Airlines will sell standing seats at 'cheap' prices?

There have been rumors recently that budget airlines will soon introduce cheap standing seats to stimulate demand. These seats look like bicycle saddles and allow passengers to lean back instead of sitting down.

Design of standing seats on airplanes by Italian aviation interior manufacturer Aviainteriors - Photo: AVIAINTERIORS

Viral posts describe the upright seats as having cushions, backrests, and seat belts, and being fixed to a column that extends from the floor to the ceiling of the aircraft. The idea is to optimize cabin space on short-haul flights.

According to Euronews, the standing seat design could allow airlines to add more seats on each flight.

Some news sites even speculate that Italian aviation interiors manufacturer Aviointeriors is partnering with Irish low-cost airline Ryanair to supply the seats, with rollout possibly starting as early as 2026.

This rumor has more basis as Ryanair was famous for its super cheap fares, starting from only 7.99 euros (about 9.08 USD).

However, Ryanair has confirmed to Euronews that it has no plans to sell standing seats on its flights.

At the same time, Aviointeriors also confirmed that the “skyrider” - a standing seat on an airplane - is actually an idea that has been around since 2012 and is still not on their official product line.

According to Euronews, these rumors may have arisen from previous statements by Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary about a series of non-traditional cost-cutting ideas.

In 2010, Mr O’Leary discussed the idea of installing standing seats to maximise space on planes and offer ultra-low fares. He also proposed charging passengers to use the toilet on planes in 2009, as well as imposing an “obesity fee” on overweight passengers.

But so far, none of the proposals or ideas have been planned or implemented in practice. Some experts believe that this is just a tactic to attract attention to Ryanair.

Standing chairs are still possible

Euronews quoted some experts as saying that selling standing seats on planes on very short flights is still feasible, although so far no airline has applied this type of seat.

The standing seats designed by Aviointeriors have undergone preliminary safety tests and have proven to meet the safety requirements for emergency landings and evacuations as required by strict aviation regulatory agencies, notably the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

However, experts note that standing seats can be uncomfortable and affect blood circulation, even on short trips. Ensuring passenger comfort is a major barrier to commercializing this idea.

Besides, the act of “cramming” more seats to maximize profits is still facing criticism from the public and experts.

UYEN PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cac-hang-hang-khong-se-ban-ve-ghe-dung-gia-beo-20250524163603186.htm