Airline Introduces "Basic Basic Economy," Where the Seat Is an Optional Add-On

DENVER, CO — Budget carrier LowCeiling Airways announced Tuesday a new fare class called Basic Basic Economy, in which passengers may purchase a seat for an additional fee.

"Not everyone needs a seat," said airline spokesperson Craig Mendelsohn, 50. "Some people just want to get from A to B, and we think they should be free to do that standing in the galley."

Basic Basic passengers board in Group 11, after pets and checked luggage. Overhead bin access is not included, nor is the underseat space, "since there isn't a seat."

Optional upgrades include a seat ($49), a seatbelt for that seat ($19), and the right to look out the window ($12 per minute, billed by the flight attendant).

Oxygen masks will continue to drop automatically, the airline said, "though we'll be keeping an eye on usage."

"It's actually not bad," said frequent flier Mitch Halvorsen, 52, who said he spent a two-hour flight to Phoenix holding the beverage cart for stability. "I paid $38. The guy holding the other side of the cart paid $41, so I feel like I won."

At press time, the airline had announced Basic Basic Basic Economy, in which passengers are mailed a postcard of their destination.