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
Double Bed Airline Upgrades
Japan Airlines Elevates its First Class Suites with Larger TVs
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
Exclusive Hawaiian Airport Lounges
Hawaiian Airlines Launches a Premium New Lounge at HNL
Ultra-Durable Headphone Concepts
This AirPods Ultra Concept by Taiseer Zarruk is Extra-Rugged
Modular Storage-Equipped Pet Sofas
The Conceptual Grid Sofa from Sunriu Design is Multifunctional
Luxurious Airline Amenity Kits
Etihad Airways Debuts Giorgio Armani Loungewear and Amenity Kits
Stimulating Contemporary Workspaces
Studio Alexander Fehre Designs Hyatt at The Circle
Vacuum Compression Travel Packs
The Airback Travel Deluxe Backpack Offers 50% More Storage
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
Lifestyle-Conscious Transportation Pods
The KIA Pod Concept by Junseok Park Has Level 5 Autonomy
Luggage-Inspired Backpack Designs
The Ekster Grid Backpack Functions Like a Suitcase
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
Inflatable Multi-Story Tent Cabins
The Magic Fort by Thecatal Joins its Boundary Series
AI Travel Advisor Tools
Travelport Released an AI-Powered Tool for Efficient Travel Searches
Portable Air-Filled Sofas
Muji's Sofa Made from Air is Lightweight and Easy to Move
Connected Workplace Privacy Pods
The New Framery Office Booths Come in Four Models
Thai Airline Amenity Kits
Thai Airways Unveils the New Royal Silk Amenity Kits for Passengers
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
AI-Travel Beauty Consultant Activations
Lancome Launched Génifique AI Pop-Up in Singapore
Next-Gen Hydration Bottles
air up's Award-Winning Gen2 PAB "Flavors" Water with Aromatic Pods
Vineyard-Topped Airport Terminals
The New Plans for Florence Airport Integrate Rooftop Greenery
Shapeshifting Outer Space Hotels
The Acromnia Orbital Hotel Imagines Life in Space
First-Class Working Pods
The Kabin Work Pod Enhances Focus and Productivity
Sustainable Airport Terminal Designs
This Lush Green Terminal is Powered By Renewable Energy
Calming Workspace Productivity Pods
The Kabin Privacy Pods Support Wellbeing at Work
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
Modern Cushioned Outdoor Furniture
Paola Lenti Designs the Pod Outdoor Seating Series
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
Contemporary Office Privacy Booths
The Plenum Cabin by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen is Comfy
Modular Minimalist Travel Bags
The FIREFLYX Travel Bag is Designed for Frequent Fliers
Smart Toilet Designs
The HOROW T38 Smart Toilet Brings a Fresh Perspective to Bathroom Design
Two-In-One Neck Pillows Chairs
VEAR's Neck Pillow Lounge Transforms to a Comfortable Seat
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
Mini Luggage-Compatible Trackers
Apple Unveils a New AirTag Feature for Tracking Missing Luggage
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
Futuristic Headphone Attachments
ANDAASH Specializes in AirPod Max Attachments for Customization
Inflight Snack Stations
United Introduced Self-Serve Grab-and-Go Stations for Economy Fliers
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
AI-Powered Health Offices
Forward Health Debuts a New Self-Contained Doctors Office
Luxurious Amenity Kits
EVA Air Teams Up with Giorgio Armani and Jason Wu for a New Travel Kit
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
Upgraded Airline Cabin Products
Lufthansa Launches Its Allegris Product for Premium Customers
Expansive Airport Roof Canopies
The Portland Airport Gets a marge Timber Roof Canopy
Tech-Advanced Sleep Solutions
Eight Sleep Unveils the Pod 4 Ultra, Marking a Leap in Sleep Tech
Mass-Timber Airport Rooftops
ZGF Architects Completes the Portland International Airport Expansion
Airline-Branded Golf Packages
BermudAir Enhances the Travel Experience for Golf Enthusiasts
At-Home Heat Therapy Blankets
The HeatPod Sauna Blanket from Hydragun is Sweat-Resistant
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
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
Fan-Equipped Leather Chairs
Fantasylab Debuted a Size-Accommodating Gaming Chair with Cooling Fans
Luggage-Honoring Fashion Collections
The Louis Vuitton 'Flight Mode' Collection is Travel-Ready
Ethical Animal Transport Initiatives
Qatar Airways Cargo Launched a Cutting-Edge Animal Centre
Multifunctional Sleek Air Purifiers
Blueair Presents the ComfortPure™ Air Purifier
Airline-Inspired Cocktail Lounges
Carry On Airlines is a 1970s Jumbo Jet Experience
Sand Dune-Inspired Airport Roofs
Kohn Pedersen Fox Completes a Terminal Design
Festive Airline Post Boxes
easyJet's Letters to Santa Campaign Supports Traveling Families
Engaging Airline Platforms
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Launches a New Travel Well Platform
Luxury Designer Airport Cafes
The Louis Vuitton Cafe at Heathrow Airport is a Multipurpose Space
Airport Gaming Stores
A New Nintendo-Inspired Store is Open at Hong Kong International Airport
Pod-Inspired Bulbous Furniture
One Week Presents Its New Pod Collection of Furniture
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
Complimentary Airline Snacks
Air Canada Announces Complimentary Snacks & Beverage Offerings
Temperature-Regulating Mattress Covers
The Eight Sleep Pod Cover Optimizes Nighttime Rest
Enhanced Traveler Experiences
Spirit Airlines Introduced its 'More Fly' Giveaway
Upscale Business Cabins
Cathay Pacific Introduced its New Aria Suite
AI-Driven Jet Lag Kits
FlyKitt Pairs Custom Supplements, Specialized Glasses and AI Insights
Ultra-Modern Multifunctional Luggages
The Luggical is a Solution which Streamlines Travel
Modular Inflatable Furniture Sets
The Aerosofa Inflatable Transforming Sofa Works Indoors and Out
Village-Inspired Tapered Stone Airport
Foster + Partners Designs a Set of Stone Buildings
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
Inclusive Amenity Kits
Formia Launches the New Business Class Amenity Kits for Japan Airlines
Feature-Rich Airport Apps
The 'byAir' App Offers Indoor Maps, Transport Options and More
In-App Baggage-Tracking Features
The Air Canada Mobile App Has a New Convenience-Focused Feature
AI-Powered Accessory Platforms
PopSockets' AI Customizer Personalizes Accessories with GenAI
Sensory Airport Rooms
Perth Airport Opens a New Sensory Room Within Its T1 International Terminal
1960s-Inspired Airport Hotels
The TWA Hotel in New York Captures the City's 60s Aesthetics
Garden-Like Airport Terminals
SOM Designs a Terminal at the Kempegowda International Airport
Two-in-One Vacation Programs
Icelandair’s Stopover Program Turns One Vacation into Two
Paper-Based Earbud Envelopes
Oman Air Transitions to Using Recyclable Paper Envelopes for Earbuds
Hotel-Inspired Home Fragrances
The Hotel Collection by ScentAir Makes Homes Welcoming & Luxurious
Flight Center Cannabis Stores
Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store Opens at JFK Airport
Standing Tranquil Napping Pods
The giraffenap Pod Models Provide Comfort Through Bodily Support
Massage-Focused Office Chairs
Chill Chair Has Introduced an Innovative Office Chair
Neurodivergent-Friendly Aircraft Cabins
Muirhead Debuts the Sensation Collection
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
Space Travel-Inspired Chair Designs
Of My Imagination Creates the. Aerospace Seat SPN-01
Ergonomic Accessible Work Pods
Herman Miller Developed the Bay Work Pod Solution
Entirely Business Class Aircrafts
BermundAir Presents its Aisle Class with New Seating
Redesigned Unifying Transit Terminals
Foster + Partners Renovates the NY Midtown Bus Terminal
Travel Stroller Rentals
Joolz & 1 Hotels Launched a Relax & Stroll Rental Package
Finnish Airport Lounge Designs
Joanna Laasjisto Unveils Designs for Finnair at Helsinki Airport
Public Flying Air-Taxis
The Public eVTOL Design Project by Joowon Lee Readies for Urban Spaces
Personalized Airport Assistance
SkipQ Helps Travelers Navigate the Airport with eSim Technology
Upcycled Aircraft Luggages
Emirates Launches a Collection Made from Upcycled Aircraft Interiors
LED-Wrapped Airport Renovations
Prague's Airport is Getting a Sustainable and High-Tech Update
Comfortable Bleacher Seats
Sitbax™ Bleacher Seat is a Solution for Uncomfortable Stadium Seating
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
Smart Lock-Supported Rentals
Airbnb Releases a Software Update with Support for Smart Locks
Red Roof Airport Terminals
Luis Vidal + Architects and AECOM Designs a New Terminal
Baggage-Tracking Airline Apps
Virgin Australia Launches Baggage Tracking Tool for Domestic Routes
Luggage-Tracking Airline Services
Virgin Australia Enhances its Bag Tracking Feature for Guests
Member-Exclusive Airport Lounges
Chase Unveils the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Boston Logan Airport
Vineyard-Detailed Airport Terminals
Rafael Viñoly Architects Showcases Plans for Florence Airport
Lounge-Inspired Artful Sofa Capsules
EQ3 Presents its New Bird Collection of Sofas
Airport Dining Events
Toronto Pearson International Airport Has Launched Pearsonlicious
Renovated Airport Upgrades
Upgrades to Turkey's Kayseri Airport Could Triple Its Annual Visitors
Shaded Modern Outdoor Furniture
mmcité street furniture Designs the UFO Shelter for Outdoors
Upgraded Accessible Airport Services
Halifax Stanfield Debtuts Three New Accessibility Services
Festive Film Lounges
M&M's Merry Movie Holiday Lounge Enhances Holiday Travel Experiences
Slumber-Inducing Hotel Collections
Sleep Glow Launches its Newest Sleep Collection for Hotels
Budget-Friendly First-Class Seating
Frontier Airlines Adds First-Class Seats to its Planes
Elevated Airport Refill Stations
Pentair Debuts a New Water Refilling Station at MAC
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Opulent Airline Kits
Hawaiian Airlines Elevates the In-Flight Experience with Stylish Amenity Kits
Premium In-Flight Cosmetics
Thirteen Lune and American Airlines Partnered for Onboard Amenities
Elevated In-Flight Menus
Delta Airlines Enhances its Onboard Experiences with Upgraded Menus
Luxuriously Revamped Airport Lounges
Chase Sapphire Lounge Has Opened at Laguardia Airport
Optimized Inflight Coffees
Alaska Airlines & Stumptown's Custom Coffee Blend is Crowd-Pleasing
Improved Airline Performance Initiatives
Southwest Airlines Announces Several Updates
Garden City-Inspired Airport Designs
BOIFFILS Architectures Redesigns Changi Airport Terminal
In-Flight Taste Tests
The Great Kiwi Snack Off Will Determine Air New Zealand's Onboard Snacks
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