If you’re like us and love a good savings, budget airlines may be your ticket to affordable travel. But even we can admit that some airlines may be taking it too far…
Crafted by manufacturer Aviointeriors and unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg, the airplane seats meant for standing-only, otherwise called Skyrider 2.0, could be the future of travel on short haul flights under two hours.
The design features slightly angled bike-style padded seats that provide some support, but don’t offer the ability to fully sit down. According to Daily Mail, these standing-only seats could increase passenger capacity by 20%.
Reports have made clear that the Skyrider 2.0 seats are fully compliant with all safety regulations, but the intention is to only have them on short-distance flights.
As of now, no airlines have made official claims to introduce these new standing-only seats. However, low-cost airline, Ryanair, has hinted towards its approval of ‘standing berths’ once before, even mentioning that the space-saving seats could bring fares as low as £1-£5. And at that price, we might just be convinced to stand during a flight too!
Moreover, entrepreneurshipquote wrote on Instagram that airlines could install the seats and lower fares as soon as 2026.
An Aviointeriors spokesperson in 2018 said:
Skyrider 2.0 opens the travelling experience to a wider passenger market, creating also a useful space for the introduction of mixed classes boarded on the same aircraft. Its main feature is the original bottom that ensures an increased upright passenger position allowing installation of the seat at a reduced pitch, while maintaining an adequate comfort.
Aviointeriors’ first Skyrider was introduced at an expo in 2010. Although some airlines expressed interest at the idea, the concept ultimately flopped. Skyrider 2.0 differs from the original Skyrider with improved safety, space-saving features and comfort.
Additional padding on the 2.0 provides a more pleasant experience than the first model. Additionally, the 2.0 version utilizes firmer mountings to secure each row to the floor and ceiling. Plus, the newer version has steeper seats, reducing the distance between rows and maximizing the capacity of passengers.