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Newfangled no-seater straphanger planes?
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Current posts | CategoriesNewfangled no-seater straphanger planes?
Q. Several years ago I read in the New York Times that airlines were considering offering flights where some passengers would stand rather than sit, presumably allowing airlines to cram more people into their planes. Has this concept moved forward, or was it just a hoax?
A. As far as I know, no airline yet offers this “product” but two airlines are considering the idea. Shanghai-based Spring Airlines intends to pursue it with Chinese regulatory authorities. Spring argues that passenger demand in China is growing faster than its ability to receive new aircraft deliveries, and that Airbus has indicated that standing passengers can be flown safely. Ryanair (of course) has been reported to seek similar approval from the Irish Aviation Authority.
What about you? Would you be okay with standing for the duration of a flight? Short commutes would be one thing, but we imagine red eyes would be a bit of a drag. Call us when someone outfits a plane with beanbags and Snuggies.
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This is a stupid and crazy idea. I don't believe for a minute that standing passengers can be flown safely, not with everything an aircraft can encounter. Besides, who guarantees that people can and will hang onto a strap? And please don't even suggest that airlines will charge for a seat. They charge for nearly everything now...maybe they'll charge for breathing the recycled air next.
by amair on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Not strap hangers, but look at the article about the "saddle" seats. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8001351/SkyRider-new-saddle-seat-allows-airlines-to-cram-more-passengers.html
MOST uncomfortable looking way to spend even an hour--that you've paid for-- that I can imagine!
by mickisue on Monday, December 20, 2010
If this is so safe, why do we have to keep our seatbelts on? As in car accidents, the unbelted passengers would cause great damage to the belted ones as well as to themselves.
by katetx2001 on Sunday, June 06, 2010
If the price is right... All I need is a metal or leather strap to hang on to. I have done it for 90 minutes at a time under Queens Blvd. and I can do it up in the air too.
by peppertree5706 on Wednesday, June 02, 2010
What happens when the aircraft hits an air pocket and drops 10,000 ft in seconds? Or as happened recently when an Air Canada airbus got caught in the jet wash of a United Air 747.
by Patrick James on Wednesday, June 02, 2010
I have a better idea on how to increase the load factor - give everyone a sedative to knock them out, put them in a box(i.e, coffin), and stack the boxes 4 high in the airplane. You would also not have to worry about snacks, carry on luggage, and forcing the cabin attendants to be friendly.
by donaldsc on Wednesday, June 02, 2010
I know this will come across as bigotry, but this seems something like what the Chinese would do: ignore safety in favor of profits. One hopes that any straps the standing passengers are provided with are not made of cadmium.
by La on Wednesday, June 02, 2010
No! Absolutely not! That wouldn't be any different than flying us all in cargo planes.
by junglebungle on Wednesday, June 02, 2010
That's one of the craziest ideas I've seen recently. Besides the discomfort of standing for more than 30 minutes, there comes the issue of strapping in the passengers, deep vein thrombosis, ankle swelling, and what happens if there is even a little turbulence? These folks, unless strapped to the bulkhead, could end up on someone else's lap or on the ceiling. Nonsense!
by Nana on Sunday, December 13, 2009
On Long Island, NY, during World War III, the Bee Line ran busses called "sit-stands." There were contoured plywood panels you could lean against instead of seats. This almost doubled capacity.
by Jupiter on Sunday, December 13, 2009
This can never happen. Has anyone recalled the term "turbulance?" and what of the take-off & landing procedures "Keep your seatbelts on until the plane has come to a complete stop"....
by Swede on Saturday, December 12, 2009
No thanks. It's uncomfortable enough on planes these days without having to stand for even 30 minutes. Might be okay for my least favorite airline, Spirit, to try something like this. At least you'd be on your feet and eye level with the crew when they start to harrass you.
by QueenOfEverything on Saturday, December 12, 2009
For an extra charge, you can ride inside the aircraft in the cargo hold.
by longhorns on Friday, December 11, 2009
First, let's see the date those news articles were printed. April 1st would be my guess.
If not, if it really is for real, then it better be only on flights that are *less than* 1 1/2 hours. And not on routes prone to turbulence or long delays either.
Let the buyer beware.
by caveat emptor on Friday, December 11, 2009
I am stunned that some people actually think this is a SAFE way to fly.
by glaeken on Friday, December 11, 2009
Depends on a) the cost and b) the duration of the flight. On busses and subways, there is always the possibility that one will get a seat when the sitting customers get off. On a plane? Not so much.
by mickisue on Friday, December 11, 2009
WOuldn't surprise me if Southwest or American tried this stunt.
by texasbrian on Friday, December 11, 2009
Only if it's a short flight and there's a BIG discount. Maybe airlines will start charging a fee if you want to sit down
by FurryFlyer on Friday, December 11, 2009
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