Airbus’ Double-Decker Plane Seats Aim to Boost Legroom, Spark ‘Fart Zone’ Passenger Critique

Airbus Explores Double-Decker Seats to Curb Cramped Cabins

As airlines squeeze more seats into planes to boost profits, Airbus is partnering with Madrid-based startup Chaise Longue to test a controversial solution: double-decker seating. The design stacks passengers in alternating raised and standard rows, aiming to maximize space while sparking mixed reactions online.

The Design
Chaise Longue’s concept features staggered rows—one elevated, the next at floor level—to optimize cabin space. Upper seats offer unrestricted recline without disturbing passengers behind, while lower seats provide extra legroom and under-seat storage. However, the lack of overhead bins (replaced by vertical space usage) and tight proximity between rows has drawn criticism.

[IMAGE: Chaise Longue’s double-decker seat design, showcasing staggered rows]
Caption: Chaise Longue’s dual-level seating concept aims to balance comfort and space efficiency.

Social Media Backlash
Though billed as a comfort upgrade, social media users mockingly highlight downsides. One X user joked about “fart zones,” while another vowed to avoid planes entirely if the design launches. Critics argue it could worsen claustrophobia, with lower seats placing heads near upper passengers’ legs.

[IMAGE: Social media post reading, “Last thing I want is being stuck in someone’s fart zone”]
Caption: The design’s proximity concerns sparked viral criticism online.

CEO’s Vision
Chaise Longue CEO Alejandro Núñez Vicente, an industrial engineer, began prototyping the seats in 2021 using wooden planks. He envisions the layout integrated into standard cabins, flanked by traditional rows. While Airbus confirmed early-stage collaboration, details on rollout timing remain undisclosed.

[IMAGE: Alejandro Núñez Vicente presenting his seat prototype]
Caption: CEO Alejandro Núñez Vicente hand-built his first prototype to reimagine passenger comfort.

Key Benefits & Trade-Offs

• Upper seats: Near-lie-flat 6ft 2in recline; no reclining conflicts.
• Lower seats: Expanded legroom and storage.
• Airlines: Increased seat density without sacrificing perceived comfort.

However, the design eliminates overhead bins, relying on under-seat storage. It also divides opinions on privacy—upper seats avoid awkward eye contact, while lower passengers face nearby seatbacks.

Market Potential
Emirates has reportedly expressed interest, and a virtual cabin model lets users explore the concept. Yet skeptics question its viability, citing evacuation challenges and passenger resistance. Airbus emphasized the project is still in exploratory phases, declining further comment.

Industry Context
Airlines increasingly prioritize seat count over comfort, exploiting lax regulations requiring only 90-second emergency evacuations. The Los Angeles Times reports shrinking seat sizes have boosted profits but worsened passenger experiences.

Chaise Longue’s design attempts to balance these demands. Whether travelers embrace it—or revolt—remains to be seen. For now, the double-decker debate highlights the growing tension between profit and comfort in modern air travel.

Word count: 598