Low-cost airlines could launch standing only seats early next year

Time Out

22-05-2025

Keen for a really, really budget plane ticket? Well, there could be some on offer quite soon – if you sacrifice your seat, that is.
The Skyrider 2.0 is a brand-new seat style that could soon be introduced to budget aircraft for short-haul flights. While it means you won't pay so much for your fare – and flights might not burn as much fuel – you will need some core strength to use it. Read on for more information.
What is Skyrider 2.0?
It's a half-standing, bike saddle-style seat, developed by Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors in 2018, according to Euro Weekly News.
So, how do these seats actually work? Well, you'll be leaning, not lounging, at a 45 degree angle with weight on your legs and core muscles, seat-belted in. It's thought that these will not only increase passenger capacity on flights by up to 20 percent, but also make plans a whole lot lighter (and therefore burn a lot less fuel) as they weigh around half the amount of regular seats. Have a look at them below.
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While a major benefit of these seats is that they'll be offered on the super-cheap, in theory, it will also mean that planes can spend more time in the sky due to less cleaning being necessary.
When will the seats be introduced?
So, how long will you have to wait before a 'lean option' appears when you're booking a short-haul flight? Not long, it seems: reportedly, the seats could be introduced as early as 2026 on flights under two hours long.
Which airlines will have standing-only seats?
While no airlines have confirmed their plans to invest in the new seating style for their aircraft, apparently some budget Spanish and Eastern European airlines have shown interest in the seat style. Ryanair Boss Michael O'Leary said way back in 2012 that he wanted planes fitted with 10 rows of the saddle-seats, and that they could be on offer for as little as £1.