Technology giant Amadeus has described some exciting developments around in-flight entertainment, from virtual reality headsets to emotion recognition systems and free high-speed Wi-Fi, that will transform the in-flight experience and redefine modern travel in 2025 and beyond.

Far from the usual travel trends, Amadeus Travel Trends 2025 report, in partnership with travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender, identified personalized in-flight entertainment as one of five “breakthroughs” that will revolutionize travel in the new year.

“Advances in AI, 5G mobile connectivity, and Virtual Reality will converge to create highly personalized, connected, and immersive experiences for air passengers,” the report said.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality, Amadeus predicts that airlines will be able to offer more customized solutions that can boost loyalty, traveler satisfaction, and brand differentiation.

While more airlines are starting to offer free Wi-Fi onboard, Amadeus said smart in-flight entertainment systems that deliver box-fresh content, from movies to TV series, adverts, and things to buy, is the way of the future.

Emotion-based content is another intriguing development. Amadeus said cameras equipped with emotion recognition technology will increasingly recommend content tailored to passengers’ emotional states.

Amadeus said that free high-speed Internet that supports business and leisure travelers’ needs will also become the standard.

Other travel trends in the report complement this trend toward more engaging and relevant in-flight experiences. These include Trailblazer Hotels – hotels with unique identifies that are becoming destinations in their own right; New Haydays – revisiting past vacations and iconic eras such as the 1990s and 1920s; a resurgence in travel to Asia driven by visa-free programs, cultural treasures, and business opportunities; and Connections IRL – a term Amadeus used to describe the type of travel that will foster real-world connections, from holiday romances to friendships as digital dating burnout rises.