Relax, airlines are turning to mood lighting on planes

San Francisco

INTERIOR designers for airlines across Europe, Asia and the United States have a new consideration when it comes to onboard products and service: How's the lighting?

Designers are starting to experiment with new technologies that let them illuminate the cabin in all kinds of hues. Is a pinkish-purple glow suitably soothing for boarding? Does the "amber warmth" programmed for dinner service offer flight attendants enough light by which to serve? And is the cabin at bedtime too dark? Restrooms must be located.