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Spring Airlines considers standing-room tickets

by Stephen Greenwood (RSS feed) on Jun 30th 2009 at 2:00PM

Remember a few years ago when Airbus was considering standing-room only economy class tickets? Well it looks like the aircraft manufacturer might have its first taker.

China's Spring Airlines says it has been considering the concept since the beginning of the year to accommodate a surge in passenger volume. While a representative for the airline claims that the new method is "just like bar stools," it could allow for 40% more passengers and cut costs by 20%, while lowering airfare for consumers.

Spring Airlines could submit the idea for approval within the year.

I guess this will bring up entirely new issues of when it's appropriate to be out of your "seat."

Would you buy a standring-room only ticket?
Yes, as long as I reached my destination safely.	190 (3.6%)
Yes, but only if my ticket were a few bucks cheaper.	28 (0.5%)
Yes, but only if my ticket were substantially cheaper (50% or more).	1849 (34.6%)
No way. I'm buying my seat and that's that!	3280 (61.3%)

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[Thanks, Howard!]

Filed under: Asia, Airlines, News

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Howard Jun 30th 2009 2:55PM

I think Ryanair should form "À la carte nickel-n-dime" alliance with them! :-D

Slappy Jun 30th 2009 8:27PM

How does one deal with turbulence in this type of plane?

HENRY Jul 1st 2009 8:26AM

WEAR A CRASH HELMENT.

TempleMonkey Jul 1st 2009 11:02AM

The Late Great Billy Mays might ask the same thing, and it's more than rough weather: His head went Ka-Boom against luggage during a rough landing. The FAA originally bloopered a statement that Mays wasn't wearing his seatbelt, so what'll be their take on standing passengers: Handcuff 'em to a rail? Barstools with seatbelts?

pat Jul 1st 2009 6:27PM

Isn't just like the Chinese to do something so wrecklessly dangerous.

Jonathan Jul 1st 2009 8:30AM

If you are squeezed in tightly enough, like sardines, everybody can cushion each other. And think about all the new friends you will make.

I think they should require the use of diapers too, and get rid of the bathrooms completely, thereby allowing 20 or so more passengers to be shoehorned in on each flight. I understand that on trains, the toilets are so bad that travelers do this anyway.

Welcome to the new world!

Michael Valentin Jul 1st 2009 7:32AM

how safe, is this cost cutting method? is this what the sake of the almighty dollar, has come down too? this airline should be grounded for such a suggestion. it is ridiculous, unsafe, and the dumbest idea i've ever heard of.

Howard Jul 9th 2009 3:51PM

... And Airbus should be banned too for blowing the idea since 2006 ;-)

Lionshooter Jul 1st 2009 7:59AM

West African airlines have been doing this for over 20 years. I once flew from Abidjan to Conakry on Air Guinea and all ten 1st class seats had been removed so they could load on about 30 more pax who had to sit on the floor or stand for the 2 hour flight.

moonie Jul 1st 2009 9:16AM

May as well stand on your head, if you have severe turbulance you're gona get crushed and die anyway lol,

Jodi Jul 1st 2009 9:30AM

All that would do is create 40% more casualties when the plane crashes! What an unsafe and absurd idea!

moonie Jul 1st 2009 9:31AM

Has anyone besides me ever flown in a plane with severe air turbulance? You can get hurt just sitting ! This airline should be re-named Take Your Own Chance Airways, if they go ahead with this.\ wow!

Stephen Jul 1st 2009 9:33AM

Keep in mind though, that Chinese aviation regulation still requires every passenger to have a seatbelt. So if these "seats" are in fact like barstools, there will still be a seatbelt around the waist.

But I do like the sound of Take Your Own Chance Airways...

fran Jul 1st 2009 9:54AM

Just skimmed the posts so forgive me if this is a repeat.
SRO??? What about the weight limit standards? How does this effect the safety of the craft and how much more thrust will it need to get off the ground?
How about everybody, every corp, every power broker just agree to cut the profits and start over at a level within reach of the ordinary person and bring more people to their services and products? The Nuns always told me I had a vivid imagination.

ed mendoza Jul 1st 2009 10:05AM

It's just like those tiny chinese to think of something so stupid. I have been on Asian airlines folks and believe me the seats are way to tiny for an average american let alone a bigger than average american. They mold their seats to the tiny frame of asians.Why not stand like subway cars and use the hand handles?? eliminate the stools?? How about charging to sit in the toilet for the whole flight?? How about selling t ickets for the jump seat?? whats next?? straping passengers to the wings?? or putting them in crates and put in cargo hold?? thats it cargo hold seats??
check it out Mao??

Howard Jul 9th 2009 3:52PM

... And the list goes on & on! Thanks to the "demands" from many "pioneers" like Ryanair and the "supplies" from "pioneers" like Airbus http://www.gadling.com/2006/04/28/airline-economy-seats-to-be-replaced-by-standing-room-only/

Elaine Jul 1st 2009 10:38AM

Instead of "standing room only" - how about they just put mattresses on the floor of the plane - tell people to dress COMFORTABLY - and everyone could just have a big pajama party / sleepover. Watch a movie, have popcorn. Turn it into something fun. Naturally things would have to be kept TOTALLY non-sexual.
Elaine