The window seat has the views, the aisle seat has easy access, and a new design would give the middle seat the elbow room.
The seating concept would transform the middle seat into something travelers don't have to dread, adding two extra inches of space to the traditionally "worst" spot. It would also speed up the process of getting on and off the plane.
Hank Scott of Molon Labe Designs developed the Side-Slip Seat, which involves an aisle seat that slides on top of the middle seat to create more aisle room during boarding. The aisle more than doubles its normal size and, as boarding continues, the seat slides back over and locks into position.
The center seat is set lower and a few inches back. The staggered seating would make typing, eating and just existing on a plane between two other people more comfortable, according to the company.
It’s just an idea for now, but Scott is working with the National Institute for Aviation Research to get the seat certified for use in commercial aircraft.
Whether the Side-Slip Seat is a reality in the future or not, there will still be no solution for getting past the sleeping passenger in the aisle seat when you need to escape to the restroom.