Ryanair may offer standing seats on short flights with Skyrider 2.0

Key Takeaways

• Ryanair denies plans to introduce standing seats despite media rumors and CEO’s past interest.
• Skyrider 2.0 seats reduce space and weight but lack official aviation regulatory approval as of May 2025.
• No airline has applied to regulators; standing seats could lower fares but raise safety and comfort concerns.

In recent days, headlines across Europe have claimed that Ryanair will soon offer “cheaper standing seats” on its flights, sparking a wave of public debate and confusion. These reports suggest that passengers could soon pay as little as €1–€5 (about $1–$5) for a ticket if they are willing to stand, or rather, perch on a special seat, during short flights. The idea centers on a new seat design called the Skyrider 2.0, developed by the Italian company Aviointeriors. However, Ryanair has firmly denied that it will introduce these standing seats anytime soon. No airline has officially announced plans to use them, and no aviation regulator has approved such seats for commercial flights.

This article explains what’s really happening with Ryanair, standing seats, and the Skyrider 2.0. It covers the facts, the background, and what this means for travelers, airlines, and regulators. It also looks at the possible future of standing seats in air travel.

What Are Standing Seats and Why Are They in the News?

The idea of standing seats is not new. For more than a decade, some budget airlines have looked for ways to fit more passengers on each flight and lower ticket prices. The Skyrider 2.0 is the latest version of a “vertical seat” that looks more like a saddle than a traditional airplane seat. Passengers would sit at a 45-degree angle, with their weight mostly on their legs, and use a seatbelt for safety. The seat is much lighter and takes up less space than a regular seat.

The recent media buzz started when several European news outlets reported that airlines, including Ryanair, could start using these seats as early as 2026. The reports said that fares could drop to just a few euros or dollars for those willing to use the new seats. This led to a lot of excitement, but also concern about comfort and safety.

Ryanair’s Official Position

Despite being mentioned in many news stories, Ryanair has publicly denied that it will soon offer standing seats. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has talked about the idea for years and even suggested a mix of standing and regular seats in the past. But as of May 2025, Ryanair has not taken any steps to put standing seats on its planes. The airline has not applied for regulatory approval, and there is no official plan to introduce these seats.

Other budget airlines in Europe, such as those in Spain and Eastern Europe, are also watching the situation. However, none have confirmed that they will use standing seats or started the process to get them approved.

The Skyrider 2.0: What Makes It Different?

The Skyrider 2.0 is designed by Aviointeriors, an Italian company that makes airplane seats. This seat is not really for standing, but for sitting in a semi-upright position, like riding a bicycle saddle. Here are some key facts about the Skyrider 2.0:

• Seat Pitch: The distance from one seat to the next is just 23 inches, compared to about 30 inches in a normal economy seat. This means less legroom and space.
• Weight: Each Skyrider 2.0 seat weighs about half as much as a regular seat, which helps airlines save on fuel.
• Capacity: Airlines could fit up to 20% more passengers on a plane using these seats, but only on short flights (under 2 hours).
• Comfort: The seat is designed for short trips. There is no reclining, and space for carry-on bags is limited.
• Safety: The seat has a seatbelt and has passed some internal safety tests, but it has not been approved by any official aviation authority.

Aviointeriors says the Skyrider 2.0 meets safety standards and could help airlines offer much cheaper tickets. However, passing internal tests is not the same as getting approval from regulators.

Regulatory Status: No Approval Yet

As of May 2025, no aviation regulator has approved standing or vertical seats for use on commercial flights. This includes the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). EASA has said it has not received any applications for these seats and does not see practical use cases right now because of aircraft design limits.

For any new seat to be used on a plane, it must go through a strict approval process. This includes:

• Crash Testing: The seat must protect passengers during a crash.
• Evacuation Drills: Passengers must be able to leave the plane quickly in an emergency.
• Safety Standards: The seat must meet all rules for passenger safety.

So far, the Skyrider 2.0 has not completed these steps for commercial use. Airlines would need to submit detailed applications to regulators, and the process could take years.

For more information on how aviation safety rules work in Europe, you can visit the EASA official website.

How Would Standing Seats Work If Approved?

If an airline wanted to use standing seats like the Skyrider 2.0, the process would look like this:

1. Design Finalization: The seat manufacturer would finish the design and make sure it meets all safety and comfort needs.
2. Regulatory Application: The airline would apply to aviation authorities (such as EASA or FAA) for approval.
3. Crash Testing and Safety Evaluation: The seats would be tested in crash simulations and evacuation drills.
4. Cabin Reconfiguration: The airline would redesign the inside of its planes to fit the new seats.
5. Pilot Programs: The airline might run a few test flights under close supervision.
6. Full Rollout: If the seats pass all tests and get approval, the airline could start offering them on certain short routes.

This is a long and expensive process. No airline has started it yet for standing seats.

What Would This Mean for Passengers?

If standing seats were ever approved and used, they would bring both benefits and drawbacks for travelers.

Possible Benefits:
– Ultra-Low Fares: Tickets could cost as little as €1–€5 ($1–$5), making flying more affordable for many people.
– More Seats: Planes could carry more passengers, which might mean more flights and choices.

Possible Drawbacks:
– Less Comfort: The seats are not designed for long trips. There is little space, no reclining, and less room for bags.
– Health Concerns: Standing or sitting upright for up to two hours could be hard for elderly people, those with health problems, or anyone who finds it hard to stand for long.
– Safety Questions: Some experts worry about what would happen in turbulence or an emergency.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, while cheaper fares might help more people travel, the loss of comfort and possible health risks could make standing seats unpopular with many travelers.

What Would This Mean for Airlines?

For airlines, standing seats could offer some big advantages:

• Lower Costs: Lighter seats and more passengers per flight could mean higher profits.
• Competitive Edge: Airlines could attract more customers with ultra-low fares.

But there are also big challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Getting approval from safety authorities is a long and difficult process.
• Public Relations: Some passengers and advocacy groups might see standing seats as a step too far in cutting costs.
• Operational Changes: Airlines would need to redesign their planes and train staff for the new seating.

What Do Regulators Say?

Regulators like EASA and the FAA have made it clear that passenger safety is the top priority. No standing or vertical seat has met the strict standards needed for commercial flights. Regulators would need to see proof that the seats are safe in all situations, including crashes and emergencies, before giving approval.

What Do Experts and the Public Think?

There are strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Supporters say that standing seats could make flying affordable for more people, especially for short trips between cities. They argue that for a flight of less than two hours, comfort is less important than price.

Critics warn that this could lead to a “race to the bottom” in passenger comfort. They compare it to standing on a crowded bus or train, but at 30,000 feet. Health professionals have raised concerns about the risks for people who cannot stand or sit upright for long periods.

A Look Back: How Did We Get Here?

• 2010: Aviointeriors first showed the Skyrider seat at an industry expo in Hamburg. The idea was to fit more people on planes and lower ticket prices.
• 2012: Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, talked about putting standing seats on the airline’s Boeing 737 planes. He suggested fares as low as €1.
• 2018: Aviointeriors introduced the Skyrider 2.0, a lighter and more padded version. But it still did not get regulatory approval.
• 2024–2025: Rising fuel prices and tough competition have made airlines look for new ways to cut costs. This has brought renewed interest in standing seats.

What’s Next? The Future of Standing Seats

Short-Term: Despite the headlines, standing seats are not coming to Ryanair or any other airline soon. No regulator has approved them, and no airline has started the process to use them.

Medium-Term: If a seat like the Skyrider 2.0 ever gets approval, it would likely be used only on short flights (under two hours) and only by a few airlines at first. Widespread use is unlikely unless passengers accept the trade-off between price and comfort.

Long-Term: The idea of standing seats may push airlines and seat makers to think about new ways to design cabins. But for now, traditional seats will remain the standard for most flights.

Comparing Standing Seats and Traditional Economy

Here’s a simple table showing how standing seats like the Skyrider 2.0 compare to regular economy seats:

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

• Don’t expect to see standing seats on Ryanair or any other airline in 2025 or 2026. The idea is still at the prototype stage.
• If you see very cheap fares advertised for standing seats, check the facts. No airline has announced such tickets, and no regulator has approved the seats.
• If you are interested in low-cost travel, keep an eye on official airline websites and trusted news sources for updates.
• Remember that safety and comfort are key concerns for regulators and airlines. Any new seat must pass strict tests before you’ll see it on a plane.

Where to Find Official Information

For the latest updates on airline seating and safety rules, visit the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) official website. You can also check Ryanair’s official website for statements and news.

Final Thoughts

Despite the excitement and media coverage, Ryanair has not announced any plans to introduce standing seats, and no airline has received regulatory approval to use them. The Skyrider 2.0 remains a prototype, and there are many hurdles before it could ever be used on commercial flights. For now, travelers can expect to keep sitting in traditional seats, with safety and comfort as top priorities. If anything changes, it will be big news—and you’ll hear about it from official sources first.

Learn Today

Standing Seats → Aircraft seats designed for a semi-upright posture, saving space and reducing weight significantly.
Skyrider 2.0 → A vertical seat prototype by Aviointeriors, allowing passengers to perch semi-standing on short flights.
EASA → European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulating air safety and approval of aircraft equipment in Europe.
Regulatory Approval → Official certification process ensuring aircraft seats meet safety and evacuation regulations before commercial use.
Seat Pitch → The distance between one seat and the next, determining legroom and passenger space in airplanes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ryanair’s standing seats remain a prototype amidst media buzz. The Skyrider 2.0 offers space savings but lacks certification. Regulatory approval is pending, and airlines face safety and comfort challenges before such seats become a reality on short flights under two hours.
— By VisaVerge.com