# Backless Plane Chairs Airplane High-Density Seating Concept Looks Uncomfortable By Marissa Liu | Published 2009-09-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airplane-seating References: [flightglobal](http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/runway-girl/2009/09/exclusive-design-q-reveals-new.html) & [flightglobal](http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/01/331609/standing-up-for-new-seats.html) UK-based transportation design consultancy Design Q is trying to help make air travel cheaper by redesigning the seating arrangement inside planes. The new airplane seating concepts focus on [high-density seating configurations for short-haul flights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-aircraft-interior). The design concepts that were unveiled imagine the future of flying as a row of inward facing seats on each side of the aircraft or the same configuration plus two back-to-back rows down the middle of the plane. Light, backless space-conserving seats that can automatically lift, like those in a movie theater, will help airlines save costs. These concepts are a far cry from Design Q’s other notable foray into aeronautic interior design, [Virgin Atlantic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-booth-by-virgin-atlantic)’s luxurious Upper Class seats. Still, if these space-saving designs help to cut the cost of a plane ticket, we might just have to start bringing an extra seat cushion in our carry-on. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **High-density Seating:** Opportunity for airlines to maximize space by implementing high-density seating configurations for short-haul flights. - **Space-conserving Seats:** Potential for innovation in designing backless seats that can automatically lift, reducing costs for airlines. - **Inward Facing Seats:** New seating arrangement concept featuring inward facing seats offers an alternative approach to airplane seating layout. ### Where This Applies - **Airline:** Airline industry can explore new seating configurations and space-saving designs to improve cost-efficiency. - **Aircraft Interior Design:** Design firms specializing in aircraft interiors can innovate and create more efficient seating arrangements for airlines. - **Transportation Design Consultancy:** Opportunity for transportation design consultancies to assist airlines in redesigning seating arrangements for increased profitability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Relaxing Airplane Seat Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tranquil-airlines-seating-technology.md) - [Capacious Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capacious-airline-seats.md) - [3D-Knit Airplane Seat Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircraft-seat-concept.md) - [Space Travel-Inspired Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerospace-seat-spn01.md) - [Airplane-Friendly Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airchair-wheelchair.md) - [High-Performance Travel Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/departures-seating.md) - [Spacious Airline Seating Selections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neighbor-free.md) - [Face-First Flight Rest Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rest-aid.md) - [Accessible Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airline-seat.md)