Posts falsely claim low-cost carriers to introduce standing seats in 2026

Published on June 11, 2025 at 10:39
2 min read
By Dounia MAHIEDDINE, AFP France
Translation and adaptation Raevathi SUPRAMANIAM , AFP Malaysia

Social media users have shared images of standing seats for planes in false posts that claim European low-cost carriers would start using them in 2026. However, the prototype seat dates back to 2012 and its Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors said they were not meant to be put into service. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it has not received applications to use such seats on passenger planes.

"Standing seats in planes: A new reality of budget airlines beginning 2026," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on May 18, 2025.

It describes the seats as "a cross between bicycle seats and a standing position" and claims they are being introduced to reduce cost and increase capacity.

The post features three images of the vertical, saddle-like seats designed to allow passengers to sit in a semi-upright position.

Screenshot of the false post taken on June 10, 2025

The false claims spread after British tabloid Daily Mail published an article titled "Is this the future of travel? Low cost airlines could launch standing only seats as early as next year" on May 21, 2025 (archived link).

The report claims that the SkyRider standing chairs, made by aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors, can increase passenger capacity by 20 percent.

Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook.

But Aviointeriors clarified in an Instagram post on May 23 that the "standing seats" were merely prototypes dating back to 2012 (archived link).

"Designed as a bold response to one of the aviation industry's most pressing challenges, while maximizing space and ergonomics it was never meant to be taken at face value," the company said.

Screen shot of Aviointeriors Instagram post clarifying the false claim taken on June 10, 2025

A check on Aviointeriors' website also shows the SkyRider standing seats are not part of the company's catalogue (archived link).

When contacted by AFP, the EASA confirmed that it had not received applications to certify standing seats in commercial aircraft.

"Such seats would pose significant technical challenges, particularly in terms of emergency evacuation," it told AFP, adding that the design of a plane's fuselage does not allow for passengers to stand near windows.

"Any airline wishing to introduce this type of seat will face significant challenges, both in terms of aircraft reconfiguration and in demonstrating compliance with strict safety and evacuation requirements."

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair also told AFP that the airline was not considering introducing the seats.

However, its head Michael O'Leary said in 2009 that he would not have any problem introducing standing seats on planes, but pointed out that such a move will likely be rejected by the European Union for safety reasons.

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