Skyrider 2.0 saddle-style standing-only seats ready for their 2026 debut on Europe’s low-cost airlines.Credit : x – @williamlegate
If you’ve ever grumbled about sky-high air fares, get ready for a whole new level of frugality—plus a bit of leg work.
From 2026, a handful of Europe’s low-cost airlines plan to swap out some economy seats for Skyrider 2.0, a half-standing, saddle-style perch that promises rock-bottom ticket prices. Sounds bonkers? You’re not alone.
Skyrider 2.0 standing seats explained: The future of Low-cost airline travel
Imagine balancing on a padded bicycle saddle, only this one is strapped to the cabin floor and ceiling, and you’re cruising at 35,000 feet. That’s pretty much the gist of Skyrider 2.0, dreamed up by Italian outfit Aviointeriors back in 2018. Here’s the lowdown:
- Lean, not lounge: You’ll rest at about a 45° angle, weight on your legs and core muscles—think of it as a mini workout.
- Feather-light build: Each perch is roughly half the weight of a regular seat, cutting down on fuel burn.
- Belted in: Yes, there’s a seatbelt—no free-falling mid-turbulence.
By shaving off bulk and tightening up the space between rows, airlines reckon they can cram in up to 20% more passengers on hops lasting two hours or less.
Why Low-cost airlines are embracing skyrider 2.0 standing seats
Budget carriers love nothing more than squeezing pennies—and seats—wherever they can. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has been banging on about standing “berths” since 2012. His idea? Ten rows of Skyrider seats up front, then a handful of standard stools behind.
What’s in it for them?
- Ultra-low fares: Rumours suggest you could grab a one-way ticket for as little as €1–€5.
- Bigger cabins: More bodies per flight mean fatter profit margins.
- Quicker turnarounds: Lighter seats, fewer parts, less cleaning—so planes spend more time in the air.
Other airlines from Spain to Eastern Europe are eyeing the concept, too. If you’ve got a tight schedule and a tighter budget, a standing ticket might just be the ticket.
Will passengers actually board?
Time for the million-euro question: would you? Online chatter is a proper mix. Some think it’s ingenious, others reckon it’s a step too far:
“I love a deal, but I’ll pass on leg day at 40,000 feet.”
“£3 to Paris ( €3.45) ? Tempting… if only I could recline.”
Pros and cons, laid bare:
- Pros: Cheapest flights in yonks; perfect for a quick city hop; bragging rights (“I stood on a plane!”).
- Cons: No lying back; limited snoozing; might feel like cattle herding if you’re tall.
Aviointeriors insists Skyrider seats passed every safety test—with rapid-exit drills and all—so don’t panic about emergencies. And if you really crave a full-blown seat, standard tickets will still be on sale (at a slightly higher price, naturally).
Skyrider 2.0 standing seats: Passing fad or future of low cost Air travel?
Let’s be honest: you’re unlikely to see this on a red-eye to New York anytime soon. But for quick runs—say, Madrid to Lisbon or Manchester to Edinburgh—these lean-in perches could carve out a niche. Airlines get to splash headlines with ‘€1 flights!’, and penny-pinchers get their fix of adventure (and leg-burn).
So when you’re booking that next Euro-city break in 2026, watch for the ‘Lean Option’ tick box. If you’re up for a bit of novelty—and don’t mind standing—you could snag a jaw-dropping fare. And if it turns out to be more “ouch” than “wow”, you’ll know to stick with the trusty economy seat next time (for a few quid extra, of course).
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