Flights to have double-decker seats? Check out the details
Get ready to witness double-decker seats on flights hopefully in the near future. The mastermind behind the prototype is 23-year-old Alejandro Núñez Vicente who believes that this double seating arrangement is a future of sustainable and economical flying. The prototype was displayed at the Aircraft Cabin Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
The design was originally a college project
Vicente first developed the Chaise Longue Airplane Seat as a college project in 2021. It gained much appreciation and attraction after being nominated for the Crystal Cabin Awards the same year. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Vicente devoted his time, money, and energy completely to give life to bring his design to life. As a result, he temporarily put his master's degree on hold.
Vicente shows his prototype displayed at the expo
How the seats are placed
Explaining the features, Vicente says that there are four rows - two top levels and two bottom levels. "It's much easier for flight attendants to help (disabled passengers) into their seats by having this folding seating option," Vicente told USA Today in an interview. In his prototype, the bottom cushion on every lower-level seat folds up to enable easier access.
New design offers extra legroom and deeper recline
The Chaise Lounge seats are currently designed for widebody planes. They can fit by removing center overhead bins and reducing in-cabin storage space. According to Núñez Vicente, flyers may actually be willing to sacrifice in-cabin storage for more legroom. These seats provide extra legroom and a deeper recline as compared to regular economy seats, thus being suitable for comfortable sleep during long-haul flights.
Netizens' reaction to the prototype
Netizens reacted with hilarious comments as soon as the prototype post went viral. "As someone who eats a LOT of protein and protein shakes... I'm unsure if it's my duty to humanity to never use one of these or to just start flying across country for fun," commented one. "Now I can spill my drink on me and the stranger below me!" wrote another.
People are concerned about gassy passengers above
"Can't wait for someone to fart directly into my face," commented a user on his Instagram post. "I can't wait for airlines to charge extra for a fart guard," says another. To the question of what would happen if the passenger above passed fart, Vicente said that there would be a restraint in the partition behind the upper level of seats.
Vicente is in talks with airline companies for the launch
Vicente is supported by sponsors, has partnerships, and frequently interacts with "the biggest players in the industry." However, the 23-year-old set designer says that his company hasn't roped in any airlines yet and is hopeful for an announcement after the expo. He also shared that it will take some time to be in the skies even after a partner signs in.
