Double-decker plane seat ignites fierce debate.
A new prototype of a double-decker plane seat has been unveiled, sparking a furious online debate.
The prototype was created by Alejandro Núñez Vicente, a 23-year-old airplane seat designer that is trying to reimagine economy-class flights. His design, “Chaise Longue,” was first presented at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in 2022 in Germany, and after tweaking his original prototype, he returned again this year.
The design features three standard economy seats but staggers them into lower and upper levels. Alejandro hopes that this will not only provide more comfort to economy class passengers but also increase the seating capacity on airlines.
Núñez Vicente’s concept started small – as a college project back in 2021. A nomination for the 2021 Crystal Cabin Awards – a top prize in the aviation industry – catapulted the concept into the public consciousness. Núñez Vicente paused his master’s degree and put all his time, money and efforts into making his vision a reality.
Vicente claims he has sponsors, partnership deals and is in regular conversation with “the biggest players in the industry.” He believes his double-level airplane seat is the future of economy flying and is working around the clock to make it a reality.
The creation has seen a mixed response online, with one person saying: “As a long time frequent flyer at 6+ foot tall, there isn’t a snow flakes chance in hell I’d fly like that. No way Jose, or Alejandro.”
Another person tweeted: “Making air travel even more uncomfortable for those who can’t afford first or business class seats.”
“Double decker plane seats… eh no,” a third person said, adding: “if the woman behind kicks the seat she’ll be booting the woman in the back of the neck.”
On a Reddit post, the top comment read: “Fun for the farter, not so much for the fartee.”
However, others were more receptive to the idea. One Twitter user said: “If a double-decker plane gives me space to stretch my legs I’ll sit anywhere.”
Someone else added: “All jokes aside. I’d much prefer this than the current seating configuration!”
In response to the backlash, the award-winning aeroplane seat designer thinks “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
People can talk and they always hate innovation in some ways,” Vicente told CNN.
“Most of the times when they show you something new, everyone hates it at first, they’re scared of change. But the more you show it, and the more you develop it, and the more they see it, the more they get used to it.”
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