So, you board a flight in 2026, shuffle down the aisle, and instead of collapsing into your usual crumb-filled seat, you’re directed to what looks suspiciously like a padded barstool at a rollercoaster ride.
Congratulations, you’re flying standing class.
Yes, budget airlines are reportedly on the brink of launching “standing-only” seats, officially called Skyrider 2.0, as early as next year.
And no, this isn’t an Onion article. This is real aviation news from our dear friends at Aviointeriors, an Italian manufacturer who seems to have looked at medieval torture devices and thought, “You know what would make flying better? Less sitting.”
The Skyrider 2.0, for those blissfully unaware, is basically a saddle-style perch with some padding, designed to let you lean rather than actually sit. Imagine a mix of a subway pole and a horse saddle, but surrounded by turbulence and overpriced Pringles.
Supposedly, this setup increases plane capacity by 20%, trims down fuel consumption with its 50% lighter design, and may bring ticket prices down to as low as £1 for short-haul flights.
That’s right, you could be paying less than a meal deal to hover awkwardly in a metal tube at 30,000 feet.
Airlines haven’t confirmed anything officially, but Ryanair’s ever-outspoken CEO Michael O’Leary has been thirsting for this concept since 2012. The man who once joked about charging passengers to use the bathroom probably sees this as his Mona Lisa.
Now, before we all hand over our knees to science, let’s talk public reaction. Unsurprisingly, the internet is having a collective meltdown.
Comments range from outraged — “This is pathetic. Treat humans like humans”— to resigned humor: “Skip the seat and just use a grab pole.”
One user noted, “I know slave ship seating when I see it,” while another joked about being charged per breath on these flights.
Some even pointed out the uncomfortable truth: The execs behind this will still be flying business class, sipping champagne while the rest of us are jostling for elbow room.
Of course, there are defenders.
A few folks say they’d be happy to lean-ride for 30 to 40 minutes if it means a dirt-cheap ticket.
For someone on a tight budget, this could be the difference between flying and not flying at all. Short hop from London to Dublin for a tenner?
Some say, bring it on.
As one user reasoned, “It gives people options.”
But that’s where the real debate lies. Because while standing seats may democratize air travel even more, they also highlight a dark truth: airlines are squeezing every penny, often at the expense of dignity and comfort. This isn’t just about innovation. It’s about making sure every square inch of the cabin screams “profit margin.”
Let’s zoom out.
On one side, airlines are battling high fuel costs and wafer-thin profit margins.
On the other hand, passengers are already tired of cramped legroom, rising fees, and TSA therapy sessions. For budget airlines, Skyrider 2.0 could be the next step in optimizing revenue.
For everyday fliers, it feels like a step closer to becoming sardines with passports.
So, what does the average human with a spine think?
It’s a very bad look. There’s innovation, and then there’s inventing new ways to treat customers like carry-on luggage. If flying gets any less comfortable, we might as well just be shrink-wrapped and shipped.
How do we fix this?
For starters, make sure any new seat design actually includes a seat. Then, regulate the pricing so it reflects the real trade-off. Airlines should focus on comfort and cost, not one at the expense of the other.
Well, I write daily (mostly the weird stuff I find interesting). If you like this whole no-nonsense approach, feel free to bookmark and come back tomorrow, or continue reading other stories to make up your mind.
See ya, internet friend.
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