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Social media users have shared images of standing seats for planes in false posts that claim European low-cost carriers would start using them in 2026. However, the prototype seat dates back to 2012 and its Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors said they were not meant to be put into service. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it has not received applications to use such seats on passenger planes.
"Standing seats in planes: A new reality of budget airlines beginning 2026," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on May 18, 2025.
It describes the seats as "a cross between bicycle seats and a standing position" and claims they are being introduced to reduce cost and increase capacity.
The post features three images of the vertical, saddle-like seats designed to allow passengers to sit in a semi-upright position.
Image
Screenshot of the false post taken on June 10, 2025
The false claims spread after British tabloid Daily Mail published an article titled "Is this the future of travel? Low cost airlines could launch standing only seats as early as next year" on May 21, 2025 (archived link).
The report claims that the SkyRider standing chairs, made by aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors, can increase passenger capacity by 20 percent.
Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook.
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