An Airbus Vision for the Future of Airplane Seating
When it comes to airplane seat arrangements, Boeing and Airbus have been filing a lot of patents, from 12-across in business class to stackable seating and "saddle seats."
We can add another one to the list. Airbus recently filed a patent application for another unique style of seating arrangement, the "Re-Configurable Passenger Bench Seat."
In theory, it makes sense. Airlines would have the flexibility to configure the bench seating as a row for two larger adults, as three standard seats or as seats for a four-person family with two small children.
However, with so many seatbelt plugs and armrests built into the bench, it seems quite likely that the bench would end up rather uncomfortable — especially for anyone stuck sitting in the middle.
Don't worry just yet: Many of these patents are just ideas that will likely never make it onto airplanes — or at least we hope. The US patent system rewards the person/company that first files an idea, so the mad scientists at Boeing and Airbus are incentivized to draw up and file any idea that they can brainstorm. That doesn't mean it'll necessarily fly.
If this does eventually make it to airplanes, it'll be interesting to see how airlines price seats for the bench. Would they have dedicated rows for larger passengers, where the airline sells just two tickets? Or, will they sell the entire bench together as one unit to families? Could a couple traveling together buy the bench and pay a premium to block the middle seat — like the Air New Zealand Skycouch?
Hopefully, time won't tell.
H/T: Travel & Leisure
What do you think of this seating concept?
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Top rated mobile app