What fresh hell is this, asks the Internet.Ever wondered what it would be like to stand (well almost) while you are flying? Don’t think too much, because it might soon become reality.
At the last Aircraft Interior Expo held in Hamburg, Germany, Aviointeriors introduced the SkyRider 2.0. This year, there is a newer version of these ‘seats’, the SkyRider 3.0.
These new ‘seats’ are actually ‘standing seats’. Have a look at these seats to get a better idea of what your ‘Ultra-Basic Economy’ ticket will soon give you:
Now, these seats will help airlines maximize revenue by allowing us to squeeze in more people on flights.
In an interview to CNN Travel, the engineering advisor at Aviointeriors, Gaetano Perugini said, “The message is, we do not want to put thousands of people in the cabin, we want to offer a multi-class configuration, which is nowadays impossible if you want to reach the maximum load of passengers.”
He added, “So that means that in the same cabin, you will have a standard economy, premium economy or business class and ultra-basic economy – which is an innovation for the airline and the passenger.
This is the true reason for the SkyRider.”
The company compared seating on the SkyRider as comfortable as horse riding for hours. (For people who shudder at the mere idea of getting on a horse, you know how comfortable THAT might be!)
When Twitter came across this idea, it was not so happy. Have a look at the kind of reactions these seats received.
This is not the first time that this idea of ‘standing seats’ has been floated. One ‘Skyrider’ version made its debut as early as 2010. But it still has no takers.
Traveling is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, our finances do not always allow it, and especially during a downturn in the economy, it can be almost impossible to get away from it all and take a break.
However, with some careful planning and a good firm eye on your budget, you can indeed travel even if your budget is not too big.
Here are five useful budget travel tips and advice that may come in handy when you are traveling on a budget.
– Do not underestimate the so-called “extras”. Tips, tickets for museums, drinks at the hotel bar and lots of other “hidden” costs will all add up and may prove to be a shocking discovery for you when you go home and see your credit card bill!
– Information, information, information! This is perhaps the most important budget travel advice that one can get. Do your research about the country you are visiting before you get there. For some, this is half the fun of traveling but for travelers who may be more “adventurous”, this may be perceived as taking away the spontaneity of travel. Some travelers love to just go to a place and figure out everything on the spot. While this can be fun too, if you are traveling on a budget it is best if you know enough information on the best cheap eats in the location, smartest way to travel, etc. This tip alone has the potential to save you lots and lots of money.
– Always remember to budget some additional funds just in case you need them. There is nothing scarier than being stranded in a foreign country without any money!
– Use your common sense. If you are on a tight budget, do not succumb to the temptation of buying that “must have” pair of shoes and do not go crazy with souvenir buying either. A nice practical souvenir that you can use when you are back home is much better than some tacky souvenir that you are just going to put in a drawer and never use.
