Just when you thought it couldn't get more uncomfortable in a commercial airline's coach section, a manufacturer is unveiling a new airline seat with even less leg room.
The "SkyRider," officially introduced this week, will allow airlines that install them to shoehorn even more passengers into coach. Some airlines may opt to install just a few of the seats and offer them at a discounted price.
The SkyRider, which is shaped like a saddle, allows 23 inches of leg room, about seven inches less than a normal seat in coach. The occupant sits at an angle, with her legs supporting more of her weight. Because the passengers are sitting at an angle, the seats can overlap.
The SkyRider also includes a tray table like other airline seats, though it is a fraction of the size. But since airlines rarely give passengers anything to eat on flights these days, it might prove more than adequate.
Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors Group came up with the SkyRider, seeing it as a way for discount airlines to squeeze more revenue out of each flight. An official of the company says that the seat could be comfortable on flights up to three hours.
The SkyRider was designed, perhaps, with discount Irish carrier Ryanair in mind. The airline petitioned the government of Ireland to allow it to outfit cabins so that passengers stand up, like strap-hangers on a subway car, for the flight. Safety officials said they would not allow passengers to stand during take-offs and landings.
Airlines have been under pressure to make each flight more profitable. Over the last two years most have added fees for everything from checked baggage to pillows and blankets.
Giddy-up
Aviointeriors Group displayed its SkyRider at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas conference in Long Beach, Calif., this week. Aviation International News, a industry trade publication, reports the SkyRider display at the Expo drew crowds of incredulous gawkers. The publication describes the seat as a "cross between a miniature horse saddle and a thinly sliced seat back."
It's not known if any U.S. carriers are actively considering it, but Dominique Menoud, the company's director general, told USA Today they shouldn't hesitate to install the saddle seats.
"Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in the saddle," he said.
