Cheap dreams: Economy Airbus passengers could soon be travelling in SLEEP PODS kitted out with televisions, reclining pillows and CCTV

  • 'Sleeping boxes' would be stacked in the tail area of the aircraft
  • Passengers will still have to fasten safety belts during take-off and landing 
  • Beds would be available instead of – not as well as – a seat in economy

By Georgia Diebelius For Mailonline

Published: 05:45 EST, 29 September 2015 | Updated: 07:52 EST, 29 September 2015

For many, the biggest challenge on a flight is finding a position that allows a moment of sleep.

The company behind popular passenger aircraft, Airbus, could be set to relieve millions of holidaymakers after a patent for economy-class 'sleeping boxes' was submitted this week.

The pods, which if approved will be fitted in the tail end of the aircraft, would be kitted out with personal televisions, reclining pillows, a reading light and video cameras so crews can monitor the passenger throughout the flight. 

Sleeping boxes would be stacked both beside and on top of others in the tail end of the aircraft

Sleeping boxes would be stacked both beside and on top of others in the tail end of the aircraft

Passengers will be strapped into the pod, which will also have airbags and padding, for take-off and landing.

Passengers will be strapped into the pod, which will also have airbags and padding, for take-off and landing.

A passenger service unit would also be installed to include an emergency oxygen mask, an air conditioning vent, a speaker and a lamp.

In the patent, Airbus states that the pods are designed for economy class, admitting that current seating in the area is 'only movable to a limited extent and therefore can be found by passengers to be uncomfortable, particularly on long haul flights.' 

The patent's diagrams show a three-by-three-seating configuration, which is usually found in economy on A350 and A380 aircrafts – both of which are used for long haul international flights.

A passenger service unit would also be installed and would include an emergency equipment

A passenger service unit would also be installed and would include an emergency equipment

The patent's diagrams show a three-by-three-seating configuration, which is usually found in economy on A350 and A380 aircrafts – both of which are used for long haul international flights

The patent's diagrams show a three-by-three-seating configuration, which is usually found in economy on A350 and A380 aircrafts – both of which are used for long haul international flights

Passengers will be firmly strapped into the pod, which will also be kitted out with airbags and padding, for take-off and landing.

In-flight meals will also be served directly to those using the boxes.  

With a cross section of just over 31 by 31 inches, the pods, which would be arranged so that the passenger would lay in the same direction of flight, would be made of plastic or fibre-reinforced plastic, keeping it relatively lightweight.

'Sleeping boxes', named by Airbus, would also be stacked both beside and on top of others – and separated by a sound-proof bulkhead so tired passengers can get some sleep. 

Pods will have a reading light and video cameras so crews can monitor the passenger throughout the flight

Pods will have a reading light and video cameras so crews can monitor the passenger throughout the flight

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