The double-decker airplane seat concept was first unveiled in 2020, and Flytrippers had told you about it then. Through its many iterations since, the prototype called “Chaise Longue” hasn’t actually ever been taken very seriously. Now it’s back: a new and improved version was just presented this week, and it’s no longer budget-focused.
A big industry event is taking place in Hamburg, Germany: the Aircraft Interiors Expo. Separately, I’ll also present Air Canada’s major unveiling and another airline’s unique new economy class product.
This double-decker seat concept went viral to make travel more affordable, but could it make it more enjoyable? Flytrippers helps you travel for less with our 3 types of content, namely flight deals, travel rewards, and tips/inspiration/news.
Here’s what you need to know about the double-decker airplane seat concept.
What is the double-decker airplane seat concept?
The double-decker airplane seat concept removes overhead bins to stack 2 rows of economy class seats on top of each other.
People scoffed at the idea of being even more squeezed, but the creator insists he actually was always motivated by giving passengers more legroom.
The first prototype was very basic. Many have joked about the top row farting onto the bottom row all flight long, or that the bottom felt like a coffin.
When this seat prototype was first unveiled in 2020, everyone focused on the potential for adding more seats to airplanes, and therefore making flying more affordable.
Remember, it’s literally never been cheaper to fly in all of History (relative to the cost of living), as I shared in TV and newspaper interviews when the stats came out.
In 2021, the design was updated. But it was quite minor.
What’s the newest version of the double-decker airplane seat?
Yesterday, the newest version was unveiled. The creator calls it “the best yet.” There’s more room.
It’s now more about making flying more enjoyable than more affordable. Thanks to more comfort and more space with this unique layout.
The fixes address the main concerns, which were privacy and spacing.
He tells CNN the initial version was “kind of claustrophobic” and now has more space for the bottom row.
It’s not just for those who want to sleep and lie down anymore.
There’s also an added panel behind the top seats, to better separate rows and avoid things falling onto the bottom row.
The idea is to offer a new different seating option on planes alongside traditional economy seats.
(NOT to replace them altogether!)
Will the double-decker airplane seat concept become a reality?
To be very clear, there’s still absolutely no indication that any airline in the world is even considering this radical seat innovation.
As has been the case since the beginning.
The reality is that there’s honestly been surprisingly little innovation in economy class seating.
Business class seating has evolved so much, as I can attest to personally (I was writing this from my luxurious lie-flat pod seat with a sliding privacy door at 35,000 feet).
That said, we’ve seen United Airlines introduce a bed in economy class this month. That’s finally something new.
That’s just 1 airline… but it is the world’s largest airline, too.
By the way, the only other major airline that beat had that economy class bed before United is Air New Zealand, and they’re the ones who unveiled something quite radical yesterday. Don’t miss our post about that one this weekend.
Could all this lead to more airlines trying things that are a bit different, like the double-decker airplane seat?
Sure, but this double-decker airplane seat concept is extremely different, and it’s not going to happen soon (if ever).
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Summary
The famous double-decker airplane seat concept Flytrippers told you about 6 years ago is back and improved. It’s not more about making travel more enjoyable rather than more affordable, believe it or not. You still aren’t likely to see this installed on a plane for a long time (if ever).
What would you like to know about the double-decker airplane seat? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: 2026 Chaise Longue update (image credit: CNN)
