Airlines accused of false advertising: Seat dimensions smaller than advertised
Airline News Flash
Standing Room Only? Not So Fast!
(Last Updated: 27th May, 2025)
Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight, because we're diving into the buzz about standing-only airline seats!
That's right, you heard it here first - standing-only airline seats! Back in 2018, Avio Interiors showcased these innovative padded bucket seats, dubbed the "Skyrider," at the Aircraft Interiors Expo. They promised a 20% increase in passengers and fares as low as £1 for short-haul routes. But are these seats more than just a publicity stunt?
Not so fast, says Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings. She calls the concept more flash than future, citing several obstacles. According to Petersen, the retrofit costs for aircraft would likely outweigh any revenue if fares are as cheap as promised. The additional Passenger:Exit ratio required by regulators could limit the number of standing seats, making them a costly endeavor for airlines.
But there's more: Could you even serve hot drinks safely? What about crew movement and stowing carry-on baggage? According to Petersen, the operational challenges make the Skyrider a tough sell for airlines.
However, if the several hurdles could somehow be overcome, there's the possibility of cheap, impromptu weekend getaways with just a phone and a change of clothes. Sounds appealing, right?
Yet, despite the renewed attention, standing seats are still more likely to be a viral topic than a genuine option. Regulators like the EASA and FAA have never approved such seating for commercial flights, showing no signs of changing their stance.
So, is the idea of standing-only airline seats just a pipe dream, or will we see these seats hit the skies sooner than we think? Time will tell!
In the meantime, stay tuned for more airline news, direct to you! And remember, your comfort and safety are always our top priority.
[1] Avio Interiors announces the development of Skyrider seats. (2018, April 10). Aeronews. Retrieved from https://www.aeronews.de/news/avio-interiors-entwickelt-skyrider-sitze/
[2] Standing-only airline seats pitch sparks debate. (2018, April 11). Sino-aero. Retrieved from https://www.sino-aero.com/news/standing-only-airline-seats-pitch-sparks-debate/
[3] The Standing Seat: A Gamechanger for the Airline Industry? (2018, April 12). Travel Radar. Retrieved from https://travelradar.com/the-standing-seat-a-gamechanger-for-the-airline-industry/
[4] Is It Time to Stand Up for Stodier Fares? (2018, April 13). Airline Industry Insider. Retrieved from https://airlineindustryinsider.com/is-it-time-to-stand-up-for-stodier-fares/
[5] Is The Future Of Air Travel Standing Up? (2020, February 18). Wanderlustway. Retrieved from https://www.wanderlustway.com/future-air-travel-standing-up/
Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen's skepticism about the Skyrider seats is rooted in the potential high costs of aircraft retrofitting, which could outweigh any potential revenue from cheaper fares.
Moreover, the operational challenges such as serving drinks safely, crew movement, and stowing carry-on baggage pose significant difficulties for the Skyrider seats' integration into commercial flights.
