Skip to main content

Would You Book a Flight on a Windowless Airplane?

emirates airplane
Emirates

For some air travelers, the window seat is the only way to fly; for nervous flyers, aisle-lovers, and claustrophobics, it’s a source of pure anxiety. The airplanes of the future, however, might eliminate the concept of windows altogether. The question is: Would anyone want to fly them?

A new concept from the Dubai-based Emirates reimagines its fleet without any windows. From the outside, the fuselage of these next-gen planes will appear as a sleek, near-featureless aluminum tube. Inside, passengers will watch the world go by on ultra-high-definition “virtual windows” that rely on state-of-the-art, fiber-optic camera technology to relay the images to the cabin. Emirates president Sir Tim Clark told BBC that they’re “so good, it’s better than with the natural eye.” No word on whether the view would be customizable. If so, passengers could, for example, program their view to be a bright, sunshiny day even while flying through a severe storm.

Recommended Videos

It’s simple economics: windowless planes would be cheaper to build, more structurally sound, and lighter, which means they would burn less fuel.

The main reason airlines are eager to see this concept through, however, has nothing to do with passenger comfort. In reality, it’s simple economics: windowless planes would be cheaper to build, more structurally sound, and lighter, which means they would burn less fuel. All of which means they could also fly faster which equates to more routes — and therefore more money — per plane.

For now, there’s no definitive date on the concept’s launch. The biggest hurdle for any airline is the matter of safety. The ability to see out the windows in an emergency is crucial for flight crews. In the event of a fire or water landing, they rely on the ability to see the potential dangers outside. Even with a redundant system that includes backup cameras, it’s easy to see how the whole concept might fall apart in a severe crash.

Officials at the European Aviation Safety Agency said, however, that they “do not see any specific challenge that could not be overcome to ensure a level of safety equivalent to the one of an aircraft fitted with cabin windows.”

There’s still the matter of most passengers’ need to feel connected with the outside world. For long-haul flights in particular, where passengers might be crammed in an aluminum tube for the better of a day, having some tenuous connection to the outside world is at least a little comforting. In an already claustrophobic space, creating a situation where passengers may feel even more closed-in is a big ask. So it’s difficult to imagine airline passengers clamoring for this “feature” any time soon.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Is flight insurance worth it? A guide to help you decide
What you need to know before buying flight insurance
Person standing on an airplane

A few years ago, I had a dream trip planned across the country. Flights were booked, hotels were reserved, and itineraries were finalized. Then, two days before departure, I got the flu, bad. My doctor advised me not to travel, but since I didn’t have travel insurance, I was going to lose out on the entire cost of my non-refundable ticket. That was the moment I realized flight insurance isn’t just an upsell. For some travelers, it can really work out. In this case, I wish I had sprung for the insurance. But is flight insurance worth it for you? Let’s break it down.
What does flight insurance cover?

When it comes to what flight insurance covers, the policies vary. You should check your specific policy for exact coverage details, but they typically include some or all of the following benefits:

Read more
How long do AirTags last? Here’s what you need to know
Let us walk tyou through how to replace an AirTag battery
Apple AirTag on white table

If you travel often, have a knack for misplacing things, or just like the convenience of smart tech, you've likely heard of Apple AirTags. These small, button-shaped tracking devices can be life savers when it comes to keeping track of your personal items. But how long do AirTags last? Keep reading for the answers.
How long do AirTags last?
Apple AirTags are powered by standard CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you might already be familiar with if you've used other small electronic gadgets. According to Apple, the battery life of an AirTag should last more than one year under normal use. But what does "normal use" really mean? Essentially, this means using your AirTag to ping your items occasionally and having it emit a signal when nearby devices on Apple's Find My network detect it.
Factors that affect battery life

Frequency of use: If you frequently use the AirTag's precise location feature or trigger the built-in speaker to find lost items, your battery life will be shorter. The more you interact with your AirTag, the faster the battery wears down.
Find My network activity: AirTags work by tapping into Apple’s Find My network, which anonymously leverages the millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the world. If your AirTag is in a busy area with lots of interactions, it might use up battery more quickly than one tucked away in a drawer most of the time.
Environmental conditions: Just like any battery-operated device, temperature and weather can play a role in how well the AirTag performs. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery life, sometimes leading to premature battery depletion.

Read more
What happens if you miss a connecting flight? These travel tips will help you save your trip
Follow these tips if you miss your connecting flight
Woman at airport

Making a connection between flights is often a seamless experience; your plane lands on time, you grab your carry-on, and you make your way over to the gate to board your connecting flight to your destination. Sometimes, you even have time to grab a quick meal at the airport. Other times, you may find yourself running full speed through the airport to make it to your plane. Missing connecting flights is an unfortunate aspect of frequent air travel. But what happens if you miss your connection? Navigating the aftermath of a missed connecting flight can be intimidating and challenging, but with the right travel tips, you can make it to your final destination with minimal stress.
Missing a connecting flight: The common causes

Several things can cause a traveler to miss their connecting flight. These factors range from airline-related issues to personal oversights. Generally, an airline will not sell you a ticket if they don’t believe you can make your connecting flight, but flight delays of even a few minutes can quickly cascade into missed connections. 

Read more