7 reasons why flying is getting better

These days, it's easy to be down on air travel — planes are packed, seats are shrinking, fees are frustrating, and delays are maddening.

But cheer up, people, it's not all bad news.

Here are all the ways flying is actually getting better.

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It's more affordable and accessible than ever.

This spring the number of passengers flying in the US will rise 2.8% to a record 140 million, according to industry group Airlines for America.

So what's the deal with the record rates? Flights to far-flung reaches of the globe and smaller towns are becoming increasingly more accessible – and cost-effective, according to chief economist John Heimlich from Airlines for America. "To meet the extra demand, carriers are deploying new and larger aircraft on many routes," he says.

The food keeps getting better.

Top-notch chefs curating in-flight menus is nothing new, but this year's selections are really upping the ante. Air France recently announced that they'll be partnering with culinary whiz Daniel Boulud for Premiere and Business cabin meals, serving those on long-haul flights departing the US (think Atlantic Lobster, Curried Coconut Sauce, Black Rice and Bok Choy). Meanwhile, Delta has partnered with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Menus by Chef Carmen Quagliata, executive chef of the group's flagship restaurant, Union Square Cafe, will be served on board Delta's JFK-to-Europe flights. Expect dishes like roasted tenderloin carpaccio with sunchokes and short rib stracotto with horseradish mashed potatoes and root vegetable slaw. Japan Airlines has secured Tokyo super star Jun Kurogi, whose washoku style focuses on simple seasoning to bring out natural flavors. Highlights: the sesame tofu from the chef's eponymous restaurant, Kurogi, and sea lettuce from the Shimanto River in the Kōchi prefecture.

There are new routes to just about everywhere.

This year domestic and international airlines are adding a tantalizing selection of flights to their schedules. A few to watch out for: American Airlines is expanding operations in Los Angeles, and in December they launched a new flight to Sydney and a new leg to Tokyo. Air Canada has a dozen routes on the horizon connecting their four hubs to American cities just in time for summer; expect service from Montreal to Philly on May 24, Denver on June 4, and Houston on June 6. Take a trip to Toronto with flights from Washington, D.C. starting May 2, Portland starting May 26, and Salt Lake City starting May 27. Lastly, Vancouver to San Diego launches June 2, followed by flights to Chicago taking off June 4. London calling? British Airways is adding another flight to New York City beginning May 1 and bringing Big Ben to San Jose, California, starting May 4. Other alluring destinations linking to London include Biarritz, France (starting May 1); Palma, Mallorca (starting May 28); and Tehran, Iran (starting July 14).