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Emirates’ new U-Dream Headrest features flexible side wings that can fold inward to cradle the head and neck
NEED TO KNOW
- Emirates has unveiled the U-Dream Headrest, offering economy passengers enhanced neck and head support for better inflight comfort
- The headrest features adjustable height, tilting, and foldable side wings to support passengers of various body types
- The feature is currently available on select Airbus A350s and will be installed on more aircraft, including future Boeing 777X planes
Emirates’ latest comfort innovation might make neck pillows a thing of the past for economy-class travelers.
On July 20, the Dubai-based airline unveiled its new U-Dream Headrest, which the company calls a “game-changing new seat addition” giving economy travelers a chance to experience “a whole new level of support and comfort inflight,” per a press release.
The company says the leather U-shaped headrest is padded to provide full neck and head support during sleep or general relaxation. The device features flexible side wings that can fold inward to cradle the head and neck. Emirates says it helps passengers maintain a comfortable sleeping position without falling forward or sideways.
To accommodate passengers of different heights and body types, the headrest can move vertically and tilts to align with customers. The design has been independently tested and verified to meet regulatory standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, according to the press release.
Emirates says the new feature is already available on three of the company’s Airbus A350 aircraft and is working to install more “as quickly as possible.” By the end of the year, the entire A350 fleet will come fitted with the U-Dream Headrest. The feature will come pre-installed on all 270 Boeing 777X aircraft Emirates has ordered. Beginning in 2027, the company will retrofit most of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
Emirates Airlines president Sir Tim Clark says the device “significantly improves” comfort in economy class, especially for those traveling on long-haul flights.
“No more neck pillows needed,” he claims in the press release. “It’s another innovation that shows our commitment to customers and cements our economy class as the best.”
The announcement comes as airlines across the globe are looking for ways to maximize comfort — especially in economy class.
United Airlines recently announced that its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will include a special Economy Plus row that transforms the middle seat into a shared table. The permanently fixed surface will have two cup holders and give passengers in the middle and aisle seats more elbow room and leg space.
The news came about four months after the company introduced the Relax Row, a trio of economy seats that can turn into a couch on long-haul flights.
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In April, Air New Zealand launched its Economy Skynest pods, offering customers the chance to book dedicated time to fully lie flat on long-haul trips. The Skynests, built inside the airline’s new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, feature six “meticulously designed pods” providing private space for travelers to sleep. A session in the bunk bed-like alcoves comes with a soft mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket and a seatbelt.
Read the original article on People
