The latest patent filed by Zodiac Aerospace, the French aircraft equipment manufacturer, takes aircraft design to a whole new level - a lower one, that is, with windows replaced by screens along the length of the aircraft displaying live footage captured by cameras placed on the outside of the plane, providing a view of what you might see through windows. The images could also be streamed from your own personal electronic device, including smartphones, laptops and tablets, by downloading an application. Though it sounds outlandish, it's a concept that is gaining popularity among aviation engineers: developers of forthcoming supersonic jets have already proposed they are built with windowless cabins.

Storage space can be found along a sidewall instead of overhead bins, and in smaller "cubbies" near the seats for extra storage. Vending machines may also be installed within the walls, providing quick access to in-flight snacks, while meals could be delivered from a lower deck galley or via trolley lifts lowered down a shaft from the main deck of the plane.