The Saddle Seat: further humiliation of the air traveler

[voxsartoria]

(CNN) -- Cramped in coach? One company is looking at a new way to trim legroom in the cheapest seats.

A space-saving airline seat resembling a saddle went on display Tuesday at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas in Long Beach, California.

The SkyRider seat, developed by Italian firm Aviointeriors, would offer airlines a way to squeeze in more passengers by reducing the space between rows of seatbacks to just 23 inches. The seat pitch in most airlines' economy class cabins is 30 to 32 inches.


- B

 

[globetrotter]

god, if I ever have to turn right when I get on an airplane, I am just going to kill myself

 

[Douglas]

that's funny, globe.

they have been talking about these "standing" seats for some time now. Interesting to see an actual company showing them.

I don't think it's a bad idea. If it makes air travel cheaper and more accessible to more people, I'm all for it.

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by Douglas

that's funny, globe.

they have been talking about these "standing" seats for some time now. Interesting to see an actual company showing them.

I don't think it's a bad idea. If it makes air travel cheaper and more accessible to more people, I'm all for it.

As someone who is 6'3", with back issues, and already uncomfortably cramped on airplanes, I won't fly on any airline that uses these seats.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by thinman

As someone who is 6'3", with back issues, and already uncomfortably cramped on airplanes, I won't fly on any airline that uses these seats.

That's fine, that's your right.

But I don't think any airline is going to use these seats exclusively, meaning replacing coach seats with these. I just think there's going to be a discounted section for standing-room. There are already "economy plus" sections and there's also business class. But if some people are willing to put up with discomfort for a lower price, I don't see why we should be snooty about it, that's all.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Douglas

that's funny, globe.

they have been talking about these "standing" seats for some time now. Interesting to see an actual company showing them.

I don't think it's a bad idea. If it makes air travel cheaper and more accessible to more people, I'm all for it.

Don't forget that you have to be in the airport with these people. No thanks.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by Douglas

That's fine, that's your right.

But I don't think any airline is going to use these seats exclusively, meaning replacing coach seats with these. I just think there's going to be a discounted section for standing-room. There are already "economy plus" sections and there's also business class. But if some people are willing to put up with discomfort for a lower price, I don't see why we should be snooty about it, that's all.

I think the issue is that this may become the new coach and coach as we know it goes up in price.

 

[Piobaire]

And flying takes another step closer to being just like a bus ride through the bad part of town.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by ama

I think the issue is that this may become the new coach and coach as we know it goes up in price.

well, if these replace coach and seat prices increase, what do you think prices would do without economizing space?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

And flying takes another step closer to being just like a bus ride through the bad part of town.
This.

 

[HgaleK]

As a student, I fully endorse this.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by Douglas

well, if these replace coach and seat prices increase, what do you think prices would do without economizing space?

Airliners are already some of the most economized spaces in the world. There are always more comforts they could remove to cram people and cargo in, but there needs to be some end to it. This, in my opinion, is a way overboard exercise in space utilization.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by iammatt

Don't forget that you have to be in the airport with these people. No thanks.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT I'M THINKING

 

[thinman]

This:

Originally Posted by ama

I think the issue is that this may become the new coach and coach as we know it goes up in price.

and this:

Originally Posted by Piobaire

And flying takes another step closer to being just like a bus ride through the bad part of town.

and all of this:

Originally Posted by Douglas

That's fine, that's your right.

But I don't think any airline is going to use these seats exclusively, meaning replacing coach seats with these. I just think there's going to be a discounted section for standing-room. There are already "economy plus" sections and there's also business class. But if some people are willing to put up with discomfort for a lower price, I don't see why we should be snooty about it, that's all.

I will vote with my wallet.

I also predict the allowable size for carry-on luggage will shrink (de facto, it already has), charges will be instituted for gate-checked luggage, even if it meets size specifications, and eventually, we will pay a charge for personal carry-on items.

 

[freeAgent]

I saw that on the news last night. They had two rows in the showroom with people actually sitting in them. These people were not obese or anything, but you get VERY friendly with the person sitting next to you, not to mention the lack of leg room. I think I would commit suicide if I was stuck in the middle seat on one of these things.