The two-tier airplane seat design by Spanish designer Alejandro Nunez Vicente, known as Chaise Longue, first launched in 2020. It quickly created a storm on social media, drawing hundreds of nghin comments and lively discussions.

Many once considered two-tier seats on an airplane difficult to implement. However, Nunez Vicente is serious about his project, a passion he has pursued for over half a decade. The 26-year-old designer's goal is to create seats that make air travel more comfortable for passengers.

Vicente removes the overhead passenger storage compartments to make space for the two-tier airplane seats. The lower tier is designed with ample legroom.

Vicente’s two-tier airplane seat design. Photo: CNN

Clara Service Soto, Vicente's partner and business associate, shares this project. They regularly consult with airline chief executive officers and aviation industry experts.

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, from 14/4 to 16/4, Vicente introduced the latest full-scale model of his two-tier seat design to visitors. He asserts this is the best version of the concept to date.

"This is the most complete model we could create at a startup level", Vicente said.

The new version of the two-tier seat prioritizes improved space and passenger privacy by increasing the distance between the two tiers. It is also designed to prevent items from falling from the upper to the lower seat. While sometimes laughing off questions like "what if the passenger on the upper tier farts, what should the person below do", Vicente takes online feedback seriously. He recognized that many people expressed privacy concerns on airplanes and decided to design with this trend in mind.

The front row of the current design targets passengers with limited mobility. This is inspired by developing designs that allow wheelchair users to remain in their personal wheelchairs throughout the flight.

Nunez Vicente states that the current distance between seats is spacious enough for passengers to perform stretching exercises while standing. He even considered placing a bed between two rows of seats.

However, for airlines to install this design, they must accept foregoing the sale of cheap seats. When first sketching Chaise Longue, Nunez Vicente was still a poor student. At mot,88 meters tall, he was accustomed to cramped legroom in tight economy class seats. That was when he began dreaming of an affordable, comfortable seat with space to stretch his legs. His design, when realized, aimed for a premium economy experience.

"We met directly with airlines, chief executive officers, and customer experience departments, and they clearly stated exactly what they wanted – seats that are more premium than regular economy", he said.

He wants his design to serve all passengers, because ultimately, everyone on an airplane wants to travel from one place to another. Most air travelers want to travel at the lowest possible fare.

"We want people who cannot afford to travel to have a better experience and more spacious conditions", Vicente said about his "pet project".

Vicente realizes it is difficult to change the mindset of the aviation industry, where innovation primarily occurs in first class. Economy class across airlines is largely similar, while business and first class offer more forms and luxury—from Singapore Airlines' double bed suites in the air to Emirates' virtual windows.

After several years, Nunez Vicente has a clearer understanding of this industry reality. Airlines will not dedicate more space to standard economy seats, but will focus more on premium economy.

Nonetheless, Vicente does not propose completely eliminating traditional airplane seating. He suggests that airlines should place the Chaise Longue premium economy seats in the middle of a wide-body aircraft cabin, with conventional economy seats on either side.

Currently, no airline manufactures this type of seat because upgrading airplanes is costly and time-consuming. The safety procedures and regulations for approving new designs are considered cumbersome and complex. Therefore, according to expert assessment, in the near future, travelers are unlikely to see Chaise Longue seats. Despite this, Vicente remains hopeful of finding a partner.

The two-tier seats offer more comfortable seating and legroom, as well as greater privacy. Photo: CNN

He also enjoys seeing potential travelers interact with his two-tier seat concept, both online and offline. In 2025, Chaise Longue spent most of its time conducting customer trials in Madrid, Nunez Vicente's hometown, collecting feedback on the advantages and disadvantages.

"We always learn from constructive feedback, no matter who it comes from", he said.

Anh Minh (According to CNN)