We have endured many slings and arrows as passengers at the hands of the airline industry. They want to cram us in like sardines like the way they shove Tokyo commuters in the subways. I was hoping that doesn’t happen to us but then I saw what may be the future of ‘cheap seats’.

When they say ‘standing room only’ do they mean for an airline trip? Does the cutting edge of airline seating mean sitting on the edge as well? Are you sitting down?

Aviointeriors of Italy, a manufacturer of airline seats, unveiled a saddle shaped seat called the ‘Sky Rider’ that requires the passenger to semi-stand. For this lowest of the low cost seats you’ll be straddling what is being touted as a horse saddle but without the horse, without the comfort and without the wind in your hair.

The seat is being marketed for flights of two hours or less, but the maker says it can be used for up to 4 hours. I suppose if you’re on it for that long you should get a certificate for chiropractic help to sort things out. Passengers would have to sit at an angle with their weight on their legs. Think deep vein thrombosis.

A spokesperson for the manufacturer said, “The seat … is like a saddle. Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in the saddle.”

A professional cowboy in the saddle is not the average middle aged desk bound person who only stretches their legs on a trip to the fridge during commercials.

Ryanair, the Irish airline that charges extra for everything would like their passengers to stand during flights if the Irish Aviation Authority granted permission.

Ryanair and China’s Spring Air are planning ‘vertical seating’ sections. What’s next, hanging passengers in hammocks from the ceiling? Good news: if the plane hits an ‘air pocket’ you’re already up in the air.

The Sky Rider design allows just 23 inches of legroom which is 7 inches less than average coach seating. You can’t even cough into your own sleeve. You’ll have to use the sleeve of the poor schmuck next to you. Your personal space would be so compressed you’ll have intimate knowledge of the thread count in the seat ahead.

Start saving up for a better seat, or just stay home.