The Dreamliner Finally Here!
As a child I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. I still vividly remember the first time I boarded a jetliner. It was for a four-hour trip to Suriname. I was ecstatic. Nothing that came close to flying.
Imagine my consternation that they’ve been flying Boeing’s new 787 “Dreamliner” in Japan since last Fall. “They” being ANA and Japan Airlines. The good news: the U.S.A.’s turn is next. United has been taking company VIPs on “fam trips” — familiarization trips — in its latest toy. And the ooh’s and ah’s have started flowing in. In order of importance:
• Bathrooms – A toilet The New York Times calls “a crowd pleaser” has sensors instead of flush buttons and a more subdued whoosh when flushed. Two Dreamliner bathrooms also have windows. The 787s being flown by those Japanese carriers feature lavatories with bidet spray-equipped toilets…naturally.
• Windows – Dreamliner windows are 30% larger, have no shades but instead are dimmer controlled, with the darkest setting shutting out all light. Intermediate settings let passengers sleep, while the person next to the window can still enjoy a view.
• Cabin air – The cabin is pressurized to a maximum level of 6,000 feet (2,000 feet lower than most other planes), so blood can absorb more oxygen. This benefits passengers with fewer headaches and less fatigue. Cabin air is also cleaner due to an additional filtration system that “removes odors, irritants and gaseous contaminants.”
• Lighting – The LED lighting system is designed to fight jet lag and changes from bluish-purple during boarding to a dimmer version for cruising, a deep purple for relaxing; copper during meals; deep dark blue for sleeping; and a warm blend to help wake passengers before landing.
• Overhead space – The new overhead bin design provides more room for bags but cuts less into overhead space.
• USB ports – You can now charge your iDevice via a USB port on the back of the seat in front of you, or through power outlets beneath seats.
United has 50 Dreamliners on order and received two so far. The first official route for United’s 787 is Denver-Tokyo, with service starting in March 2013. I have already begun dreaming up excuses for a trip that takes me to Tokyo via Denver — this is American innovation at its finest.
