Air travel is already tight, and airlines are always looking for ways to fit more passengers. Now, one company believes it has found a way to optimize space—though not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea.
Many travelers already feel cramped on planes, and long flights can be uncomfortable, especially with limited legroom and little personal space. A crying baby or a restless passenger can make things even worse.
But what if there was a way to fit more people without making flights feel even tighter?
That’s where double-decker seating comes in. Airbus is considering a new design from Madrid-based aviation start-up Chaise Longue, which aims to improve cabin space by stacking seats at different levels.
The concept positions one row of seats at standard floor level while another row is placed on a raised platform.
At first glance, it seems like a smart way to give passengers more legroom while still allowing airlines to fit more people.
Those in the top row would be able to recline without disturbing the person behind them, while those in the lower row would have extra space to stretch their legs.
But one major issue has already raised concerns—passengers in the bottom row would be sitting directly under the person above them.
While the lower seats offer more space, critics argue that the positioning is too awkward.
Social media users have been quick to mock the design, with many saying they wouldn’t want to sit “directly under someone.”
One person joked, “Not gonna fly with someone’s seat right in front of my face.” Another added, “They’ll probably charge extra to avoid the bottom row.”
Despite the criticism, Chaise Longue’s founder, Alejandro Núñez Vicente, remains confident.
In a LinkedIn post, he wrote, “After years of work, I’m excited to introduce this new design that could change air travel.”
When asked about concerns regarding lower-seat passengers, Vicente dismissed them, stating, “With some common sense, this shouldn’t be an issue.”
He hopes this design will revolutionize airplane seating and improve long-haul flights.
