Will Standing Only Seats Revolutionize Travel? Budget Airlines May Introduce Them Next Year

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This cost-cutting strategy is likely to split opinions among travelers, but multiple discount carriers are apparently planning to offer stand-up only seats.

According to Instagram account @entrepreneurshipquote , which has 2.8 million followers, the bike-style padded seats – which allow passengers to lean at an angle without completely sitting down – could be introduced as early as 2026.

These seats, launched by Aviointeriors, aim to boost passenger capacity by 20 percent.

Nevertheless, Avionteriors chose not to comment when reached out by MailOnline, and so far, no airlines have officially confirmed their intentions to adopt this cost-cutting initiative.

The vertical seating design known as Skyrider 2.0 made its first appearance at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 held in Hamburg.

The horseshoe-shaped seating arrangement represents a refined take on an idea they attempted – but couldn’t implement – back in 2010.

Skyrider 2.0 has more padding than the previous version and firmer mountings, with poles connecting each row to the ceiling and floor, instead of the frame just being fitted to a rail.

In a statement released in 2018, they noted: "Skyrider 2.0 represents an advanced seating solution. This design enables significantly higher capacity within airplane cabins. By introducing Skyrider 2.0, we expand travel accessibility to more passengers and simultaneously generate additional room for varied class configurations aboard single aircraft."

The key feature of this design is its distinctive base that allows for a more vertical seating position for passengers. This enables the installation of seats with less spacing between them, all while still providing sufficient comfort.

'The design of this seat allows carriers to boost the passenger count by 20 percent, which can lead to higher profit margins for airlines.'

At the time, the firm also mentioned that Skyrider 2.0 is 50 percent lighter than regular economy seating and features fewer parts for 'lower maintenance expenses'.

Its claim is that this seating represents ‘the new frontier of low-cost tickets and passenger experience’.

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary has been vocal about his desire to use the ‘standing berths’.

In 2012, he mentioned wanting his Boeing 737s and 800s equipped with 10 rows featuring these new seats and 15 rows of conventional seating.

Initially, Michael proposed that the standing tickets might could be priced anywhere from £1 to £5.

However, the partly standing seats have not made a good impression on potential travelers who've shared their thoughts online.

One remarked: 'This is pitiful. Handle people with dignity. Goodness gracious.'

Another quipped: “Before long, they might attach you to the wing with just an oxygen mask.”

A third added: ‘Please never buy these tickets whenever they exist! Don’t help/support this.’

And another one rejected it: 'I recognize "slave ship seating" when I see it. I'll decline.'

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