If you have a window seat, this $25 item means you’re in luck.
Travel is an area that seems to inspire gadget innovation, and I’m a sucker for them. I’ll buy and try most new items when they hit the market, from luggage to pillows to stuff that falls into the what-the-heck? and this-will-help-you-forget-(sort of)-that-you’re-not-flying-in-first-class categories. (And yes, I’ll be writing about them all on this blog!)
The spAIRTray Travel Shelf falls into the last two groups. It’s billed as “the world’s first window shelf for 33% more space on most commercial aircraft window seats.”
Directions are included but not really needed; you open it up and slide it into the window shade track at the bottom of the plane’s window. Voilá! You’ve got a 12” by 4” shelf.
It’s made of plastic, making it relatively lightweight. The black grip pad is removable for cleaning. It folds flat for storage and comes with a cloth drawstring bag, so it doesn’t take up much room in your carry-on. And according to the product website, the FAA is good with it.
I checked it out on several flights. How did it do?
On the first trip, installation was easy. The spAIRtray didn’t interfere with closing or opening the window shade, and it didn’t get in the way when I lowered the seat-back tray or the person in front of me reclined his seat.
It was sturdy enough to support my phone on an easel and a glass of water. The grip pad worked well; whatever I put on it didn’t slide off. My reading glasses fit into one of the two holes on the edge. And I liked being able to get into my underseat bag without first having to pass my drink and phone to Husband to hold and then put up the seatback tray.
When Husband—who at 6’1”is taller than I am—tried it out, it was a bit in his way when he retrieved his bag from under the seat in front of him, and he had to do some minor contortions to get out of his seat. The spAIRtray seemed less stable when my Husband put his can of sparkling water and iPad mini on it, and its narrow width made it difficult to set up the mini for movie-watching; the tablet kept toppling over.
Finally, the spAIRTray fits most but not all planes. (There’s a chart on the product website that shows which planes are compatible.)
Twist’s Take: If you’re not too tall or too big, the spAIRTray is a good way to expand your tray-table real estate when sitting in a window seat. Use it to hold lighter-weight items like your phone and a glass or two, or to pile stuff on temporarily while you raise your seatback tray to get out of your seat or get to your underseat bag.
P.S. On a wing and a prayer?
What’s an example of a what-the-heck? travel product that didn’t earn a place in my bag? This “stained glass” window for planes.
Made from a flexible plastic film that clings to the window glass, you can bring it rolled up in your carry-on, slap it on your window, and keep it clean between uses with soap, water, or disinfectant.
Films are available to fit five types of aircraft windows: the Airbus A330 and A350 and the Boeing 707-767, 777x, and 787. The smallest size—A330—costs $25 and the largest—787—goes for $50. For frequent flyers, there’s a three-pack that includes the A330, the Boeing 707-767, and the Boeing 787 for $100.
According to the product website, these stained glass inserts allow you to “[e]njoy a dazzling stained glass window while you read a book, nap, or pray on your flight,” and “[c]an be used as a protective film against germs on plane windows.”
I would add they are also “annoying to other passengers who want to look out,” “safety risk in the event of an emergency,” and “probably against FAA regulations,” making them a pass for me.
Twist’s Take: I prefer stained glass windows in churches and old houses, not at 36,000 feet.
