Innovation is essential in ensuring that services can continuously undergo improvement.
However, not every idea is warmly welcomed by the public even though they may seem like pragmatic solutions.
For example, double-decker aeroplane seats, dubbed “the future of the economy class”, have recently drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Source: 1OFF Media via CNN
In fact, the idea has been a topic of contention since it was first proposed in 2021.
According to CNN, 23-year-old Alejandro Núñez Vicente first put a prototype of his double-decker seat design on display at the 2022 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX).
Source: CNN
The seats, dubbed the Chaise Longue, comprise a lower deck and a two-step ladder to get up to the upper row of seats.
In place of overhead luggage storage spaces, passengers can stow their luggage between the two seat levels.
Mr Núñez Vicente aims to “change the economy class seats for the better of humanity, or for all the people that cannot afford to pay for more expensive tickets” with his design.
Source: 1OFF Media via CNN
The design reportedly started as a college project for him. However, he paused his master’s degree to focus on it and has since received hefty investments to develop it.
According to CNN, his design drew mixed reactions at last year’s AIX.
A few applauded the innovation, while others criticised how it was simply a way to fit more passengers on flights.
Nevertheless, the feedback did not stop Mr Núñez Vicente from returning to AIX this year to display a new iteration of the Chaise Longue.
Despite its claustrophobic appearance, he claims the seats offer more legroom, making them more comfortable.
In fact, he allegedly came up with the idea as a solution to a lack of legroom as his 1.88m frame often made flights uncomfortable for him.
Source: Reddit
In response to the negative feedback received the previous year, Mr Núñez Vicente told CNN,
To be honest, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.
He added, “Most of the [time] when they show you something new, everyone hates it at first, they’re scared of change. But the more you show it, and the more you develop it, and the more they see it, the more they get used to it.”
Mr Núñez Vicente also noted that he is open to comments and has been trying to adapt to every constructive feedback received.
Unsurprisingly, Mr Núñez Vicente’s design once again became a topic of heated debate amongst netizens, who weighed in with their two cents on the situation in a Reddit thread.
Many users resurfaced the concerns of the design being claustrophobic, especially for the ones in the lower deck.
Source: Reddit
Others pointed out that, given how the faces of passengers on the lower row are situated right below the upper seats, their flights may be exceptionally unpleasant as they could be farted on throughout the journey.
Source: Reddit
Another Redditor also brought up a more practical concern about the design being unsafe in the event of an emergency.
Source: Reddit
Since the design is still a work in progress, perhaps Mr Núñez Vicente will iron out these issues in his next iteration.
Despite the concerns surrounding the design, his creativity and innovation still deserve some credit.
That said, what are your thoughts on the double-decker seats? Would you be willing to sit on them on your next flight? Let us know in the comments.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from 1OFF Media via CNN.
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