Woe is the airline passenger who lands in the dreaded middle seat. As companies cut back on business expenses, more traveling executives are forced to travel with masses in the coach cabin.

Still, premium-seating-at-a-price remains an option that allows a modicum of extra comfort in the form of slightly enhanced pitch and, maybe — depending upon the mood of the in-flight cabin crew — a bit more personalized service.

In light of a new cabin design Airbus debuted this week at the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg, Germany, that middle seat may be more difficult to avoid. Airbus now offers airlines a seating layout that squeezes an extra seat into each economy-class row of the A380 double-decker superjumbo jet.

Time will tell, but these developments bolster arguments that airlines are focusing their efforts, and betting their financial success, on catering to only the top tier of travelers while feeling confident the majority of travelers will happily accept flying in the airline equivalent of early 20^th-century steamship steerage cabins.

How do you feel about aircraft designs that squeeze space out of the main cabin to create private hotel-like cabins in premium class? Share your thoughts via @gtmag.