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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Julie Delahaye

New economy cabin has double decker seats so passengers have more room to recline

We've all been there on a flight - the person in front reclines their seat, and you can kiss any legroom goodbye.

However, a new design for an economy cabin with a 'double decker' style layout could be the answer to the age-old argument about whether it's rude to recline your seat.

That's because the 'Chaise Lounge Economy seat concept' uses the plane cabin's height rather than the width, with rows of seats alternating between an elevated platform and the cabin floor.

This means that passengers could recline their seat without hitting the person behind them - not to mention it also makes for plenty more legroom.

The double decker layout gives you more room to recline your seat (Courtesy of Crystal Cabin Awards)

The concept has been created by Alejandro Nuñez Vicente from Delft University of Technology, with the idea being that it could improve a passenger's flying experience by making it that little bit more comfortable.

He told CNN : "The lower row has the advantage of passengers having the lounge experience of a couch by stretching the legs, whilst the upper row provides an SUV experience, making it possible for instance to cross the legs due to the increased leg room and overall living space."

The design impressed at this year's Crystal Cabin Awards, which celebrates the best of new ideas and designs in the world of aviation - in fact, it's been shortlisted for the Judges' Choice Award.

Sadly at the moment it's the Chaise Lounge Economy seat is just a concept, but if it takes off, it could be a game-changer. (To be honest, we prefer it to one design that would have economy passengers standing for their flight.

It's not the first time that a firm has come up with a double decker style layout. Last year one firm unveiled a similar design for long-haul flights that would allow passengers to turn their seats into a bed so they could lie flat when trying to catch up on sleep.

It could solve the longstanding debate as to whether you should recline your seat on a flight (Getty Images)

Of course for now, these are just ideas and it's unlikely that they'd be implemented any time soon. However, the silver lining is that there are ways to have a comfortable flight even in the current cabins.

We've got heaps of flying tips whether you're looking to beat jet lag, make a long-haul flight bearable, or even if it's your first time flying with a baby. We've also previously asked cabin crew to share their top tips on how to have a comfortable flight.

Oh, and you may also want to check out our Travel Tips page which we regularly update with hacks whether you're planning a staycation or thinking of going abroad.

What do you think of the double decker style cabin? Let us know in the comments below.

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