Skip to main content

The Future of Luxury Air Travel Is Sleeping in the Cargo Hold

Airbus Cargo Hold
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Scoring a fold-flat bed is the pinnacle of luxury when you’re forced to endure a long-haul flight. But how far would you go to be able to lie down en route? How about snoozing in the airplane cargo hold? That’s exactly what Airbus is proposing, and a surprising number of airlines and passengers are on board with the idea.

Airbus Is To Build Passenger Sleeping Berths Inside A Plane's Cargo Hold | CNBC

The concept is simple: many planes fly with unused space in their cargo holds. By integrating sleep pods into this otherwise wasted space, air passengers who wouldn’t typically have the luxury of in-flight napping will now have a place to crash (sorry). The beds will be sold as an add-on. Passengers will secure a standard seat in their cabin of choice but have the option to upgrade to a 100-percent flat bed in the cargo hold. They’ll move freely between their seat and bed via a private staircase.

Airbus Cargo Hold
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re imagining sleeping amid piles of luggage and crated house pets, the initial mockups from Airbus paint a decidedly more luxurious picture. The atmosphere appears something like the efficient “pod hotel” capsules popularized in Japan and by brands like YOTEL. Bunk beds line either side of a crisp, white hallway adorned with shelving, lounge seating areas, and ultra-modern ambient lighting. Early concepts include the flexibility to change the pod configuration to suit larger families, emergency medical needs, or even in-flight business meetings.

Airbus Cargo Hold
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are currently more than 1,250 A330s in use by the world’s largest international air carriers, including Delta, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Air China. Airbus promises that because it’s relatively easy to retrofit the cargo holds of existing planes with these pods, the process of upgrading entire fleets could happen very quickly. From the airlines’ perspective, they’ll be able to swap the pods out based on a specific plane’s route and needs. For shorter flights, it makes more sense to utilize the space for cargo, while passengers aboard long-haul flights will likely be willing to pay for the upgrade. Considering today’s longest-haul flights can last nearly 18 hours, this radical idea may be among the best the airline industry has had in a while.

Airbus Cargo Hold
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The final design, pricing, and other details are still in the works. It remains to be seen whether passengers will need to reserve the pods in advance or be able to upgrade mid-flight. The first “cargo hold suites” are expected to roll out sometime in 2020.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
8 airplane tips that make air travel suck a lot less
Your long-haul flight will be way easier with these (probably) lesser-known airplane hacks
Inside of a plane with screens on

When I moved out from the East Coast to the Seattle area, nothing could have prepared me for the horrible long-haul domestic air travel. I fly back home twice per year: once for our annual family reunions and another time for Christmas, but this year, I also spent Thanksgiving there, too (yay, another 5-hour flight there and back). It was wonderful spending time with my family, but it's also shocking how terrible domestic air travel is these days. Here are my best airplane hacks to make air travel suck a lot less.
My top airplane hacks for the frustrated flier

How to clear security quickly
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is an easy way to get through security quickly. If you're already in line at the checkpoint, prepare as much as possible as you get close to the front of the line. Take your shoes off, get your electronics out of your bag, and move everything along so that all you have to do is place things in buckets and walk through the detector.
How to score an airplane row all to yourself
Scoring an entire airplane row to yourself is like a blessing from above, particularly on a long-haul flight. But it’s always a game of chance, even on half-empty flights. Your best bet is to start by flying off-season and off-peak routes. If you’re working with a travel agent, they can direct you toward less-crowded alternative flights.

Read more
This U.S. state breaks into the top 10 luxury travel destinations of 2024
Maui is the only U.S. destination that made the list
Maui

A new survey by Kinglike has revealed that Maui, Hawaii, has secured a spot among the top 10 most visited luxury travel destinations in 2024, making it the only U.S. destination to earn this distinction. The survey included responses from 158,000 high-net-worth individuals worldwide, highlighting Maui’s global appeal.

Known for its stunning resorts, private villa rentals, and exclusive experiences like private helicopter tours and secluded beach retreats, Maui offers plenty of opportunities for high-end indulgence. 

Read more
8 over-the-top luxury travel experiences you won’t believe are real
Have you ever wanted to stay on your own private island?
QC NY Spa

If you’re searching for something that goes far beyond the usual bed and breakfast and are ready to indulge in life’s most opulent offerings, the world is brimming with luxury travel experiences that you’ll never forget. Imagine dining inside an active volcano, lounging on your own private island, or trekking with gorillas through the jungle. While these experiences may sound unattainable, they are actually within reach for those who are willing to splurge a bit.

Let’s dive into the créme de la créme of luxury travel experiences, exploring the most exclusive, over-the-top adventures that redefine indulgence.
Brazil: Enjoy private access to Iguazu National Park

Read more