Airline Seats Could Potentially Change to a Standing Format, Prompting Me to Consider Traveling by Car Instead
Low-cost airlines consider introducing standing or semi-standing seats for air travel, with the "Skyrider 2.0" designed by Aviointeriors receiving significant attention. These innovative seats, resembling bike or saddle styles, allow passengers to lean and sit semi-upright, aiming to boost passenger capacity by up to 20% and slash costs for short-haul flights.
The Skyrider 2.0 model introduces enhancements such as additional padding and sturdier mountings for improved comfort. Proponents claim these seats are lighter and simpler than conventional economy seats, potentially resulting in reduced maintenance expenses and quicker turnaround times for airlines. Companies like Ryanair have shown interest in the concept, with the possibility of unbeatably cheap standing tickets on the table for budget-conscious travelers.
Despite widespread media reports suggesting imminent deployment, no major aviation regulators, such as EASA or the FAA, have certified standing or semi-standing seats. Dynamic crash testing and regulatory approvals have yet to be completed for these unconventional seat designs, making actual implementation unlikely in the near future.
Aviointeriors has emphasized that the Skyrider seats have undergone safety tests, including rapid-exit drills, but regulators haven't formally reviewed or approved the design. EASA officials stated that no applications or practical use cases for standing passenger seats have been submitted, with aircraft design constraints complicating their installation.
Greater public reaction ranges from curiosity toward ultracheap fares to skepticism concerning comfort and practicality, particularly for taller passengers or lengthy flights. Budget airlines see these seats as a profitable strategy to pack more passengers on each flight and cut turnaround times, assuming the regulatory and safety hurdles can ultimately be cleared.
As of mid-2025, no airline has formally adopted standing or semi-standing seats. While some low-cost carriers are exploring the idea for a potential rollout around 2026, such seating arrangements are not yet a reality in commercial air travel.
The budget-conscious traveler might soon consider a new lifestyle, with the concept of standing or semi-standing seats on flights, such as the Skyrider 2.0, under exploration by companies like Ryanair. However, the reality of traveling bet on these unique seats remains uncertain, as strict aviation regulations and safety standards have yet to be met.
