It’s good to know that British company Design Q—who created the successful first class seats for Virgin Atlantic—has time to think about the rest of us, the air cattle. According to the company, the configuration “shows a generous gap between each of the seats, which could be reduced, but the centre seats are staggered to coincide with the gaps on the outboard seats”.
It seems to offer more leg room than normal seats, but this doesn’t look comfortable at all, even if it’s only for short-distance flights. Then again—like Runway Girl Mary Kirby points out—if these kind of side seats are good enough for the military, why not for the rest of us?
Do you agree? Would you travel like this only to pay a bit less? Isn’t flying cheap enough already? I know I won’t do it myself. Tell us what you think in the comments. [Runway Girl]
Cameron
September 2, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Those would be fantastic for short-haul trips (eg Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane), like train seats, you dont’ really need much when your only sitting down for an hour or 2, but the current cramped formation is awful!
Report PermalinkMatt
September 2, 2009 at 9:17 AM
On the Q design, its lacking seatbelts (so the idea will NEVER get approval)
Report PermalinkHector
September 2, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Ah, finally leg space! I’d swap that for the current seats for all flights up to 5 hours or so!
Report PermalinkI wonder when bunk beds are coming (back) too.. that would be so much better for long-haul.
Nathan Young
September 2, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I like the legspace, but why put a screen in when it means everyone would be constantly turning their heads one way. Neck cramps ouch!
Report PermalinkJB
September 2, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Looks like a death trap to me. Whats going to stop people flying all over the cabin if the plane crashes?
Report PermalinkNot to mention tripping over people if you have to get up mid-flight.
Jack Fullerton
September 2, 2009 at 12:25 PM
As a student who flies a bit also, for anything up and down the eastern seaboard the cheaper and nastier it is, the better. As long as its safe, and gets me from Melbourne to Sydney or Brisbane in one piece. The legroom would be awesome also.
Report PermalinkPinballLes
September 2, 2009 at 1:34 PM
If it increases the amount of leg room, and the total number of seats on the plane than it’s a win-win-win situation. The airline can fit more people on a plane, less cost to them, the passengers get more leg room, and cheaper fares.
Report Permalinkjuicy
September 2, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Well, if there is a bosomy woman across from me, it will difintely help on those long trips.
Report PermalinkTom Barber
September 2, 2009 at 8:23 PM
I feel $20 flights coming…
Report Permalinkrob
November 25, 2009 at 1:55 PM
The design just isn’t that good.
First, all the out-board passengers will be leaning against the walls- with their heads in the middle of the windows. Surely it’s better to move the tables under the windows and the out-board seats in the gaps between the windows? Then if you’re stuck in the middle row, at least you get a view.
Second, obviously; no aisles. Can’t get to the toilet, can’t get out in an emergency.
Report PermalinkJarad Avritt
December 15, 2010 at 12:05 AM
I don’t believe either would gain approval from safety agencies. These seats don’t off any support for bracing or impact. From a safety standpoint this would never work.
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