Double-decker seats might become a reality when flying, with the inventor of an innovative stacked design declaring they could be on planes within a few years.

Spanish industrial designer Alejandro Núñez Vicente is behind the double-stacked set-up, dubbed the Chaise Longue Economy Seat.

They were unveiled at this week’s 2023 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg and are making waves for their unusual design – although some say they could be the future of flying economy.

In Mr Núñez Vicente’s designs, overhead lockers would be ditched in favour of storage compartments under the seats.

The lower level seats are more suited for passengers with accessibility issues, while two steps up in the top rows, passengers get the same 125-degree recline angle as those below.

The 23-year-old came up with the design for the Chaise Lounge while he was at college. In 2021, the year he submitted the design, he was nominated for the Crystal Cabin Awards.

Now, Mr Núñez Vicente has sponsors, partnership deals and is in talks with big players in the industry, CNN reported.

His idea is that the chaise lounge could go in the centre of the plane, while rows on the side would be regular seats.

In an interview with CNN, Mr Núñez Vicente said he was not trying to get rid of the seating air travellers are used to, and that he was aware the concept was not for everyone.

Mr Núñez Vicente, who is 188 centimetres tall, wanted to solve the problem of people not having enough leg room, and find a way for people to get to sleep more easily.

However, he said some airlines and industry figures were trying to push him and his team to help them squeeze more seats into planes.

“It’s not our main priority and our main goal, but with this kind of design it’s also possible,” he told CNN.

Speaking to USA Today, Mr Núñez Vicente acknowledged there had been plenty of interest in his design.

“With the attraction that we’re having and with the response from the public and the sector, I think it will be close to two years, two years and a half,” he said.

Air New Zealand’s design wins top award

Another air travel seating layout that got people talking was Air New Zealand’s Skynest sleep cabins.

The Skynest pods were unveiled in 2022, and will feature on the airline’s new Dreamliners from 2024.

Economy passengers will be able to access the world’s first sleep pods. The lie-in pods can be booked for four hours at a time.

“New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long haul travel experience,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said last year.

“We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.”

Air New Zealand’s idea won the Innovative Cabin Concepts at this year’s Crystal Cabin Awards.

It seems as though flat-lying might be the future for air travel, with other designs that encourage a better sleep also making the Crystal Cabin shortlist.

Another was the Paradym concept by Lift Aero Design. It would allow passengers to fold up arm rests and use a row of seats as a bed.

The design also includes double arm rests, which means no more fighting for one.