After all the gripes, here are some examples cited by readers of design concepts that solve some familiar, nagging problems.

1. Peeve: Alarm clocks that are impossible to decipher.

Brilliant Solution: One business traveler says, “I like the Hilton standard alarm clock/radio. I’ve figured it out, and it’s the only one I use any more.”


2. Peeve: In economy class, jackets have to be stuffed in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Brilliant Solution: American Eagle and some international airlines have hooks built into the tray table latch for hanging a jacket.


3. Peeve: The seat pocket takes up precious space by the passenger’s knees.

Brilliant Solution: This is one of the few items Skybus got right—with pockets in the top of the seat, behind the headrest. Unfortunately, those seat pockets are no longer flying.


4. Peeve: Toilet stalls in the airports are often too small to accommodate a person with carry-ons; and some toilet stalls have no shelves or hooks for carry-ons or purses.

Brilliant Solution: Terminal D at Dallas/Fort Worth has plenty of space in stalls and includes shelves for carry-ons.


5. Peeve: It’s hard to know how early to get to the airport.

Brilliant Solution: Airport hotels like the Marriott Dulles Airport and Shanghai International Airport Hotel post flight arrival/departure monitors in the lobby and on guestroom TVs.


6. Peeve: Driving a rental car for the first time, it is unclear whether the gas tank is on the left or right side.

Brilliant Solution: Most new cars now have an arrow labeled “fuel door” on the dashboard to indicate which side of the pump to pull up to.