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Skyrider 2.0 standing-only saddle seats are ready to debut in 2026 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.
Skyrider, the half-standing saddle-style seat, promises to offer ticket prices that are rock bottom. Does this sound crazy? You’re certainly not alone.
Skyrider 2.0: the future of low-cost airline travel
Imagine riding a padded bike saddle while cruising in a cabin at 35,000 feet. Skyrider 2.0 was conceived by Italian company Aviointeriors in 2018. Here’s what you need to know:
- 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.
- Each perch weighs about half as much as a standard seat. This reduces fuel consumption.
- Belted in: Yes, there’s a seatbelt—no free-falling mid-turbulence.
Airlines say that by reducing the bulk and enlarging the space between rows they can fit up to 20% extra passengers on flights lasting less than two hours.
Why low-cost airlines embrace skyrider 2.0 stand-up seats
Budget carriers love nothing more than squeezing pennies—and seats—wherever they can. Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, has been promoting standing “berths”, or “stand-up berths”, since 2012. His idea? It was his idea?
What do they get out of it?
- Ultra-low fares: Rumours suggest you could grab a one-way ticket for as little as €1–€5.
- Larger cabins mean more profit: The number of passengers per flight increases.
- Quicker turnarounds: Lighter seats, fewer parts, less cleaning—so planes spend more time in the air.
Other airlines are also interested in the concept. Standing tickets are a great option for those with a tight budget and tight schedule.
Do passengers actually board the plane?
It’s time for the million-euro problem: Would you? Online chatter is the perfect mix. Some people think this is brilliant, while others find it a step too high.
“I like a great deal, however I will pass on a leg day from 40,000 feet.”
“£3 to Paris ( €3.45) ? Tempting… if only I could recline.”
The pros and cons of each:
- Pros: Cheapest flight in years; ideal for a quick trip between cities; bragging rights (I stood on a airplane!”).
- Cons: You can’t lie back and you have to be careful not to snooze. If you are tall, it might feel like herding cattle.
Aviointeriors insists Skyrider seats passed every safety test—with rapid-exit drills and all—so don’t panic about emergencies. Standard tickets are still available if you’re desperate for a full-blown chair (at slightly higher prices, of course).
Skyrider 2.0: A passing fad, or the future of low-cost Air travel?
You’re not likely to see these on red-eye flights to New York any time 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!The penny-pinchers can now enjoy a bit 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. If it’s more “ouch”, than “wow”, then you know to go back to the economy seat (for a few extra pounds, of course).
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