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This Mini-Seat Takes Basic Economy to a Whole New Low

April 12, 2018
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3 min read
SkyRider front-side view
This Mini-Seat Takes Basic Economy to a Whole New Low
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When "Basic Economy" was introduced to US airlines, there were a lot of misconceptions. One of those was that the seats would be smaller or have less legroom. So far, no US airlines have gone so far as to create a separate basic economy section, although American Airlines flirted with configuring a few rows with just 29 inches of legroom before backing away from the plan.

But there's a seat on display at the Aircraft Interiors Expo that promises to provide a true basic economy experience. Using what its maker calls saddle seats, 23 inches of pitch and a foot panel to support part of your body weight, the Aviointeriors SkyRider is something quite special.

When I first saw the SkyRider, I originally imagined an aircraft full of these "ultra high-density seats." Mercifully, that'll never happen. Aircraft are certified to carry a certain number of passengers, and one with solely SkyRider seating would have far too many passengers to fly.

Instead, as a company rep explained, only a few rows of this seating would be installed. This would allow for more room in what he referred to as "premium economy" and business class.

I just had to experience for myself how uncomfortable the seat would be. So, I stretched my visit to the SkyRider for as long as possible, ending up with about 10 minutes in the seat, first in the front row and then the back. The front row wasn't bad, but at 5 foot 11 inch tall, my knees were firmly planted against the seatback for the entire time in the rear row.

Perhaps that discomfort distracted me, but spending 10 minutes sitting in the saddle seat really didn't seem to be bad. After all, as the director general of the seat manufacturing company was quoted as saying: "Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in the saddle."

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While no airlines have signed on to install the SkyRider, Aviointeriors representatives noted strong interest in the seat during the show this year. I've got mixed feelings about this. Sure, the seat wouldn't be fun to fly. But, by installing these seats, airlines could maximize the number of passengers on the plane and providing even cheaper fares for those willing to put up with the half-standing saddle seat for a short (we hope) ride. Heck, if the fares were cheap enough and the flight under a couple of hours, I certainly wouldn't rule out booking it.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.