Many air travelers know about rising costs, long waiting periods in the airports and difficult security procedures. Many holiday makers postponed their holidays as a result, or decided to have fewer holidays. Business travelers canceled many meetings requiring air travel. If only they knew about these new innovative ways of traveling by air.

London City Airport for example offers check-in times as short as 15 minutes before departure. It may seem like something impossible given the complexities and security procedures. I put this ambitious promise to the test recently. I booked my flight using online portal and was given my electronic ticket in the email. This took less than 10 minutes process. The day before departure, I received another e-mail offering to perform online check-in. This was a very pleasant procedure. I was even given a choice of seats and opportunity to select my own seat. This took less than 5 min, and I even printed my own boarding pass. On the day, I did not even need to see a check-in desk. I went right through security check and into the lounge adjacent to boarding gates. This really was a 15 min experience. The flight was international from London (UK) to Frankfurt (Germany).

Another time saving innovation was recently implemented on Trans Atlantic routes. Processing immigration checks in busy NY airport often results in additional waiting time. This problem was solved by arranging US immigration checks offshore during refueling touch down in Ireland. Passengers using this procedure arrive to NY and can proceed straight to exit, no further waiting at immigration desks with other passengers from at least 3-4 other airplanes.

For those on ultra thin budget, one of Europe's low cost airlines is considering selling standing tickets - that's right, you don't get a conventional seat, there is simply standing room and something to lean against, like in busy public transport.