Air travel innovations you never thought possible

Traveling is fun, but the journey itself is not always more fulfilling than the destination. Advancements in air travel technology, however, have made getting from point A to point B a much more tolerable process. Some of the more recent developments have even made riding in a plane an enjoyable prospect.

Check out some of the latest advancements that are sure to improve your flight, be it a connector or a transatlantic.

Food - The longest running joke in air travel, airplane food has come a long way since peanuts and canned tomato juice. Many long-distance flights now offer items for different dietary restrictions, from calorie conscious to kosher. Some first class cabins, such as those found in Singapore Airline's fleet, offer full multi-course meals prepared by world class chefs and noted dietitians.

Entertainment - Passengers were once responsible for providing their own in-flight entertainment and often purchased books or magazines to pass the time. New planes, such as Boeing's Intercontinental jets, feature in-seat Satellite TV systems. Passengers can choose their own channel or movie from a menu, similar to that found on home satellite TV systems, but you probably still won't have access to HD channels. Now when you're at 30,000 feet, you can enjoy satellite TV over Texas the same way you can in your own home.

Music - Just like TV, radio has come a long way when it comes to air travel. Flyers may now listen to available satellite radio stations, from comedy to news to country music. Gone are the days when screaming babies or dead iPod batteries prevented travelers from enjoying a restful, relaxing flight.

Seats - While standard coach seats on most carriers haven't changed much, great strides have been made for those willing to shell out for business travel. British Airways, for example, features seats that fully recline, offering a good-night's sleep to those who otherwise feel cramped in airplane seats. These reclining chairs boast privacy separators and independently adjusting lights, which only add to the at-home feel.

Internet - A few select airlines are now offering Internet use to their passengers for a fee. Now it's possible to check e-mail, stream movies, or even pay bills while in transit. Wireless Internet, though not widely available, is set to be offered by most airlines by the end 2014. Not just great for business travelers, Internet comes as a welcome addition to all the new entertainment options to even the most casual vacationer.

At one time, people dressed up for the occasion of air travel. Although three-piece suits are hard to find nowadays, technological advancements are commonplace, making this form of travel exceptional. Amenities many only dreamed would be offered in the air are now reality, available to be enjoyed by all. It's impossible to know what's coming next as each airline races to outdo the others, but one thing is for sure: Air travel is only going to improve in the coming years, making the journey more a part of the experience than ever.

Courtesy of ARAcontent