That viral easyJet 'backless seat' picture might not be what you think

An easyJet flight is being criticised online after a Twitter user uploaded an image featuring a woman appearing to be in a seat without a back on one of its planes.

Matthew Harris posted the photo online along with the following caption: “#easyjet beats @Ryanair to have backless seats. @IATA @EASA this is flight 2021 Luton to Geneva. How can this be allowed?”

In response easyJet tweeted Harris, asking him to take the photo down: “Hi Matthew, thanks for bringing this to our attention, before we can investigate this could I ask you to remove the photograph & then DM us more info regarding this, so we can best assist you. Ross”

That didn’t go down well with the Twitter user, who clapped back: “Absolutely not. This is a real photo of a plane currently decending to Geneva. [sic]”

Reaction online hasn't been favourable to the budget airline.

Others wanted to know the circumstances surrounding the photo

indy100 reached out to easyJet about the photo, and it confirmed its authenticity. It is understood that the flight departed with five spare seats on board.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “No passengers were permitted to sit in these seats as they were inoperative awaiting repair.”

Safety is our highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all safety guidelines.

Speaking to Sun Online Travel, Harris explained that his partner was flying from Luton to Geneva on Easyjet flight EXY98HD when the woman was asked to sit in the backless seat.

He said: "The flight attendant asked [the woman] to stay there until the flight was fully boarded," adding that the woman was then moved to a different seat for the flight.

indy100 has reached out to Matthew Harris for further comment.

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