In 2026, budget airlines in Europe may introduce a new way of flying. Some low-cost carriers are considering replacing traditional seating with standing seats on airplanes to save space and reduce costs. Developed by the Italian company Aviointeriors, the Skyrider 2.0 seat is designed to offer cheaper options for passengers, helping to make cheap flights in Europe 2026 more accessible. 

What Are Skyrider 2.0 Seats?

The Skyrider 2.0 seat resembles a padded bicycle saddle fixed to the floor and ceiling. Passengers lean at a 45-degree angle and use their legs and core muscles for support. This design takes up less space, making the plane light and more efficient. The Skyrider 2.0 seat weighs half as much as a regular seat, while still maintaining safety and comfort. 

Photo from Aviointeriors

Increased Capacity and Cost Savings

One of the major advantages of the Skyrider 2.0 seat is the ability to fit more passengers on flights. With standing seats on airplanes, low-cost airlines could accommodate up to 20 percent more passengers on shorter flights (those lasting two hours or less). 

More passengers mean more revenue, which could help budget airlines in Europe stay competitive in 2026. These lighter seats also make maintenance easier and quicker, allowing for faster turnaround times between flights.

The Future of Air Travel

The idea of standing seats on airplanes has sparked mixed reactions. Some passengers are concerned about comfort and safety. However, the potential benefits are clear. The Skyrider 2.0 seat could offer a cheaper way to travel, making flights more affordable for budget-conscious passengers. 

 

Aviointeriors clarifies that these standing seats are a conceptual prototype from 2012. The Skyrider was never intended to be seen as a final product. Instead, it was meant as a provocative exercise in design innovation, pushing the boundaries of what air travel might look like in the future.

 

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*Banner photo from Aviointeriors