"Well, it appears that this specific "design" problem was "solved" in the 18th century... by slave traders. The airline industry should try to find other sources for their inspiration, in my opinion. Researching the age-old concepts of "human cattle" or "human bodies packing" is not going to help improve things at all. What I find even worse is that you can get a patent for "improving" on the subject. I have always tought that patents were initially a way to "advance a social good, to promote progress"... Guess I am too idealistic..."