Do Airbus' new double-decker seats ignore obvious design flaws? Passengers raise concerns about the 'fart zone'

As airlines continue to squeeze passengers into increasingly tight spaces, a radical new double-decker seating concept is making waves—and not necessarily for the right reasons.

Airbus, in collaboration with Spanish aviation start-up Chaise Longue, has unveiled plans to stack economy-class passengers in a two-tiered seating arrangement in an effort to maximize cabin space. While the design promises more legroom, passengers are already pointing out its glaring design flaws, with some branding it a “flying fart chamber.”

Double-Decker Design: The Promise vs. The Reality

The concept, championed by Chaise Longue’s CEO Alejandro Núñez Vicente, envisions rows of seats at staggered heights—one at normal level and the other raised above it. The goal is to optimize legroom and improve the travel experience for cramped economy flyers.


At first glance, the top-tier passengers appear to have the ultimate upgrade—extra recline with no one behind them to complain. Meanwhile, the bottom-tier passengers get more legroom but at a cost—being awkwardly positioned at head level with the rear end of the person above them.

And that’s where things take a turn.

Passengers Dub the Bottom Row the ‘Fart Zone’

While the concept is still in its early stages, critics have wasted no time highlighting an uncomfortable reality—the lower level puts passengers at a rather unfortunate vantage point.

Social media erupted in mockery as users imagined the nightmarish experience of being stuck in what many are now calling the ‘fart zone.’

"Not gonna fly with someone's butt in front of my nose," one user quipped.

"One fart away from the No Fly list," another joked.

"They're going to charge you a premium to avoid the a*-in-the-face row, aren't they?"* a skeptical passenger speculated.

Despite the backlash, Vicente remains unfazed. In response to concerns about gas exposure, he dismissed the criticism, stating: "With some common sense and maturity, you should be able to find your answer."

Is This the Future of Economy Class?

While Vicente insists this “dawn of a new era” will revolutionize air travel, many passengers remain unconvinced. Critics argue that while the design does address legroom concerns, it fails to consider more pressing issues like comfort, privacy, and—of course—the unfortunate seating arrangement.

Airbus and Chaise Longue continue to explore the feasibility of the two-tiered concept, but with backlash growing, one question remains—will passengers ever willingly sign up for a seat in the “fart zone”?