Double-decker seats might become a reality when flying, with the inventor of the stacked design declaring they could be on planes within a few years.
Alejandro Núñez Vicente designed the double-stacked seats and went on to found Chaise Lounge Economy Seat.
The seats made waves for their unusual design and were seen as potentially the future of flying economy.
The overhead lockers would be ditched and storage compartments would be under the seats.
The seats below are more suited for passengers with accessibility issues, while two steps up in the top rows, passengers get the same 125-degree recline angle as those below.
The 23-year-old came up with the design for the Chaise Lounge while he was at college.
In 2021, the same year he submitted the design, he was nominated for the Crystal Cabin Awards.
Now, Mr Núñez Vicente has sponsors, partnership deals and is in talks with big players in the industry, CNN reported.
The idea is that the Chaise Lounge could go in the centre of the plane, while the rows on the side would be regular seats.
In an interview with CNN, Mr Núñez Vicente said he was not trying to get rid of the seating we have become accustomed to, and that he is aware the concept is not for everyone.
Mr Núñez Vicente, who is 188cm tall, wanted to solve the problem of people not having enough leg room, and find a way for people to get to sleep more easily.
However, he did admit some airlines and industry figures are trying to push him and his team to help them get more people on the plane.
“It’s not our main priority and our main goal, but with this kind of design it’s also possible,” he told CNN.
When speaking to USA Today, he acknowledged there had been quite a bit of interest in his design.
“With the attraction that we’re having and with the response from the public and the sector, I think it will be close to two years, two years and a half,” he said.
Air New Zealand’s design wins top award
Another air travel seating layout that got people talking was Air New Zealand’s Skynest sleep cabins.
The new Dreamliners will be in the skies in 2024, and onboard passengers will be able to access the world’s first sleep pods.
The lie-in pods can be booked for four hours at a time, allowing for plenty of rest.
“New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long haul travel experience,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said last year.
“We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.”
Air New Zealand won the Innovative Cabin Concepts at the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards.
It seems as though flat-lying might be the future for air travel, with other designs that encourage a better sleep making the Crystal Cabin shortlist.
Another was the Paradym concept by Lift Aero Design which would allow passengers to fold up arm rests and use a row of seats as a bed.
The design also includes double arm rests, which means no more fighting for one.
