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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.”

SPAIN is set to implement stricter rules when it comes to smoking and vaping – and it will affect all holidaymakers.

The list of smoke-free places that already exists could be expanded to beaches and national parks under new law.

This week, Spain approved a draft law to extend the list of smoke-free places.

It will be forbidden to smoke or vape on the terraces of bars and restaurants as well as on beaches, riverside beaches, national parks and swimming pools.

Health Minister Mónica García said: “Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu.”

Also affected are outdoor performance spaces, university campuses and work vehicles such as delivery vans.

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It’s not just a ban directly in these areas – Spain is also hoping to introduce ‘enhanced protection zones’

This is where smoking and vaping will be banned within a 15-metre perimeter around them in certain places like museums and children’s parks and playgrounds.

The amount people can be fined could also change.

According to local media, those breaking these rules could be be fined between €200-€600 (£170-£511).

The law will also ban the use of tobacco-related products by those under the age of 18.

Until now, the law only prohibited the sale and supply to under 18s.

For minors who break the ban on consuming tobacco or vapes, fines for minor offences will start at €200 (£170).

Athough this could be replaced by community service.

These rules aren’t in effect yet as the changes will only be made if the bill is approved by Spanish parliament.

It’s not the only rule that could see you fined in Spain – some areas ban sunlounger hogging, with £216 fines.

So we’ve rounded up all of the Spain travel rules you need to know about.

And don’t try and drink at these French beaches either – that’s banned too.

A POPULAR airline is introducing new rules for economy passengers on long-haul flights.

From November 1, TUI Airways has confirmed that it will scrap free alcoholic drinks for all economy passengers on long-haul flights.

Currently, economy passengers are allowed up to three free alcoholic drinks across their long-haul flight with TUI.

However, the new policy reduces this to just one alcoholic drink – beer or wine – which will be served with their main meal.

If travellers then want an additional alcoholic drink, they will need to purchase it.

Passengers will still be able to get complimentary water, soft drinks and juices.

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For those travelling in Premium Economy, there will be no changes.

The rules will apply for both inbound and outbound flights.

A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “From 1 November 2026, we are making some changes to the food and drink service included for customers travelling in Economy on our long-haul flights.

“Customers will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks throughout their flight and a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal.

“Additional alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase onboard.”

Adults with pre-existing bookings affected by the change will be given a £12.50 refund per flight, each way, as a gesture of goodwill.