For decades, budget airlines have pushed the boundaries of affordability. But starting in 2026, low-cost carriers in Europe are taking things even further — by introducing standing-only seats on select short-haul flights.
It might sound like satire, but it’s very real. European carriers like Ryanair have long explored so-called “vertical seating” — saddle-style perches supported by upright backrests, designed to cram more passengers into the same cabin space.
“We’re not removing comfort — we’re redefining it,” said an executive at Aviointeriors, the Italian company behind the SkyRider 3.0, the latest version of the standing seat.
The goal is simple: increase capacity, cut operational costs, and offer ultra-low ticket prices — potentially under €10 in some cases. And because these flights typically last under 2 hours, some airlines argue the trade-off is worth it.
“If I can fly to Barcelona for the price of a sandwich, I’ll stand the whole way,” said one traveler on social media.
Critics, however, call the concept extreme — even inhumane. The EU’s aviation safety regulators have yet to fully approve vertical seating, but Ryanair and others are lobbying hard to make it reality by 2026.
With safety tests still ongoing and public opinion divided, standing-room flights could reshape the future of low-cost travel.
