Imagine boarding your next flight and instead of settling into a traditional seat, you're leaning against a padded saddle-style perch. Sounds like a futuristic concept. Several low-cost airlines might realize it sooner.

According to a viral post shared by the popular Instagram account @entrepreneurshipquote, which boasts over 2.8 million followers, standing-only options could be part of the airline experience as early as 2026. These aren’t completely upright positions, but more like cushioned bike seats designed to support passengers in a semi-standing posture.

These unusual seats are the brainchild of Aviointeriors, an aircraft interiors manufacturer that has developed what they call the "Skyrider 2.0." The design aims to increase the number of passengers on a plane by up to 20%, a move that could significantly boost profits for budget carriers.

Photo: instagram.com/entrepreneurshipquote

Photo: instagram.com/entrepreneurshipquote

While Aviointeriors has yet to issue a fresh statement or confirm any new airline partnerships, the buzz around these seats has reignited interest. The concept was first shown at the 2018 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. It was a second attempt after a failed rollout of an earlier model in 2010.

The Skyrider 2.0 has added padding and reinforced fittings, attaching not just to seat rails but also to support poles that run from floor to ceiling. The company explained that this structure allows for a more upright seating position while offering a degree of comfort, even with the tighter pitch.

In their original release, Aviointeriors pitched this seating style as a way to democratize air travel. They claimed it could make flying more accessible to a broader range of passengers and allow airlines to mix seat types on a single aircraft.

The Skyrider 2.0 is also designed to be lighter—50% lighter than traditional economy seats—and has fewer moving parts, which translates to lower maintenance costs. This minimalism is part of the broader strategy to reduce ticket prices and operating expenses.

Perhaps one of the most vocal supporters of this concept has been Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary. He’s never been shy about cost-cutting innovations and once proposed fitting his Boeing 737s with ten rows of standing seats alongside traditional seating. In 2012, he even floated that standing tickets could be offered for as little as £1.

Still, not everyone is thrilled by the idea. Social media users have voiced strong opinions, with many skeptical about comfort and safety. Whether the public will embrace standing seats remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: the conversation around the future of budget travel is just getting started.