Believe It or Not, Economy Class Could Get Worse
Or would it be better? A patent was just filed for economy class seating that would have passengers facing each other according to a recent Daily Mail article. Rather like United’s backward/forward facing business class seats, except without the extra room and no privacy wall.
It’s hard to tell from the sketches (I’m no designer) but looks like it might solve the issue of whether or not its polite to recline your seat (as reclining doesn’t look like it would be an option).
It would also address the battle for the armrest.
1. The backward/forward design would remove anyone from each passenger’s personal space.
2. The new design doesn’t appear to have armrests.
Interestingly enough, watching the promo video for Zodiac Aerospace at the bottom, I liked many of their other cabin configuration ideas, just not economy class
Which would you prefer? Not having to worry about touching the person sitting next to you or not having to constantly make eye contact?
I picture a lot of elderly businessman “accidentally” getting handsy with the knees of neighboring ladies.
How would you even get up to go to the bathroom with that configuration? It would be quite a zig zag to get out of there.
@Lynn – the patent submission refers to “pivotally mounted seat pan(s)” – so the seats presumaby would flip up to allow passage. Interesting to speculate on whether/how they would meet safety requirements for evacuation.
Forget about “manspread,” guys! And anyone with large thighs….you’re not going to make your row mates happy!
If this ever gets implemented, it will be a boon for Amtrak and Cunard. Because at that point I will abandon flying altogether.
I have to admit, I gave a mental shudder when I saw the headline.
I hate negative acceleration. I get sick from it.