Like the middle seat, the last row of an airplane tends to be, well, a last resort — the spot you choose only when there’s nothing else available. It’s right next to the galley and lavatories, it’s where you’ll feel the most turbulence, and it means you’re always the last one on and off the plane. It’s not universally disliked, of course — some people find confined spaces cozy rather than claustrophobic — but in the minds of most travelers, the last row lives up to its name. That could be changing soon, however, as one company has reimagined those undesirable seats in an undeniably appealing way. 

From Undesirable to Undeniable

The SkyNook concept from Collins Aerospace is billed as a “semiprivate retreat” at the back of a wide-body plane. The cabins of such aircraft, which you’ll most often find on long-haul intercontinental routes, typically narrow toward the rear, meaning the last row or two can’t fit the standard three seats by each window. Instead, airlines will have only two seats and a somewhat awkward gap of empty space by the window. 

Collins Aerospace says that the “SkyNook solution reclaims commonly underutilized space with a convertible console” that can be used for a bassinet, pet carrier, car seat, or side table for working or eating. Plus, it has a privacy divider along the aisle — something most passengers experience only in first or business class, and a helpful means of reducing noise and other distractions as flight attendants walk by and passengers line up for the lavatory.

Though the concept has yet to enter service, it’s already garnering buzz in the aviation community. After the company won a Crystal Cabin Award for the concept in April 2026, Jefferey McKee of Collins Aerospace said in a press release that SkyNook “exemplifies” the company’s commitment to improving air travel, “transforming a frequently overlooked area into a serene retreat that maximizes functionality, comfort, and flexibility for families, passengers with service animals, or those with sensory considerations.”

Just the Two of Us

The SkyNook hasn’t entered production and doesn’t have any confirmed airline customers as of yet (or any airlines that have publicly expressed interest). Nonetheless, Collins recently showed the product off at the 2026 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. It’s easy to imagine couples who frequently fly with a baby (whether of the human or fur variety), besties flying to Europe for a backpacking trip, and other traveling duos jumping at the opportunity to use the SkyNook on a regular basis if and when it’s possible to do so. 

For now, several other airlines are taking steps to improve the economy-class product. Air New Zealand recently announced a new concept called the Skynest, which introduces a cluster of bunk beds in the center of the coach cabin. Passengers can reserve one to lay down in and nap for a few hours. 

The airline also offers a product called the Skycouch, in which a regular row of economy-class seats can be converted into a flat space for lounging or sleeping. United Airlines will be the first to bring that concept to the U.S. with its “Relax Row,” set to debut in 2027.

Featured image credit: Courtesy of © Collins Aerospace/RTX