The NYT has a fascinating bit on possible plans for airlines to sell, get this, standing tickets. The best part is the description of the "seat" one would get:

Airbus has been quietly pitching the standing-room-only option to Asian carriers, though none have agreed to it yet. Passengers in the standing section would be propped against a padded backboard, held in place with a harness, according to experts who have seen a proposal.

Which brings to mind:

I can't imagine this standing position would be any more uncomfortable than sitting in coach. I am 6'2" and I fly Delta and US Airways for the most part. Once you get past the woman stungunning people not moving fast enough onto the plane, you are required to fold up like a Buck knife. It requires a shiatsu and Vicodin to cut the edge on my aching knees even after a short flight. Recently, on a flight to Argentina, I had a cramp that rendered me incapable of getting out of the chair to even stretch. Maybe if I am standing I can just unbuckle and jog up and down the aisles when I feel deep vein thrombosis setting in. Hell, they have to let you have some freedom to roam if they are making you stand, strapped to a board. As a matter of fact, I am a regular inmate aboard the Westside IRT here in the Big Apple. I stand for long stretches on my haul from Brooklyn to Midtown, pitching side to side and know just when to grab the bar when the 2 train hits the Park Place interlock. Won't bother me a bit, I guess, and I'd get to hang out with other New Yorkers too.

It does ask the question: Would you stand for a cheaper seat?