CHEAP STANDING ROOM? RYANAIR DEBUNKS VIRAL ONLINE RUMOR, BUT OPTION NOT ENTIRELY RULED OUT FOR FUTURE

LOW-COST TRAVEL • Ryanair has categorically denied recent viral online rumors suggesting it would introduce "standing seats" on its aircraft to offer even cheaper fares. Despite denials from both the airline and manufacturer Aviointeriors, discussion about the potential future implementation of such seats persists within the aviation industry.

Dublin, May 24, 2025 – Low-cost travel has soared over the past decade, and it's hard to imagine a cheaper option than Ryanair, known for offering flights from as little as €7.99.

However, some recent viral posts falsely claimed that the Irish airline would soon offer an even cheaper option: standing seats. Photos circulating online show seats that resemble bicycle saddles mounted vertically, designed to allow passengers to lean rather than sit fully. Passengers would essentially be in a semi-upright position, supported by a padded, narrow seat that includes a backrest to stabilize their posture.

Other features shown in simulations of these designs include harness seatbelts or straps to secure passengers during takeoff, landing, and turbulence, as well as vertical poles connecting each row to the aircraft ceiling for added stability. This highly compact arrangement would allow airlines to accommodate more passengers in the cabin on short-haul flights.

Several travel websites and social media posts claimed that the Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors would supply these seats to Ryanair, which would then begin offering them as a flight option as early as 2026. However, the company confirmed to Euronews that it "has no intention of doing so." Meanwhile, official communications from Aviointeriors have reiterated that the Skyrider, a "standing seat" model often featured in these claims, "is actually a conceptual prototype dating back to 2012" and "is not part of the official line" of their products.

The Origin of the Rumors and Future Feasibility

The origin of these viral claims traces back to past statements by Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, known for suggesting unconventional cost-cutting ideas. As early as 2010, O'Leary discussed the theoretical concept of "standing seats" to maximize aircraft space and offer extremely low fares. In 2009, he also proposed the idea of pay-per-use onboard toilets and a "fat tax" that would impose additional charges on overweight passengers. These ideas have generally been regarded as either jokes or attention-grabbing stunts, and no formal plans ever materialized.

Could Standing Seats Work?

While no airline has yet confirmed the use of these standing seats, the concept could, in principle, be feasible on short-haul flights. The standing seats designed by Aviointeriors have already undergone preliminary safety tests and have been shown to withstand emergency landing conditions and rapid evacuation requirements imposed by aviation authorities. These tests suggest that, from a purely safety perspective, it might be possible to meet the stringent standards set by agencies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The primary challenge facing airlines and manufacturers is passenger comfort. Even on short flights, the semi-seated posture passengers would adopt on these saddle-like seats raises concerns about discomfort, fatigue, and circulation issues. Similarly, airlines already face criticism for reduced legroom and cramped conditions. The introduction of standing seats could have significant repercussions: while surveys indicate a small niche of ultra-budget travelers might accept standing seats if fares were extremely low, widespread public adoption would likely be challenging and limit the airline's commercial viability.