Are standing-only plane seats coming to Ryanair and more? Here's the truth
This is just one of the hundreds of comments on an Instagram post that claims standing-only plane seats will soon be coming to low-cost airlines.
The furore is understandable. With strict luggage rules, narrow seats, and hidden fees, flying budget is already somewhat of an endurance test.
And with these new saddle-style seats, economy travel could get even more uncomfortable.
It's been reported that the seats have now met regulatory requirements and passed safety tests, but are we really about to see the seats on our next flight?
Here's everything we know so far.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Designed by Italian company Aviointeriors, the standing seats look similar to a horse saddle or rollercoaster ride.
They're attached to the floor and ceiling by a pole, and have a seat pitch (that's the distance between the seat and the one in front) of just 23 inches. To compare, Ryanair's average seat pitch is 30 inches.
Taking up less space, Aviointeriors claim you can fit up to 20% more passengers on short-haul flights lasting two hours or less.
Many have shared their disgust at the seats. 'These corporations don't care about you!' wrote one angry commenter, while another said they should be 'outlawed'.
But the seats aren't anything new. They were first unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo back in 2010, with an improved model shown at the same Expo in 2018.
Fast forward to 2025, and it's being claimed that the Skyrider 2.0 has been approved for travel.
In 2012, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary sparked backlash when he said he'd consider using the seats. He suggested fitting planes with 10 rows of standing-seats, which would cost as little as £1.
But fast forward to 2025, and a Ryanair spokesperson told Metro that passengers don't need to worry. When asked if the Irish carrier was set to launch standing-only seats they responded: 'Ryanair has no plans to do so.'
Wizz Air also responded to Metro's query saying: 'We can confirm that Wizz Air has no plans to introduce standing-only seats.'
Meanwhile, easyJet declined to comment on the introduction of standing-only seats, but there are currently no public plans which suggest we'll be seeing them on its planes any time soon.
Metro also reached out to Jet2, who are yet to respond.
Perhaps the biggest change we've seen isn't seating, but rather overhead lockers.
As more airlines charge for checked baggage, many passengers opt for hand luggage, which is either free, or cheaper. But it's lead to a mad dash to board, with travellers jostling for somewhere to put their suitcase. More Trending
Thankfully, Airbus, the leading manufacturer of commercial planes in the UK and Europe, had a solution.
In 2024, they announced that it would be retrofitting some of its planes to include the new and improved Airspace L bins.
These new bins more than half the size again of the previous A320 bins, offering 60% more room, and allowing space for three extra bags per bin. The trick here is that bags are stowed vertically, not horizontally.
Lufthansa was the first airline to receive 38 of the bins in January 2025. Other European airlines, including Iberia and Swiss also said they'll introduce the new bins.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: 'Full of life' capital city with 'laidback vibes' gets new UK flights for £87
MORE: What's Cooking? I worked in cabin crew for 12 years — avoid these five foods on planes
MORE: This UK beach is 'more relaxing than the Algarve' — two hours from London
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
I tried posh £21 fish and chips that David Beckham ordered – 3 words sum it up
I was dispatched to see if a luxury order of fish and chips was worth the hefty price tag What's the most you'd be willing to fork out for fish and chips? For me, it's not about the money but the time spent journeying to the east coast where two chip shops serve up fare so delightful it's downright soul-stirring. In St Andrews, Tailend and Cromar are where you'll find succulent haddock in a batter that's been fried to a masterful standard I've not seen elsewhere - an astonishingly light, supremely crunchy coating with frilly, jagged edges that audibly snap into fragments. This culinary masterpiece is nestled atop a pile of chips that aren't too chunky, boasting a crispness, fluffiness, and creaminess that could sway even a staunch advocate of skinny fries like myself. These chippies set the bar by which I judge all other fish and chips. Having once been a local, I now stay in Glasgow, regrettably a 90-minute drive from chippy heaven. However, I've recently been given the mission to determine whether a posh serving of fish and chips justifies its price tag, reports the Express. Inspired by a review of £18 fish and chips, my quest led me to Crabshakk, the fashionable seafood eatery, which opened its doors in Finnieston well before it became the Glasgow's foodie epicentre. The restaurant has drawn in celebrities like David Beckham and Sam Heughan. Although the Outlander star kept mum about his meal, Becks excitedly shared his dining experience on Instagram, praising the scallops "cooked to perfection", rollmops reminiscent of his grandmother's, and, of course, the fish and chips. Their latest venture, Crabshakk Botanics off Byres Road, exudes sleek and chic with industrial black fittings, trailing greenery, timber-clad walls and floor-to-ceiling windows — an ambience my fellow diner described as "very New York". We agree it's the type of swishy restaurant to bring friends visiting from out of town. When I'm off on a weekday, as someone with inflexible working hours, I like to wonder what other people who are out and about do for a living. I don't have to think too hard – at noon on a Wednesday, the clientele at this upmarket seafood restaurant consists of three tables populated by well-groomed, silver-haired guests. Before a father and daughter arrive, we are the youngest diners by decades - a journalist enjoying a day off in lieu with a friend on the backshift. One look at the menu and you know it's for seafood lovers. Lobster, crab, scallops, langoustine, squid, Arbroath smokies — whatever you fancy, they've got it. Non-seafood mains are few, featuring one meat option (steak frites) and four vegan dishes. My companion opts for the complimentary fizzy water, whilst despite being off duty, my afternoon plans rule out alcohol. I spring for the Spicy Rita (£8), a coral mocktail blending citrus, sweetness and savoury elements that pleasantly evoked tomato flavours. Rather than the traditional salted rim, black Himalayan salt adorns one edge of the glass, not unlike a sandy bum on the beach. The service here is courteous and prompt. It's a quiet lunch service and our hefty plates of fried seafood and chips soon arrive. So, my verdict on £21 fish and chips — not worth it. Giving credit where it's due, it's a good meal overall and they certainly don't scrimp on portion size. The chips are creamy and delicious, but it's the fish that falls flat. While I wasn't anticipating it to be the best I've ever had, the fried coating is thicker, darker and oilier than it should be. A look at TripAdvisor reviews reveals I'm not alone in this observation. The creamy tartare sauce is good but one glaring omission are peas, mushy or otherwise. Meanwhile, my friend happily tucks into her breaded monkfish cheeks accompanied by skinny fries, salad and a tangy and moreish housemade ketchup (£27). To share, we can't pass on the tomato and watermelon salad with salsa verde (£9) garnished with what appear to be edible succulent leaves that provide pops of salty juiciness. The restaurant didn't invite me for a review nor were they aware I was conducting one. Having footed the bill, I winced at the cost but I'm not overly put out. I'm not against the idea of posh fish and chips. But I'd suggest holding off on the craving until you can make your way to the East Neuk of Fife.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger is left sobbing on her knees after being banned from boarding her flight. The tearful woman was left hitting a door in an emotional outburst as airport staff reportedly told her that her hand luggage was too big. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A female Ryanair passenger was filmed crying and begging on her knees to be allowed to board a plane after staff banned her over her luggage Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 She was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in after being told she had to pay extra Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov Chaos unfolded at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria when the woman was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy. A packed flight was due to board a bus to their plane when the female passenger was stopped in the queue. Nikolay Stefanov, a witness to the shocking ordeal, said the woman was told she had to pay for extra baggage because her luggage didn't fit in the holdall. The woman refused to pay as she explained her bag could in fact fit. Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in. The bag does eventually fit but the staff still refuse to let her board. She then breaks down in tears as she pleads with a member of the border police and takes a video of the bag which is now wedged inside the rack. Dozens of the passengers were seen watching on from behind a glass door which was all that separated them from the weeping woman. Determined to board, she then starts to bang on the door and ask for help as Nikolay films the sad ordeal. More staff quickly surround the woman as her begging grows louder. Moment Brit woman is dragged off Ryanair flight & thrown to floor after 'assaulting passengers and making bomb threat' At one point she even drops to her knees before placing her hand on the door as tears roll down her face. Nikolay said the whole situation "escalated quickly". He added: "She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left." Nikolay said many onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion. It has also been claimed that another passenger stood behind the woman in line was removed from the flight. A Ryanair staff member allegedly said that they couldn't let him on because "reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus". The viral footage soon caught the eye of Bulgaria's parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras. Mr Karadjov is even said to have described the behaviour of employees in the video as "outrageous", reports. He has assured people that the main ground operator will be found and given the "highest fine" and a verbal warning. In response, Goldair Handling Bulgaria insisted their employees acted "professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger". The handling company released a statement to BNT News that read: "All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines. "Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. "This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees. "[Staff] acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger." It comes as Ryanair's CEO is considering increasing bonuses paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The budget airline currently pays staff approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for stopping passengers with oversized bags from boarding the aircraft. Currently, staff bonuses for doing this are capped at €80 (£70) a month. Passengers who are unlucky enough to get caught out by the airline's staff are charged a fee of up to €75 (£65) for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey. 6 The passenger was left hitting the door where the other passengers were waiting to board Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians
Plus, how to get there for under £10 IN THE MED The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY holidaymakers will jet off to Italy over the summer - but few know an underrated island so special even locals gush about it. Places like Sicily will always be popular with British holidaymakers, though if you speak to Italians its the Aegadian Islands they will be heading for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The island of Favignana is the largest in the Aegadian Islands Credit: Alamy 5 You'll find amazing beaches with bright blue seas Credit: Alamy In total there are five Aegadian Islands, but only three are inhabited - Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Favignana is the largest of three main islands and from above is shaped like a butterfly. It's known for its blue and white fishing harbour and narrow streets. It's small, too, so there's no need to hire a car - you can cycle or walk around to see the towns or go to the beach. Another option is to take one of the many boat day trips to take a tour of the island. You'll see loads of coves and even go to the neighbouring island of Levanzo. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Lido Burrone. One visitor said about Lido Burrone: "The crystal-clear water and white sand make it one of Favignana's most interesting beaches. It feels like being in the Caribbean." Another described Cala Rossa as a "blue dream" with spectacular sea and white sand. The beach is a recommended place for seeing marine life, as it's full of fish and a popular snorkelling spot. For any history buffs, Favignana was once the tuna capital of the world because of its tuna fisheries. 'Otherworldly' Italian island just three hours from the UK that featured in two huge Hollywood franchises 5 There are lots of restaurants, cafes and food stops around the island Credit: Alamy 5 You can easily explore the island by bike or foot In the 15th century, the island was ruled by Giovanni de Karissima who was also known as the 'Baron of Tuna". When it comes to where to eat on the island, you're most definitely spoilt for choice. There's plenty of seafood dishes thanks to its island location, as well as pasta, arancini and panelle. You don't have to eat at a restaurant either, there are plenty of markets and little takeaway shacks if you fancy something more causal. There are bars dotted around the island so whether you seek shade in the towns or full sun on the beach, you can always find somewhere to have a refreshing drink. When it comes to venturing there, Favignana is 10 miles from Sicily and is easily accessible by ferry. You can travel from Trapani to Favignana all year round and in the high season there are 25 crossings a day. The trip can take up to 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at €10 (£8.68). Or you can hop from Marsala to Favignana which has five daily crossings and is generally quicker taking 30 minutes per trip. The ticket prices start at €13 (£11.29). Here's another Italian island that's loved by celebs and the royal family - it has hidden beaches and holiday villages. And you can visit this largely untouched Italian island with red sand beaches.
