Standing Seats on Flights? Budget Jets to Launch in 2026

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Get ready to saddle up at 35,000 feet: standing-seats on flights are coming, and soon.

It’s been predicted that by 2026, budget airlines might introduce stand-up “passenger spaces” instead of traditional seats, aiming to increase the number of travelers on short-distance trips while reducing ticket costs, as reported by Euro Weekly.

The idea originates from Aviointeriors, an Italian manufacturer, who introduced the Skyrider 2.0 – a seat designed vertically, featuring a saddle-like portion reminiscent of a bicycle seat.

The addition of these new seats might accommodate approximately 20% more passengers on each flight, potentially leading to a substantial reduction in ticket costs.

For quite some time, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, famous for his cost-saving strategies, has endorsed an idea: those seeking affordable travel should be open to standing during their journeys.

Ryanair proposed a similar concept more than ten years back, but it was halted by regulatory bodies. With revised designs and fresh enthusiasm from low-cost airlines, the Skyrider could potentially launch… as long as it clears safety inspections.

Some airlines are reportedly set to launch ‘standing seats’ in 2026

via Euro Weekly

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According to Euro Weekly, Aviointeriors asserts that the Skyrider 2.0 has passed every safety test, including emergency rapid-exit exercises.

It’s not surprising that potential flyers have differing opinions. Some view it as a brilliant option for budget-conscious travelers, while others see it as a disturbing vision of the future.

One commentator on X stated, “The tickets will undoubtedly be incredibly affordable. If they are, those tickets will likely be snapped up quickly. I can already envision it happening.

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2025-05-22 17:50