Spring Airlines of China is making a request to regulators to permit the reconfiguration of its aircraft to include standing-room “seating.”
When I first saw this, I had to check the calendar to make sure it really was July 1, not April 1. But sure enough, it’s being picked up by news services and MSNBC.
The standing jet could accommodate 40% more passengers compared to a traditional plane. It could also help airlines cut 20% of their costs, while lowering airfares for consumers.
Mr Wuan added: “It’s just like bar stools. The safety belt is the most important thing. It will still be fastened around the waist.” The airline would need government backing to go ahead with the plans. But Spring Airlines president Wang Zhenghua said that he was confident because the idea had been suggested by China’s vice premier Zhang Dejiang.
“He suggested that, for a lower price, passengers should be able to get on a plane like catching a bus, with no seat, no luggage consignment, no food, no water, but very convenient,” said Mr Zhenghua.
History really DOES repeat itself. Back in 2006, sketches of an Airbus-designed standing configuration were floated in the New York Times. Airbus backpedaled when outrage erupted, but the idea clearly survived. And Airbus is being named again in this latest iteration:
[Mr. Zhenghua] added that the company had consulted with Airbus, the company which built most of its aeroplanes, and had been told the proposals were safe. “So once the government approves it formally, we’ll try it,” he added.
My only disappointment is that Ryanair isn’t the one proposing this.
Here’s a visual from the last time this concept was floated. It still reminds me of “The Silence of the Lambs,” and the means of transporting Hannibal Lecter; I still chuckle with smug self-satisfaction at my labeling of this idea as “Hannibal Class” back in 2006.
(Hat tip to Marilyn Terrell)
Related:
- Think air travel is like riding the bus? Think subway.
- Standing room only: real or not?
- Short hops — May 2, 2006 — Standing seats (again), miles for dry cleaning, and more
- Posts tagged “Standing Seats” | Upgrade: Travel Better
- Looking backward: Airlines considering alternating forward and rear-facing seats
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July 1st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Twitter Comment
Standing room “seats” on airplanes – [link to post] – Yay or nay? What do you guys think?
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July 1st, 2009 at 1:25 pm
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crazy …. RT @statravelers Standing room “seats” on airplanes – [link to post] – Yay or nay? What do you guys think?
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July 1st, 2009 at 1:45 pm
This reminds me of a brilliant comment from Bellroth on The Guardian site regarding Ryanair’s plan to charge for use of the toilets:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/poll/2009/jun/02/ryanair-theairlineindustry?commentid=5452fd1d-be28-4ac2-b497-23ee9b266527
July 1st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @statravelers: Standing room “seats” on airplanes – [link to post] – Yay or nay? What do you guys think?
– Posted using Chat Catcher
July 1st, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @statravelers Standing room “seats” on airplanes – [link to post] – Yay or nay?
– Posted using Chat Catcher
July 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers Definite nay…
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July 1st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers That’s terrible! I don’t care how cheap it would be. Nay nay nay
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July 1st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers I guess it’d make an okay option, if people are THAT cheap & okay w/being so uncomfortable. I wouldn’t.
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July 1st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers I love a good deal, but won’t be doing that one.
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July 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers No! what about turbulence?
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July 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Sarah, I’m also reminded of the time the EasyJet website included a section on “livestock.”
http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/03/29/easyjet-admits-that-senior-passengers-are-cattle/
July 1st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Twitter Comment
@AlexBerger I imagine it would limit your ability to take a nap. Lots of cranky passengers can’t be a good thing.
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Twitter Comment
@nfisher01 That’s pretty definitive.
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
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@TokiWartooth I think length of flight would make the difference for me. That would be brutal for more than an hour or two.
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
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@lilmagill You wouldn’t even consider it if it were dirt cheap?
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Mark, that screenshot is priceless! It’s comforting to see EasyJet’s unintentional honesty. With airlines becoming increasingly desperate to cut costs, I wouldn’t be surprised if they start using the luggage hold to accommodate more passengers.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers I guess it depends on how long I’d be standing for! LOL
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers Yeah, but chances are, if ppl go that cheap, they’re looking at no non-stop flights. So it’s longer anyway.
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
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@statravelers I guess if it were like, a $20 flight I might be ok with it….I’m not gonna lie.
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Twitter Comment
@statravelers Wouldn’t be terrible for short flights. I don’t think I’d fit though TBH 6′4″ – current seats hit me mid shoulder/push forward
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Twitter Comment
I would lose my airline status so fast if the “Hannibal Class” was introduced! [link to post]
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Twitter Comment
Headed for Jamaica? Someone stole 500 truckloads of white sand from resort there. [link to post]
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July 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Twitter Comment
Bali plans to blood test arriving passengers. Chinese airline wants to sell cheap “standing” seats. [link to post]
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July 1st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
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RT @upgradetravel New post: The return of Hannibal Class: Standing seats on airliners make a comeback [link to post]
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July 1st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
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RT @buycruises @upgradetravel New post: The return of Hannibal Class: Standing seats on airliners make a comeback [link to post]
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July 1st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Twitter Comment
@lilmagill @statravelers can you imagine how SCARY take-off would be!? No No – LANDING!? Where would my drink go?
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July 6th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Ryan Air follows Spring’s example-
http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/2009/07/now-ryanair-plans-to-do-away-with-seats-on-aircraft.html
July 6th, 2009 at 9:55 am
[...] http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/07/01/the-return-of-hannibal-class-standing-seats-on-airlin... [...]
July 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
MIght not be too bad if you could wedge your knees into a padded support.Almost like sitting.Also,you would be less likely to get blood clots on long flights.
July 10th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Twitter Comment
You can’t make this stuff up. The return of Hannibal Class: Standing seats on airliners make a comeback – [link to post]
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July 10th, 2009 at 6:02 am
Twitter Comment
The return of Hannibal Class: Standing seats on airliners make a comeback – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
July 10th, 2009 at 9:28 am
hmm but think about it — no babies, no fat people, no old people(?), etc. If the flight is short I think most people would be fine w/it if the price is right.