New ‘Skynook’ economy seat that feels more like business class with private sliding door
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.