Double-Decker Seats? Airbus Is Redefining Air Travel!

• READ MORE: Low cost airlines could launch standing-only seats next year

The information that multiple budget carriers are planning to implement standing-only seat options shook up the globe this week.

The bicycle-like cushioned seating lets riders recline slightly instead of fully sitting — these might start appearing as soon as 2026.

Nevertheless, the seats designed solely for standing aren’t the only unusual aircraft seating options to make news recently.

In February, Airbus announced their collaboration with the Spanish startup called Chaise Longue on developing a double-decker airplane seat.

The concept features one row of seats on a raised platform, followed by one row at a normal level, and so on.

Passengers at the front can relax knowing there’s no worry about seat-reclining etiquette since there’s nobody sitting immediately behind them to object.

At the same time, those seated at the lower section could extend their legs further and perhaps lift them a little bit, owing to extra room beneath the seat ahead.

However, the idea proved controversial among social media users, with one posting The last thing I need when flying is ending up in someone’s stinky area.

The idea of two levels comes from Alejandro Núñez Vicente, the CEO and founder of Chaise Longue. He mentioned that his company is looking into preliminary ideas with Airbus.

"After four thrilling years dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience and providing travelers with what they genuinely deserve, I am thrilled to share this news today," Mr Vicente stated. LinkedIn post .

'This marks the beginning of a new epoch for commercial air travel, and I trust you share our enthusiasm about this news. Before long, passengers will have the pleasure of soaring through the clouds in an environment featuring larger, more spacious seats arranged over two levels.'

The first pictures have sparked worries for numerous travelers concerning individuals releasing gas inside the cabin.

Someone on X commented: "The upside of this setup is that gases from people sitting above and in front of you will reach your face, making it easier to identify their origin."

Mr Vicente responded with: "Using a bit of common sense and maturity, you ought to be capable of finding your own answer."

He stated: "In principle, gas does not pass through solid materials such as seat cushions, seat covers, and plastic casings."

It remains uncertain when the two sides plan to implement this design for use in aircraft. MailOnline has reached out to them for further details.

Reclining Seating Benefits: Chaise Loungers

• A seating position of 6 feet 2 inches lets you nearly stretch out fully if you're in an upper row.
• Individual storage area beneath your designated seating position
• Increased storage under seat for those in bottom row
• Greater sense of privacy
• Let's allow airlines to accommodate additional seating within a specified area.

Mr Vicente, who pursued an education in industrial engineering at Brunel University in London, began constructing his initial aircraft seat prototype manually in 2021, using nothing more than some basic wooden boards.

Chaise Longue has supplied a online digital model of the designlayout , which lets web users control a Sim-like figure in a mock-up of an aircraft cabin.

According to the concept – which has also piqued the interest of Emirates – passengers would decide whether they were booking top seats or bottom seats.

From the promo images, it seems passengers in the bottom seats would have ample legroom – but less space behind them to recline.

Conversely, the top passengers would have lots of room to stretch back but not quite as much legroom.

However, considering the bottom passenger would have their head directly behind a fellow flyer's backside, the top seats may prove more popular.

Furthermore, those seated at the lower section would find themselves with the back of another passenger’s chair towering above them, potentially enhancing both their feeling of seclusion or inducing feelings of being closed-in.

Each passenger would have room for their luggage beneath their own seat—but those sitting in the last row would also enjoy some additional space ahead of them.

Significantly, the design eliminates the overhead luggage compartments to maximize the use of the airplane cabin's vertical space.

Mr Vicente told CNN he's not on a mission to eradicate normal airplane seating.

Instead, he envisages a cabin where his concept is in the middle, flanked by two rows of traditional airplane seating, but he admitted 'there is still a long development ahead'.

He additionally mentioned his gratitude towards Airbus recognizing 'the genuine value of bi-level seating,' while also expressing openness to collaborate with additional aerospace firms.

Airbus verified the partnership but provided very limited additional information regarding the initiative.

A representative from Airbus stated: "Chaise Longue is investigating some preliminary ideas with Airbus regarding bi-level seating options for their commercial airplanes."

'Taking into account the preliminary nature of this phase,' the spokesperson also mentioned, Airbus chose 'not to provide additional comments for now'.

Stealthy tip for dodging those unwanted middle seats mid-flight sans additional cost.

Nobody wants to end up in the middle seat when they fly.

This option provides the smallest amount of personal space – let alone it doesn’t have a window view, restricts your access to the aisle, and you get to use just half an armrest.

Now, an avid flyer has uncovered a brilliant trick to steer clear of the hated middle seat .

he claimed has a secret hack that 'has a 100 percent perfect record,' which allows people to avoid the dreaded middle seat free of charge.

Travel influencer Jordan Tually said the hack has a '100 per cent perfect record,' allowing people to avoid the middle seat free of charge.

In a video clip, Tually demonstrates how to avoid this while booking a Ryanair flight from Bologna, Italy to Barcelona, Spain online.

Read more