(Video) Stand For Cheaper Tickets? Budget Airlines Reportedly Introducing Standing Seats In 2026
Ever booked a domestic flight and were shocked to see a one-way flight cost up to RM800? Yup, been there. We bet you'd rather stand for a 45-minute flight for a quarter of the price rather than pay the hefty sum, right?
Your wish could become a reality, as budget airlines around Europe and the UK have been eyeing the concept of swapping some economy seats for standing seats. A concept known as the Skyrider 2.0 was introduced by aviation interior company Aviointeriors in 2018. Here's the full laydown of its mechanism:
The Skyrider 2.0's mechanism is not too hard to comprehend. Basically, passengers will be supported with a backrest and a padded 'seat' while standing at a 45-degree angle for the entire flight. Yes, safety belts are included in the standing seat for extra added security should turbulence occur mid-flight.
Reported by Euro Weekly News, the implementation of the Skyrider 2.0 by airlines could see a launch as early as 2026, as they weigh on cramming up to 20% more passengers into the cabin for flights less than 2 hours. In the list of budget airlines that are eyeing the concept are European airlines company Ryanair, which had proposed to implement a 10-row standing seat plan in 2012.
Reaction from netizens was mixed as they argued the space limitations for passengers. Instagram user @/guwop_santana comments, 'Packed up in there like sardines. A handful of netizens agree with the implementation, stating that it might cut down costs as well as provide health benefits. Would you stand for an entire 1-hour flight for half the price?
Watch the full seat explanation here:
Sources: Euro News Weekly, Instagram
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