Airbus Unveils Double-Decker Plane Concept, But Passengers Have One Big Concern

Air travel can already feel cramped, but now one aviation company thinks it has a solution - though not everyone is convinced it’s a good one.

With airlines constantly looking for ways to maximize profits, passengers have had to endure tighter legroom and shrinking personal space. Many travelers already feel like they’re packed in like sardines, and a long-haul flight with a crying baby or a restless toddler kicking the seat only makes matters worse.

But what if there was a way to optimize cabin space without making passengers feel even more squeezed?

That’s where the concept of double-decker seating comes in. Airbus is considering an innovative idea to stack rows of passengers at different levels to create more room.

The design, developed by Madrid-based aviation start-up Chaise Longue, is being explored in collaboration with Airbus to see if it can improve passenger comfort while making the most of available space.

The concept proposes staggering seats in two levels, allowing airlines to fit more passengers while still giving each traveler more legroom.

AirBus could roll out a two-level seating plan YouTube/ABC 7 Chicago

The setup works by placing one row of seats at standard floor level while the row behind it is raised onto a platform.

At first glance, it seems like a smart way to free up space. Those in the top row would be able to recline without disturbing the person behind them, while those in the lower row would have additional legroom to stretch out.

However, there’s already a major issue bothering potential passengers - those seated on the bottom row would find themselves uncomfortably close to the backside of the passenger sitting directly above them.

To compensate for the lack of reclining ability, the lower-level seats do offer more room to stretch. But critics argue that this doesn't make up for the awkward positioning - particularly with passengers seated directly beneath someone else.

The internet has been quick to nickname this section the "fart zone," with many questioning whether the extra space is worth it.

Social media users have been roasting the design, with many calling it an "ahat idea" and pointing out that sitting on the lower level could mean being in the "line of fire" of the person above.

Not everyone is impressed with the idea Chaise Longue

"Not gonna fly with someone's butt in front of my nose," one user joked. "Sorry."

Another chimed in: "They're going to charge you a premium to avoid the a**-in-the-face row aren't they?"

A third added: "One fart away from the No Fly list,"

Despite the backlash, Chaise Longue’s founder and CEO, Alejandro Núñez Vicente, remains optimistic. He believes this design could mark the future of air travel.

In a LinkedIn post, he wrote: "After 4 exciting years pursuing my dream of improving the passenger experience and giving passengers what they truly deserve, today I am very excited to make this announcement."

"It's the dawn of a new era for commercial aviation, so I hope that you are as excited as we are with this announcement and that soon, you can be crossing the skies in a more comfortable, spacious and two-level seat."

When asked about concerns regarding, well, gas exposure for lower-seat passengers, Vicente didn’t seem too worried.

He responded: "With some common sense and maturity you should be able to find your answer."

He then added: "Gas in general doesn't go through solid objects like seat cushions, seat covers and plastic shells,"

The CEO also told CNN that he envisions replacing conventional airplane seating with a multi-level system, aiming to revolutionize how passengers experience long-haul flights.