Given the extended periods of time many people spend waiting in airports, it stands to reason that there is a large demand for airport innovations.
Comfort is a significant concern when sitting at the airport for hours at a time. For that reason, a multitude of seating options have been created, from adjustable airport seats to secluded sleeping pods.
Flight security has also become an issue at airports. However, technologies like liquid-testing lasers and full body scanners are being implemented to keep flights safe.
Though many airport innovations have a focus on keeping travelers safe and comfortable, airports are turning to gimmicks to attract more traffic. Spaces like Hobbit-based lounges and floating airports are created to attract more visitors based on their novelty.
70 Advanced Airport Additions
From Airport Relaxation Pods to In-Air Customs Clearances:
Alexander Lam — May 17, 2013 — Art & Design

70
Boxed Bedding Hotels
Arch Group Presents a Hotel Made from Modular Sleeping Rooms

69
Cavernous Shelving Units
The Cave-Like Wooden Installation is a Grand Retail Display
68
Airport Resting Chambers
The Sleep Box Concept by Arch Group is Sure to Take Flight
67
Covered Airport Pods
Abu Dhabi Airport's Sleeping Pods Will Have You Relaxing Like a Baby
66
Indoor Airport Parks
The Schiphol Airport Park Allows Passengers to Relax Before Take-Off
65
Anti-Social Seating
The CALA Indoors Bench by Veronica Martinez Faces Two Directions
64
Prodigious Accessory Pavilions
Beijing World Jewelry Expo is an Epic Edifice to Exhibit Tiny Items
63
Anonymous Airport Security Scanners
Companies Update Software to Protect Privacy and Decency
62
Airport Relaxation Pods
Obsideon from Roger Kellenberger Offers Weary Travelers a Place to Rest
61
Manga Airport Lounges
The Tao Yuan International Aiport in Taiwan is Adorned in Hello Kitty
60
Major League Lounge Chairs
Yoonjung Heo's 'Baseball Furniture' is Designed for Big League Airports
59
Smart Sensored Luggage
The Hop! Following Suitcase Won't Get Lost
58
Futuristic Floating Airports
The London Britannia Airport Will Have Underwater Tunnels
57
Compact Airport Castles
The Dream and Fly Micro Hotel is Jet Set on Making You Comfortable
56
Luxury Airport Waiting Rooms
The 'Virgin Upper Class Lounge' is High-Society Relaxation
55
House-Like Airport Terminals
IKEA VIP Lounge in France Helps Travelers Alleviate Stress
54
Industrial Public Perches
The Nanu Bench Commands a Presence in Massive Civic Spaces
53
In-Airport Playgrounds
The Schiphol Departure Lounge 4 Lets Kids Play During Layover
52
Temporary Transit Motels (UPDATE)
The SleepBox Debuts in International Airports Around the Globe
51
Elevated Ecological Airports
Symbiotic Vaulting Lets Nature, Neighborhoods and Airlines to Coexist
50
Sinuous Slumber Pods
SleepBox by Caspar Lohner Offers Peace in Busy Environments
49
Shimmering Sky-High Airports
3DReid Architects' Farnborough Airport is a Winning Innovation
48
Hobbit Home Airports
The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge Has a Circular Motif
47
Astronaut-Accommodating Airports
The Virgin Galactic 'Spaceport America' is the First of Its Kind
46
Airplane Playground Equipment
This Giant Slide Extends from the Side of a Tupolev Tu-124 Jet
45
Ant-Sized Airports
Miniature Airport Exhibit Opens at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg
44
Airport VIP For Pets
Lufthansa Frankfurt Animal Lounge
43
Business Backpack Chairs
The Restpoint Personal Seating Chair Makes Traveling Comfortable
42
Pumpkin-Shaped Airports
Wellington International Airport Unveils its New Terminal Named The Rock
41
Space-Age Airline Pavilions
The Midfield Terminal Airport Complex Features a Futuristic Design
40
Retro Waiting Room Seating
Pierre Paulin's Concorde Chair Was Originally Made for Airport Lounges
39
Adjustable Airport Seats
This Adjustable Airport Seat is Great for Sitting and Napping
38
Vertical Lake-Like Structures
Urban Art Projects & Ned Kahn Build a Kinetic Wall
37
Elderly Air Travel Aids
The Airport Compass Helps Guide Travelers to Their Gates
36
Advertising Airport Seats
The Beetling Airport Seat Turns Pre-Flight Seats into Billboards
35
Fast Food Style Flying
The Büro FÜR Mehr Drive Through Airport System is Convenient
34
Virtual Triage Kiosks
The Smart Consulting Service Helps Patients Admit Themselves into Hospital
33
Stylish Airport Seating
These Vitra Chairs Will Ensure Travelers Stay in Their Seats
32
Interior Navigators
Google Maps Indoors Helps You Find Your Way Inside Large Buildings
31
Shipped Parcel Monitors
The DropTag Lets You Check a Sealed Package's Condition
30
Illuminated Airport Seats
Marcial Ahsayane's Airport Seating is Transformable Terminal Furniture
29
Intuitive Airport Installations
Christopher Janney's 'Harmonic Convergence' Combines Light & Sound
28
Sci-Fi Sailboat-Style Airports
The New Kuwait International Airport Flies into the Future
27
Chic Tech-Infused Airports
The Virgin America SFO Terminal Acknowledges Tech-Savvy Travelers
26
Extraterrestrial Airport Terminals
Ed Lopez Imagines Year 3000 Travel in 'Space Port'
25
Illustrated Airplane Tickets
FastJet Airline Branding Animates the Tedious Airport Experience
24
Identity-Examining Devices
The 'Generation P' 3D Scanner Looks Eerily Avant-Garde
23
Airport Tablet Areas
OTG Management Provides Free iPads For Use Between Flights
22
Enveloping Teepee Chairs
The Cocoon Armchair Offers Private Relaxation in Public
21
Lifesaving Luggage Locators
The Trakdot Keeps Tabs on Your Suitcase When Your Airline Cannot
20
Airport Getaways
The Mestia Airport by J. Mayer H. Doubles as a Ski Resort
19
Enlightening Airport Areas
The SFO Yoga Room Gives Travelers a Place to Calm the Mind
18
Liquid-Testing Lasers
The Cobalt Insight100 Could Change Airport Security Measures
17
Seismic Superstructures
The Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Can Withstand Severe Earthquakes
16
Gadget-Powering Luggage
The Rolling Suitcase Charger Provides a Boost for Technology
15
Musical Baggage Walkways
'Me-lo-di' is a Luggage Path That Lets Travelers Make Music
14
Sinuous Duty Free Shops
The Wiener Walzer Shelving is Inspired by the Famous Viennese Waltz
13
Free-Use Tablet Terminals
Use an iPad Free of Charge in the Delta iPad Terminal at JFK
12
Branching Aerodome Beams
The Oita Airport Lounge by Takao Shiotsuka is Inspired by Nature
11
Weather-Synced Art Installations
The Dynamic eCloud Sculpture at San Jose International Airport
10
Rideable Luggage Carts
The Human Drive 3Roll Trolley Makes Traveling More Fun
9
Public Privacy Pods
The 'Nucleo' Pod for Personal Space or Quiet Meeting Place
8
Futuristic Flying Airports
The Airborne Metro Uses Nuclear Power to Cut Costs of Travel
7
Waitless Luggage Claim Devices
The Baggage Tray System Promises 100% Accuracy with Fast Deliveries
6
Traveling Laptop Desks
The Andrew Liszewski CartDesk Allows Easy Typing on the Go
5
In-Air Customs Clearances
On-Board Biometric Immigration Checks Coming to a Major Asian Airport
4
Airport Security Brain Fingerprinting
Behavioral Intent Research
3
Intelligent Surveillance Cameras
Smart CCTV Cameras Recognize Suspicious Behavior
2
Airport Security Tunnels
The Checkpoint of the Future Will Expedite Air Travel Safety Measures
1
Inhaling Bomb Sensors
Japan's Explosives Detector Can Find Threatening Materials in a Single Puff
Related Ideas
Business Traveler Suitcase Concepts
The Capsule Luggage Solves a Number of Suitcase Pain Points
Multifunctional Transport Buses
The Bubblic Public Imagines the Future of Public Transit
Dog-Friendly Airlines
BARK Air is a First-of-Its-Kind Airline for Dogs
In-Gym Hotels
GymNation Launched a First-of-Its-Kind "Hotel" for Gym-Goers in Dubai
Personality-Forward Luggage Brands
Airs Luggage is the Perfect Travel Companion for Expression
Exclusive Hawaiian Airport Lounges
Hawaiian Airlines Launches a Premium New Lounge at HNL
Travel-Inspired Skincare Pop-Ups
Drunk Elephant Launched a ‘See Yourself in a New Flight’ Pop-Up
Interactive Tequila Installations
Patrón El Alto Hosted a Unique Pop-Up at Heathrow Airport
Luxurious Airline Amenity Kits
Etihad Airways Debuts Giorgio Armani Loungewear and Amenity Kits
Elevated In-Flight Dining Experiences
Alaska Airlines Introduces Several Chef-Derived Meals
Customizable Office Privacy Pods
The Herman Miller Bay Work Pod is Wheelchair-Accessible
3D-Knit Airplane Seat Designs
The 'Modulo' Aircraft Seat Concept Sustainably Upgrades First Class
Fragrance-Inspired Airport Cafes
The Miss Dior Pop-Up at Changi Airport Offers a Unique Experience
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
AI-Enabled Recycling Bins
SmartSort Bins Appropriately Dispose of Out-of-Home Waste
AI Travel Advisor Tools
Travelport Released an AI-Powered Tool for Efficient Travel Searches
Connected Workplace Privacy Pods
The New Framery Office Booths Come in Four Models
AI-Travel Beauty Consultant Activations
Lancome Launched Génifique AI Pop-Up in Singapore
Yoga Inspired Massage Chairs
These Massage Chairs Use Yoga Techniques for Superior Comfort
Haute Silicone Headphone Headsets
The Conceptual Comfortably Headphones are Soft and Chic
Airline Highlight Advertisements
Spirit Airlines 'More Fly' Campaign is A Fresh Take on Travel
Ergonomic Inflatable Lounge Chairs
The 'Z LOUNGER' is Rugged and Quick to Inflate
Sensory-Friendly Airport Spaces
Edmonton International Airport Opens a Sensory-Friendly Space
Next-Gen Hydration Bottles
air up's Award-Winning Gen2 PAB "Flavors" Water with Aromatic Pods
Shapeshifting Outer Space Hotels
The Acromnia Orbital Hotel Imagines Life in Space
First-Class Working Pods
The Kabin Work Pod Enhances Focus and Productivity
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Calming Workspace Productivity Pods
The Kabin Privacy Pods Support Wellbeing at Work
AI-Powered Home Therapy Booths
Ceragem's Sauna Analyzes Data to Provide Personalized Therapies
Outerwear Travel Retailers
Canada Goose Recently Opened its First Location at Frankfurt Airport
Aerogel-Insulated Jacket Designs
The 'SpacePeak' Jacket Has a Three-in-One Design with 20 Pockets
French Riviera-Inspired Designer Activations
Chanel Presents an Elegant Airport Pop-Up in Istanbul
In-Airport Toy Retailers
Toys R Us is Expanding its Retail Presence with Up to 24 Airport Stores
Autonomous Coffee Stations
Costa Coffee is Introducing an Autonomous Store System for Coffee Prep
Autonomous Hospital Beds
MOVED by OGGMA is a CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree in Digital Health
Luxurious Eco-Conscious Amenities
Aeroflot is Launching Eco-Friendly Amenity Kits for Passengers
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
Paper-Based Airline Amenity Kits
Icelandair Introduced Sustainable Amenity Kits for Business Class
Premium Amenity Kit Collections
ELIE SAAB x Saudia Airlines Redefine In-Flight Luxury
Contemporary Office Privacy Booths
The Plenum Cabin by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen is Comfy
Smart Toilet Designs
The HOROW T38 Smart Toilet Brings a Fresh Perspective to Bathroom Design
Headphone-Specific Airport Pop-Ups
The Dyson In-Transit Experience Launches at the Changi Airport
Cozy Contemporary Seating Solutions
The Knoll Perron Bun Lounge Chair and Ottoman are Nest-Like
Modular Minimalist Travel Bags
The FIREFLYX Travel Bag is Designed for Frequent Fliers
Secret Sleep Pop-Ups
The IKEA Sleepeasy Welcomes Guests Through a Hidden Door
Elevated Airline Seating Updates
The 2025 Delta Cabin Interiors Offer Upgrades for All Classes
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Premium Skincare Amenity Kits
JetBlue's Mint Airline Amenity Kits Feature Multiple New York Brands
Premium Skincare Airplane Kits
The JetBlue Mint Amenity Kit Now Has Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Advanced Home Hospital Beds
Opera Beds Champions Comfortable Aging-In-Place
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Sleep-Focused Hotel Offerings
The Equinox Sleep Lab Unlocks the Future of Sleep Tourism
Personality-Matched Luggage Collections
Airs Debuts Personality Quiz-Based Travel Gear for 2025
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
Upgraded Airline Cabin Products
Lufthansa Launches Its Allegris Product for Premium Customers
AI-Powered Sleep Systems
Sleep Eight Pod 5 Features Zero-Gravity Elevation, Surround Sound & More
Mass-Timber Airport Rooftops
ZGF Architects Completes the Portland International Airport Expansion
Tech-Advanced Sleep Solutions
Eight Sleep Unveils the Pod 4 Ultra, Marking a Leap in Sleep Tech
Airline-Branded Golf Packages
BermudAir Enhances the Travel Experience for Golf Enthusiasts
Airport Burger Spots
Shake Shack Expands Into Multiple U.S. Airports with New Delta Air Lines Deal
Luxury Airport Retail Expansions
Schiphol Airport's Lounge 2 Will Feature More Luxury Brands
Wheelchair-Mindful Airline Services
United Airlines Enhances Travel Experiences with Its Service
Rideshare Airport Shuttle Services
These New Uber Shuttle Routes Connect Travelers from JFK to NYC
Spatial Computing Shopping Apps
'Alo Yoga' Debuted a New App for the Apple Vision Pro
Athletic Health-Focused Gadget Lines
Therabody Debuts Offerings Ahead of the 2024 Holiday Season
Mini Luggage-Compatible Trackers
Apple Unveils a New AirTag Feature for Tracking Missing Luggage
Airline-Inspired Cocktail Lounges
Carry On Airlines is a 1970s Jumbo Jet Experience
Ethical Animal Transport Initiatives
Qatar Airways Cargo Launched a Cutting-Edge Animal Centre
Major International Airport Pop-Ups
The Macallan Launched Immersive Pop-Ups at Airport Hubs
Multifunctional Sleek Air Purifiers
Blueair Presents the ComfortPure™ Air Purifier
Sand Dune-Inspired Airport Roofs
Kohn Pedersen Fox Completes a Terminal Design
Simplistic Repair-Friendly Suitcases
Bellroy Introduces its New Transit Carry-On Suitcases
Luxury Designer Airport Cafes
The Louis Vuitton Cafe at Heathrow Airport is a Multipurpose Space
Engaging Airline Platforms
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Launches a New Travel Well Platform
Airport Gaming Stores
A New Nintendo-Inspired Store is Open at Hong Kong International Airport
Future-Facing Charging Concepts
These Wireless Charger Concepts Imagine a True Wire-Free Future
Accessibility-Focused Flight Maps
Delta Aims to Enhance the In-Flight Experience for Passengers
AI-Powered Airport Restaurants
Barcelona Airport Launches the SELF Automated Restaurant
Expansive Airport Roof Canopies
The Portland Airport Gets a marge Timber Roof Canopy
Luxe Airline Cafe Experiences
Air Canada Has Unveiled Its Latest Air Canada Café
Complimentary Airline Snacks
Air Canada Announces Complimentary Snacks & Beverage Offerings
Revamped Airport Restaurant Designs
White Spot is Reopening at Vancouver International Airport
Customizable Tanning Pools
SLOOSH Launched a Mix-and-Match Inflatable Tanning Pool Collection
Enhanced Traveler Experiences
Spirit Airlines Introduced its 'More Fly' Giveaway
Airport-Based Retro Art Installations
Hong Kong Hosts Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Upscale Business Cabins
Cathay Pacific Introduced its New Aria Suite
Automated Enterprise Drone Docks
The DJI Dock 3 Works with the Matrice 40 Series Drones
Sleep-Inclusive Seating Designs
Sabai Introduces the Sustainable Eclipse Capsule
Subterranean Courtyard Galleries
Buzz Designs the Hermit Space Yards in Beijing Park
AI-Driven Jet Lag Kits
FlyKitt Pairs Custom Supplements, Specialized Glasses and AI Insights
Comfortable Foam Seating Series
Richard Hutten Contributes to the Rethink Softly Project
Airport Experience Rewards
American Express Extends Premium Travel Benefits at Toronto Pearson
In-Room Wellness Experiences
Hilton and Calm Partnered to Enhance Mindfulness and Sleep
Ultra-Modern Multifunctional Luggages
The Luggical is a Solution which Streamlines Travel
Airline Amenity Add-Ons
Etihad Airways Launches a New Amenity Kit and Loungewear Selection
Ergonomic App-Connected Office Chairs
The Backrobo C2 Air Delivers Active Lumbar Support
Humorous Playful Airline Campaigns
Spirit Airlines Adds Personal Space with the Seat Blocker
Stylish Airport Lounges
Virgin Atlantic Introduces 'The Clubhouse' for a Multisensory Experience
Airport-Specific Autonomous Shuttle Services
WeRide Debuts the Robobus at Zurich Airport
Sensory Airport Rooms
Perth Airport Opens a New Sensory Room Within Its T1 International Terminal
Ergonomic Accessible Work Pods
Herman Miller Developed the Bay Work Pod Solution
Hybrid Shopping Ventures
Smartseller Unveiled an Integrated Concept at Nuremberg Airport
Worldwide Service Marketplaces
Airbnb Services are for Booking Everything from Catering to Makeup
Paper-Based Earbud Envelopes
Oman Air Transitions to Using Recyclable Paper Envelopes for Earbuds
Grab-and-Go Fine Dining Kiosks
This Olive & Finch Collective Kiosk is at the Denver Airport
Elevated Aircraft Interiors
United Airlines' Newly Unveiled Its Elevated Aircraft Interior
Massage-Focused Office Chairs
Chill Chair Has Introduced an Innovative Office Chair
Personal Cubicle Concepts
Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes Designs a Personal Working Pod Concept
Modernization Airport Projects
United Airlines Improves Washington Dulles International Airport
Chair-Friendly Heating Mats
HealthyLine's Jet Chair 4018 Firm Promotes Mental & Physical Wellness
Disability-Conscious Airline Initiatives
Aer Lingus Implements Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Space Travel-Inspired Chair Designs
Of My Imagination Creates the. Aerospace Seat SPN-01
Redesigned Unifying Transit Terminals
Foster + Partners Renovates the NY Midtown Bus Terminal
Long-Haul Flight Toys
Turkish Airlines Created My Travel Buddy for Young Travelers
Flavor-Filled Airport Pop-Ups
The HI-CHEW Getaway Mix Layover Immerses Travelers in a Sweet Escape
Travel Stroller Rentals
Joolz & 1 Hotels Launched a Relax & Stroll Rental Package
Airport Terminal Grocery Shops
Sainsbury's Local Will Open its First-Ever Location in an Airport
Personalized Airport Assistance
SkipQ Helps Travelers Navigate the Airport with eSim Technology
Public Airport Seating Designs
Alexamder Lotersztain Designs the Gateway Collection
Heartwarming Holiday Initiatives
United Airlines Debuts the North Pole Hub Through Fantasy Flights
Jet Lag-Alleviating Airline Systems
Qantas is Introducing a New Cabin Lighting System
Temperature-Sensitive Gaming Chairs
Razer Unveils the 'Project Arielle' Chair with Unique Cushions
Airport Dining Events
Toronto Pearson International Airport Has Launched Pearsonlicious
Inclusive Travel Experiences
Gold Coast Airport Aims to Elevate the Travel Experience for Everyone
Finnish Airport Lounge Designs
Joanna Laasjisto Unveils Designs for Finnair at Helsinki Airport
Shaded Modern Outdoor Furniture
mmcité street furniture Designs the UFO Shelter for Outdoors
Upgraded Accessible Airport Services
Halifax Stanfield Debtuts Three New Accessibility Services
Slumber-Inducing Hotel Collections
Sleep Glow Launches its Newest Sleep Collection for Hotels
Airline Expansion Projects
United Airlines Expands in Houston with New Facilities
Elevated Airport Refill Stations
Pentair Debuts a New Water Refilling Station at MAC
Budget-Friendly First-Class Seating
Frontier Airlines Adds First-Class Seats to its Planes
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
First-Class Airline Suites
Air France Presents Its New La Première Suites of Comfort
Premium In-Flight Cosmetics
Thirteen Lune and American Airlines Partnered for Onboard Amenities
Improved Airline Performance Initiatives
Southwest Airlines Announces Several Updates
Garden City-Inspired Airport Designs
BOIFFILS Architectures Redesigns Changi Airport Terminal
Refined Aerodynamic Lounge Chairs
Julia Kononenko Designs the Sleek Osier Lounge Chair
Airport Porridge Restaurants
Haferkater's Porridge-to-Go Launches in Vienna Airport, Germany
Amenity-Based Hotel Searches
HotelsWith Helps Find Hotels by Amenities and Location Preferences