Standing on a plane?! Low-cost airlines might make it happen by 2026

The idea of standing on a flight is gaining ground in the low-cost airline world. Several European carriers are looking into testing vertical seats from 2026, especially for short-haul flights. The concept isn’t brand new – it’s been doing the rounds at industry trade shows – and the seats in question look a bit like bike saddles. Designed by Italian firm Aviointeriors, the ‘Skyrider’ seats are ultra-compact and could boost plane capacity by up to 20%, all while sticking to EU safety rules.

For the airlines, the benefit is pretty obvious: cut costs and offer tickets for next to nothing – we’re talking €1 to €15. It's low-cost flying taken to the extreme, aimed at travellers willing to swap comfort for savings on short hops of one to two hours. Ryanair showed some interest in this concept a few years back, but there’s still no official rollout yet.

Naturally, the idea’s sparked debate. Sure, dirt-cheap flights are tempting, but where do we draw the line between innovation and discomfort?

If vertical seating takes off (no pun intended), it could mark a whole new chapter in budget air travel. Airlines are trying to meet the demand for ever-cheaper tickets by cramming more people in and cutting down on frills. Whether passengers are ready to give up their comfy seats for a few euros off – well, that’s another story.

So Pirates, what do you think? Would you stand for a cheaper flight?