On social media, Airbus’s exploration of double-decker plane seats left viewers stunned and sparked debate.
Airbus partners with Chaise Longue for a new seating concept
On X platform, a user, who goes by @Rainmaker1973 shared a Airbus explores double-decker plane seats, which left viewers stunned.
The video has the caption: “An overview of the new double decked economy class concept seat”
The video showed Airbus is testing a double-decker seating concept to maximize cabin space.
The idea comes from Madrid-based start-up Chaise Longue, which aims to improve passenger comfort by optimizing legroom.
As airlines continue to shrink seat space, travelers have voiced concerns about cramped conditions.
The new design raises alternating rows of seats, creating two levels within the same section of the aircraft.
How does the double-decker seating work?
In this concept, one row of seats remains at standard level, while the row behind it is elevated.
This staggered arrangement aims to make better use of vertical space, theoretically allowing more comfort without increasing the number of passengers per flight.
Passengers on the upper tier would enjoy a reclining seat without disturbing those behind them.
Meanwhile, those on the lower level would have additional legroom.
However, this design has sparked debate over whether the benefits outweigh the downsides.
The controversy: is the lower deck a ‘fart zone’?
Despite claims of improved comfort, critics have pointed out an unfortunate design flaw.
The lower-tier passengers are positioned at eye level with the backside of the person in front. This has led to online backlash, with many dubbing the lower level the ‘fart zone.’
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate among viewers. In the comment selection, many user mocked the idea.
One person said: So, my face is 18 inches away from someone’s ass but I have more leg room?
A second wrote: Looks like it might be an improvement over existing seats but wonder of existing airplanes would allow that configuration.
While a third commented: A BIG no for me! I don’t want to be seated at the person in front of me’s ‘ass level’ for a 16 hour flight. That’s just disturbing! I would cancel my flight
Someone else said: With my luck, the guy above me ate a can of beans for breakfast.
Another added: how does this setup perform in an emergency evacuation scenario? seems ready to fail miserably..
Good luck when the “plus size “ travelers see this. Another user added.
Airbus and Chaise Longue defend the concept
Despite the criticism, Chaise Longue CEO Alejandro Núñez Vicente remains optimistic.
In a LinkedIn post, he expressed excitement about the partnership with Airbus and the potential for revolutionizing airline seating.
“It’s the dawn of a new era for commercial aviation,” he wrote. “I hope you are as excited as we are about this concept and that soon, you can be crossing the skies in a more comfortable, spacious, two-level seat.”
When asked about the gas concerns, Vicente dismissed the issue. “With some common sense and maturity, you should be able to find your answer,” he remarked. He further explained that gases do not pass through solid objects like seat cushions and plastic shells.
Would you be willing to try a double-decker seat on your next flight? Or is this concept doomed before it takes off?