It’s not Hannibal class seating, but it’s not going to evoke images of comfort: The British firm Design Q has proposed a military-transport style for (discount) airline seating.

Howard Guy, director of the UK company Design Q, acknowledges that some people will not be happy with the plan, but says they will be able to pay less for any inconvenience.

‘Having passengers face each other is not an ideal situation,’ he said. ‘But this will see increased revenue for the operator and more economical tickets for the passenger – so by keeping both happy, this concept makes an attractive alternative.

‘Sure the passenger can choose a flight facing forward in a traditional seating position, but he or she will have to pay more for the luxury.’

Mr Guy predicts that the design could see a 50 per cent increase in the number of passengers on board and a 30 per cent reduced cost per seat.

However, he did concede that the seats would not be comfortable for passengers on flights of more than two hours.

Yes, flying forward sure is “luxurious”… Remember that when you’re staring at a tray table. I don’t like the way this firm is thinking.

Then there’s the logistics of it: I’ve often wondered about the safety issues regarding sideways seating. Sure, the military does it. But even if you assume “crash position,” you’re going to get wrenched sideways in an impact (or even in a rough landing), which can’t be good.

Perhaps the design is sponsored by the UK Chiropracters’ Council? Good luck ever seeing this on board a commercial aircraft.

Related:
- The return of Hannibal Class: Standing seats on airliners make a comeback
- A step up for economy class seating
- Three people, six arms, four armrests: Can they coexist?
- Lufthansa considering bunk-bed style sleeper seating in economy class
- Looking backward: Airlines considering alternating forward and rear-facing seats