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The real seats — for now, at least. Credit: Canva
Ryanair has clarified that it will not install standing seats in its aircraft. It’s true, the rumour is still circulating. Aviointeriors – the company behind the “Skyrider”, a viral design of a seat – has denied and confirmed the rumour. However, it continues to circulate, just as the airline which inspired it. What’s going on? What is going on? And why do we keep seeing a rumour which has been disproven for so long? What does it tell us about Ryanair and its brand, as well as our complicated relationship with a low-cost airline like this?
The rumour that will not land
It was over a decade back that Ryanair’s CEO came up with the idea. Michael O’Leary, Publicly announced installing standing seats More passengers can be packed in a smaller space, reducing costs. He floated other attention-grabbing ideas, such as charging extra for overweight passengers or a “pay-to-pee” toilet.
The majority of these were jokes. Others were social experiment. They were all classics Michael O’Leary, X. When images of “saddle” seats in a vertical orientation began to circulate this month, many thought Ryanair had finally pushed the button. All these claims had all the ingredients for a viral sensation:
The low-cost carrier was evil. There were visible discomforts and a small price tag that would tempt desperate travelers. One problem. None of it was real. Again.
Why do people keep falling for this scam?
It feels as if the rumour is true, especially when you consider that airlines are reducing legroom each year and charging extra for carry ons. Water has become a luxury. Vertical seats do not sound Sci-Fi. They are a real possibility for 2026.
Airlines today are increasing the cost of our comfort and adding expensive add-ons. Ryanair is also not known for its reputation, as the brand name is friction. It built its empire by pushing the limits, mocking regulators publicly, and blatantly cutting costs. Even if the rumours are officially denied, people will not say, “Ah that’s false.” They think “It’s only a matter time.”
Is it technically feasible?
Sort of. Skyrider has passed all basic safety protocols, including emergency evacuation protocols. The Skyrider concept uses a semi standing seat with a belt harness and could theoretically be used on ultra-short haul flights.
Passengers warn that even a 40-minute flight in the “leaning” position can cause fatigue, discomfort and circulation problems. Air travel has already been criticized for dehumanising flying, so this could be a PR disaster in the making, unless that’s the point.
There are no standing seats yet
This rumour about standing seats has evolved into much more than just a rumour. The fear is that flying will become more about profits than comfort. More transactional, less comfortable and more commodified. When headlines such as “seats do not recline” and “pay for toilet tissue” go viral, it’s a sign that the world is changing. We expect the worst and laugh through the pain, especially if the ticket only costs €9.
What about Ryanair? The airline knows that viral moments and outrages keep them on our mind, where we are more likely to book, if we’re budget-conscious and ready to give up a little dignity for a good deal.
You can fly with Ryanair right now without standing. Don’t be surprised, though, if this rumor comes back again.
