Travel advisor Betty Villani was attending a trade show in 2022 when she came across Go-Be Sleeves, covers designed for airplane tray tables. These sleeves were being showcased by Barbara Booth, the mastermind behind the product. Villani, who co-owns Exclusive Global Travel with her husband, was immediately intrigued by the product. She ended up placing a significant order of the sleeves, customized with her agency’s name and contact information, to gift to her clients. Even though fears surrounding Covid have diminished over time, Villani disclosed that the Go-Be covers, available in a variety of vibrant designs, continue to be popular among her clientele. She personally uses one every time she boards a flight, emphasizing how the sleeve gives her peace of mind by ensuring a sanitary surface for eating or placing belongings on the tray table.
Go-Be is not the only product in the market aiming to improve the flying experience, particularly in economy class. For instance, Airplane Pockets, a similar product, not only covers the tray table but also contains storage compartments for items like laptops, tablets, magazines, glasses, and water bottles. Moreover, there has been a rise in the availability of various in-flight comfort products ranging from airplane footrests to shelves that attach to window shade tracks, as well as wireless Bluetooth adapters meant to pair with in-flight entertainment systems. Additionally, carry-on headrests are ubiquitous products that are commonly seen among travelers.
While some in-flight comfort products are well-received, others tend to spark controversy. One notable example is the Knee Defender, a product that prevents the person in front from reclining their seat. Several airlines banned this item a decade ago after it led to altercations on flights. However, most carriers and the FAA maintain neutrality towards such products, provided they are stowed away during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, and passengers adhere to crew instructions.
Andy Bernadett, the inventor of the spAIRtray, devised a window shelf in 2015 to address the inconvenience of working on a computer while simultaneously keeping a beverage on a tray table during flights on Southwest Airlines. The shelf, designed for passengers in window seats, slides into the window shade slats effortlessly. It is equipped with a sticky rubber pad that prevents items from slipping off. Bernadett primarily uses the shelf for beverages, glasses, and his cellphone. He mentioned that flight attendants often appreciate the concept and show admiration for the product.
In addition to innovative tray table accessories, several companies are offering footrest products that can be attached to the seatback tray table. BasicConcepts, based in Jacksonville, Florida, sells the Foot Hammock, a popular footrest product on Amazon. It features adjustable straps and memory foam for enhanced comfort. According to the company’s CEO Shane Campbell, this footrest fits snugly into the tray table’s elbow and can be utilized with the table in both upright and down positions without interfering with the seat in front.
It is evident that the flying experience is evolving with the introduction of in-flight comfort products like Go-Be Sleeves, Airplane Pockets, spAIRtray, and Foot Hammocks. These products not only enhance comfort but also prioritize safety and convenience for passengers. Consequently, flight accessories are becoming an essential aspect of air travel, revolutionizing the way travelers experience flying. With innovation at the forefront, the future of in-flight comfort looks promising, promising a more pleasant and enjoyable journey for all passengers.