

The amended rules from the ICAO stated that power banks:

• Must be carried in carry‑on baggage
• Must be individually protected when not in use
• Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
• Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
• Maximum of two power banks per person

There have been various reports of power banks causing hazardous issues onboard, with safety experts at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explaining that lithium batteries found in power banks can be dangerous on planes, primarily because they can enter “thermal runaway.” This is a process in which a battery experiences a rapid, uncontrollable temperature surge, potentially leading to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic fumes.

In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation rules, most airlines allow passengers to carry two power banks per person on board. However, they cannot be used during the flight and must be taken on board in their hand luggage.

What airlines allow two power banks?

• Asiana Airlime
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• easyJet
• EVA Air
• Jet2
• Lufthansa
• Korean Air
• Loganair
• Qantas
• Ryanair
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines
• TUI Airways
• United
• Vietnam Airlines
• Wizz Air

While these airlines allow two power banks on board, they also outline their own additional rules, including the permitted watt-hours and the required device condition. So it’s vital to check your airline’s specific power bank rules before jetting off abroad.

What airlines only allow one power bank?

While most airlines allow travellers to take two power banks on board, Emirates restricts customers to just one power bank per person. They state that it must be under 100 watt-hours, carried in hand luggage, and cannot be used to charge devices on board.

The airline also outlines that the power bank should not be placed in the overhead lockers, but must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag underneath the seat in front. For full details on Emirates’ power bank rules, visit their website.

What airlines allow more than two power banks?

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic permits passengers to carry up to five power banks or spare batteries per person. However, it depends significantly on their watt-hour (Wh) rating.

They also need to be stored in hand luggage and cannot be used during the flight. For full details on Virgin Atlantic’s power bank restrictions, visit their website.

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