A bold new travel concept could soon reshape the flying experience for budget-conscious travelers. According to the Daily Mail, several low-cost airlines are considering the rollout of standing-only seats as early as 2026—a controversial move that has sparked fierce debate online.
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The upright seating design, known as Skyrider 2.0, comes from Italian aircraft interior manufacturer Aviointeriors. The model features padded, saddle-like perches that allow passengers to lean rather than sit, supported by vertical poles connecting each seat row to the cabin floor and ceiling. The design significantly reduces legroom but allows airlines to increase passenger capacity by up to 20%, potentially slashing ticket prices to as little as £1 for short-haul routes.
While Aviointeriors first introduced the Skyrider concept in 2010, it failed to gain traction. The redesigned 2.0 version—lighter, more padded, and with improved structural integrity—was unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg in 2018. It has since gained renewed attention as airlines seek new ways to maximize revenue amid tightening margins and fluctuating fuel costs.
Although no airline has formally announced the adoption of the new seats, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has openly expressed interest. In past interviews, he floated the idea of fitting standing berths into Boeing 737 aircraft, mixing them with traditional seats to create a hybrid ultra-low-cost cabin.
However, the public reaction has been mixed at best. Many on social media have condemned the idea as degrading and unsafe. Comments range from “This is pathetic. Treat humans like humans,” to “I know slave ship seating when I see it.” Some users joked grimly about passengers being “strapped to the wing with an oxygen mask.”
Despite the backlash, supporters argue that for short flights under two hours, the model offers an affordable alternative for travelers willing to sacrifice comfort for cost. Aviointeriors also claims the Skyrider 2.0 is 50% lighter than standard economy seats, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance needs—an added bonus for both airlines and the environment.
Still, significant hurdles remain, including regulatory approval and safety certifications from aviation authorities in Europe and beyond. If cleared, Skyrider-equipped flights could debut within the next year, ushering in a new era of ultra-budget travel—for better or worse.
The race to the bottom continues.
What would one do if there is severe turbulence? Is that safe to have bodies flying in different directions all over the plane? What would the price actually be? What budget? Just like NY road and bridges tolls, the prices just keep on going up. It may start a little cheaper but then the price will eventually be the same as the regular seated airlines and you’re left paying the same for less in return.
There was more comfort on the transatlantic slave ships…
So during turbulence it’s be like one of thos roller coster rides? What about very tall people?
maybe a very short trip, like Chicago to Milwaukee, but to go from NYC to San Diego, I don’t think many couild hack it
It doesn’t take away leg room, it gives you as tall as you are to stand! It might minimize belly room though. I personally would rather standing room over my legs hurting from the squish (on short flights).
It not a seat if stand
Better idea would be horizontal berths, one above the other. Passengers would enter special airport changing rooms, place their clothes in paper bags and be issued lightweight robes, eliminating scanning for weapons and speeding things up. They could also receive Depends to wear, eliminating the cost of bathrooms. How much money the airlines could save. Remember, I thought of this first, so I should get a royalty fee per passenger.