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Airline Economy Seats to be replaced by Standing Room Only?
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One of my favorite complaints I love to rant about is uncomfortable chairs on most airlines. Well, I guess I should shut up because now there's talk of removing the chairs altogether. Although it sounds like a punishment doled out to a child who complains too much ("If you don't like your chair, than let's see how you like it with no chair!) there is a chance this may become reality.
According to a report in The New York Times, there are internal Airbus proposals floating around in which economy class flyers would actually be left standing in the back of the plane, strapped against padded boards at takeoff like Hannibal Lecter being transported between prisons. The configuration would only be for short flights, which is great because the accompanying bathroom in this class of travel will be a small bucket passed between passengers. Okay, just kidding about the bucket, but believe it or not, Airbus isn't kidding about standing-room-only in economy.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Better Living Through Miles Apr 28th 2006 12:33PM
I've termed these seats "Hannibal class."
http://upgradetravel.blogspot.com/2006/04/think-air-travel-is-like-riding-bus.html
Airbus now claims the whole report is BS, but the NYT's Christopher Elliott is sticking to his story.
http://upgradetravel.blogspot.com/2006/04/standing-room-only-real-or-not.html
David Kichi Apr 29th 2006 5:32AM
Wow, I just learned a lot about airlines by reading the original NYtimes article. Personally, I wouldn't mind standing up during one hour flights if I could travel for 50% or more less the normal price for a seated flight. I think a lot of people might go for this if the price is right since the airlines save money on fuel from not having the heavy seats weighing it down. Moreover, airlines could create a standing business flight where light weight aluminum tables built with ac outlets allow flyers to be on their laptops. Another thing they can do is offer a sit and stand rotation for longer flights where seats automatically ejects the flyer after a certain time and only allows a different flyer to sit. Well, maybe that's a bit farfetched, but it's worth testing and as unbelievable as it is, some might be willing to comply to save a few bucks.
David Kichi Apr 29th 2006 5:36AM
Personally, I wouldn't mind standing up during one hour flights if I could travel for 50% or more less the normal price for a seated flight. I think a lot of people might go for this if the price is right since the airlines save money on fuel from not having the heavy seats weighing it down.