Standing-Room-Only "seats" on Airlines
 

I just read this article in the New York Times today about a proposal (So far it's proposed in Asian carriers only) to have a "standing-room-only" section where passengers would fly propped against a padded backboard and strpped in with a harness. Apparently this is intended as a way to fit more passengers in. The illustration showed this backboard thing that included arm rests and a food tray. The passenger is in what amounts to a standing position.

My question is, given all the debates about leg room, would any of you want to fly strapped to one of these backboards? Any thoughts?

Not no, but heck no.

No way, not ever.

P.S. And we thought coach was bad?

I will fly standing only if they wrap me up like a mummy. Then I can start my own "the mummy returns" series.

There's another thread about this in the Airlines forum.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34794215

How long are the flights? If it's a shuttle - lke NYC to Boston - why not? Tons of people have subway or bus commutes of 45 minutes or more where they stand the whole time. This couldn't be worse - at least no one is leaning on you or hitting you with their briefcase or backpack.

If seriously, I've heard they want to do it for Hawaii island hopping. (This was on TV, don't hold me responsible!)

Sorry, no. I can't stand for more than 5 minutes without my feet going numb *(very poor circulation), and 10 minutes or longer becomes agony. Walking, no problem -- but not standing.

I'll take the uncomfortable sardine can seats, thanks.

I saw this on the Today Show this morning. I think I'll pass, thanks.

Maybe they will supply pee tubes so they can just strap them in for the duration - no trips to the loo required!

I don't know. I've flown on planes that had live chickens on board. Uncaged live chickens.
Standing up doesn't sound so bad.

I haven't laugh this hard sinse Faina gifted me with Vikings finding...OMGoodness Gracious!!! It is not one of those Tip The Pilot threads, is it? Pee tube? and poo bags? Awesome...but think about not having fat one sitting next to you...now he'll be probably squizzed next to you. I need a fresh air...thanks for the histerical laugh!!!

hmmm not so bad. I was on a few planes in China where we had to walk between cartons of coke cans to get to our seats. I used one carton which was in the aisle next to my seat to rest my can of coke on. If I were strapped to a board it wouldn't have made much difference.

Perhaps for a short trip but I can't imagine doing this for more than an hour. I don't "sit still" well (never did even in grade school, LOL!) and at least you can wiggle around a lot in the seats. If you're strapped to a backboard I'd assume your mobility would be quite limited.

Unless you strapped with your feet off the floor...have they thought of that? HA?

Heaven help us if this catches on--then coach seats will be considered first class and cost even more :)

How about if they just hang us from a noose around the neck? Then we could just swing "freely about the cabin."

You would have to go to the bathroom to sit down!

Not only heck no but hell no. Although as previously mentioned, if the price was right and it was a short flight (say Minneapolis to Chicago) I would consider it. But it would have to be a truly jaw-dropping price.