Standing room only ... on planes?
And you think air travel is bad now? Check this out:
The airlines have come up with a new answer to an old question: How many passengers can be squeezed into economy class?
A lot more, it turns out, especially if an idea still in the early stage should catch on: standing-room-only "seats."
Airbus has been quietly pitching the standing-room-only option to Asian carriers, though none have agreed to it yet. Passengers in the standing section would be propped against a padded backboard, held in place with a harness, according to experts who have seen a proposal.
And after we get used to that, they'll figure out a way to strap us to the roof of the plane with a bungee cord.
Comments
I'd take a stand-up ticket for $50 and free beer.
Posted by: Downtowner | April 25, 2006 09:48 AM
Instead of doors, they can use a metal top that rolls back with a key.
Posted by: Silverback66 | April 25, 2006 11:00 AM
Isn't there a weight limit on these planes? I don't think I wouold like to be in one that was exceeding the limit...
Posted by: rablib | April 26, 2006 01:30 AM
Just exactly how are they susposed to put their head down between their legs in the "crash landing" scenario. Sounds like a way to minimize damages in a crash since everyone standing would probably die instantly from a broken neck.
This could do more to cut off airport subsidies and increase train and bus ridership than anything else the airlines could do. It would truly make the back of the plane "cattle car class".
Posted by: Fed Up to Here | April 26, 2006 07:29 AM
Airbus says this is much ado about nothing. They say this idea was proposed and abandoned long ago, and everybody just discovered it this week.
That being said, I wouldn't mind standing on short hops, like LR to Dallas or to Nashville. Having a nice board to lean on might be more comfortable than having my knees bundled up for an hour.
Posted by: Patrick, Pocahontas | April 26, 2006 08:14 AM