"Qantas A380 grounded in Los Angeles"

[file51]

adding to this, and for the reasons stated previously...

My Boss has just recently returned from LAX flying the 744 on the way over and the A388 coming back.

One of the first things he said when I quizzed him about the flights etc was he would never fly J class in the A388 again if there was a 744 service available.

I have a J flight booked later in the year in the A388 from LAX and intend to keep it, I guess things can only get better...

 

[docjames]

file51, do you have an idea of your boss's reasons? Are they the same as hoops's ?

Interesting. Or rather, concerning for QF.

If it's a recurring theme, the good PR will only last for a while until the frequent travellers wise up.

 

[Chicken or Beef]

he would never fly J class in the A388 again if there was a 744 service available.

I would say, at this stage, there is no comparison. If anything, the 787 will be more revolutionary than the A380 in terms of technological advances.

The 747 is a legendary aircraft that has proven it's worth over and over. I truly doubt that the A380 will have the same staying power.

The airlines favour them predominantly for economic reasons eg. heavier take off weight and yet less fuel than 747 = more revenue. In the long term, however, I think they will end up costing more due to shorter life span and more room for technical errors and other problems. Time will tell.

 

[serfty]

... Yes, the Qantas A380 seat is a little more flat but you still have that turned up foot rest at the end of the seat that cuts off circulation if you have it down and, if up, which at over 6ft, you have to push yourself right up into the shell (which is not flat) or curl up ...

That would be a problem you would have with Skybeds on both the 744's and A380's (A330/A320 for that matter).

... Either way, the person next to you has to climb over you to get out to go to the toilet etc and then again to get back in – but, there is no room for them to stand if they have left their bed flat so they have to sort of jump to their seat usually kicking or bumping you in the meantime - plus the stewardess have to lean over you to serve meals and hot drinks to the window seat. Why do I have to put up with this when every BA Business Class seat has direct access to the aisle ...

That is completely untrue!

On the BA 744's the NCW seats are 8 or 4 across. Aside from a few bulkhead seats, those not on the Aisle DO have to climb over the aisle passenger to get in / out and the FA's DO have to reach over the aisle passenger to serve them.

 

[UP4014]

In terms of security I see significantly different attitudes between AA and others - for example AA block off the aisles with food trolleys whilst they open the coughpit door - others no not and that does not make me feel and less safe or safer on AA.

Don't forget AA was one of the hi-jacker targets, a food trolley is something simple and effective slowing someone down. AA could still be a target simply because of the name which is a tragedy in itself.

Matt

 

[hoops]

That would be a problem you would have with Skybeds on both the 744's and A380's (A330/A320 for that matter).That is completely untrue!

On the BA 744's the NCW seats are 8 or 4 across. Aside from a few bulkhead seats, those not on the Aisle DO have to climb over the aisle passenger to get in / out and the FA's DO have to reach over the aisle passenger to serve them.

I don't know where you have got your info from but it is you who are completely wrong. :evil: I just flew from Cairo to london and from london to JFH and I can assure you I an 100% correct. I can't give you the link to the BA seating plan because of our forum rules but google "Club World Seating plan for Club World flat bed" and it will take you straight to the plan showing that every Business Class seat has asile access.

Apologies are always welcome

 

[comint]

Image at - Photos: Boeing 777-236/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Image at - Photos: Boeing 747-436 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

 

[NM]

Either way, the person next to you has to climb over you to get out to go to the toilet etc and then again to get back in – but, there is no room for them to stand if they have left their bed flat so they have to sort of jump to their seat usually kicking or bumping you in the meantime - plus the stewardess have to lean over you to serve meals and hot drinks to the window seat. Why do I have to put up with this when every BA Business Class seat has direct access to the aisle and where the seat has a jump seat style foot rest that gives a very long flat bed and a vertical position for your legs no matter the tilt of your seat?

May I humbly suggest you double check your facts relating to the BA Club World seating config. On the BA 744, the only non-aisle seats with direct aisle access (i.e. do not need to climb/jump over the aisle seat passenger when reclined) are: 14A, 14E, 14F, 14K, 20A, 20E, 20F, 20K, 62A, 62K, 64A and 64K (based on 70J config). For 52J config most commonly used on LHR-BKK-SYD routing, you can remove row 14 from that list. So by my count that leaves 23 non-aisle New Club World seats that do no have direct aisle access and for which the FA has to pass the food over the aisle seat passenger.

Now CX has a business class seating configuration where nobody has to climb out over a neighbour and the FA never has to pass food/drinks over another person. But their configuration also has limitations, especially for people who like to look out windows.

As to the flat / non flat bed issue - the bed does not need to lie flat with the floor to be flat -> because the A380 and 747's have to fly nose up so a slightly inclined bed is in fact flat.

I am yet to see a 744 fly with a 13 degree nose-up attitude during cruise. In my experience, the 2-3 degree nose-up attitude does not compensate for the 8 degree slope of the Skybed Mk I to make it in fact flat. And wouldn't the same theory imply that half the BA beds slope 3 degrees up and half slope 3 degrees down? Some people have suggested the floor on the aircraft is in fact horizontal during cruise. Perhaps I will use a cup of water to simulate a spirit level and test out this theory on my next 747 flight??

Please don't misinterpret my comments. I love BA's New Club World and think its a great product, but facts are facts. And of course I prefer the scotch offered by BA New Club World over the Qantas Business Class offering.

What did you think of the A380 in-flight entertainment system?

 

[NM]

I don't know where you have got your info from but it is you who are completely wrong. :evil: I just flew from Cairo to london and from london to JFH and I can assure you I an 100% correct.

It is ONLY the rows at the rear of each section where the A/K window seats and E/F have direct aisle access. All others have to step out over a reclined aisle seat.

 

[dajop]

Now CX has a business class seating configuration where nobody has to climb out over a neighbour and the FA never has to pass food/drinks over another person. But their configuration also has limitations, especially for people who like to look out windows.

Likewise (going beyond OW) on NZ, AC, VS & VA (and others) which are not dissimilar to the CX config (there are differences in the seat mechanism though). For a config with lie flat, all aisle access + window views from window seats (and all facing forward), you have to go to SQ's A380 and 777-300ER J class. Main limitation with SQ cabin is the limited number of upright positions, and proximity to screen/seat in front.

 

[hoops]

May I humbly suggest you double check your facts relating to the BA Club World seating config. On the BA 744, the only non-aisle seats with direct aisle access (i.e. do not need to climb/jump over the aisle seat passenger when reclined) are: 14A, 14E, 14F, 14K, 20A, 20E, 20F, 20K, 62A, 62K, 64A and 64K (based on 70J config).

When you add the aisle seats such as where I always sit (63B), how many have to jump and how many do not?

 

[comint]

comparing QF A380 J to others

For a config with lie flat, all aisle access + window views from window seats (and all facing forward), you have to go to SQ's A380 and 777-300ER J class. Main limitation with SQ cabin is the limited number of upright positions, and proximity to screen/seat in front.

Or try a Middle Eastern Carrier -

Image at - Photos: Airbus A380-861 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Image at - Photos: Boeing 777-3FX/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

 

[hoops]

What did you think of the A380 in-flight entertainment system?

I thought the entertainment system was very good. But again British Airways 747's let you use the entertainment system while taxiing but Qantas does not - With the A380 we had to spend 33 minutes taxiing to the farthest runway at LAX - I guess this is because the A380 needs the extra length. Qantas requires all screens to be stowed when the doors are shut while BA lets you use them - they even require that you use them because the safety demo before takeoff is shown on it.

 

[NM]

When you add the aisle seats such as where I always sit (63B), how many have to jump and how many do not?

huh ... I don't follow. All aisle seats, but definition, have direct access to the aisle. Its the window seats (A and K on BA's aircraft) and the middle seats on the lower deck (E and F), which happen to be all the rear facing seats, where only those that I listed have direct access to the aisle without stepping over a reclined aisle passenger.

If seated in 63B, you would have noticed that the passenger in 63A would have to climb over the reclined seats of 64B if wanting to get out. Since passenger 64A is unlikely to have been reclined during the meal service, Mr 63A may have been served from behind you, with the FA stepping through the leg space of Mr 64B.

So on BA Club World aircraft, I always look for one of the window seats I listed above, having direct aisle access and good privacy. On Qantas 744 in business class, I prefer the D or F seats on the lower deck as they have direct aisle access and less chance of an E seat passenger needing to climb out over me.

 

[hoops]

Re: comparing QF A380 J to others

Or try a Middle Eastern Carrier -

Image at - Photos: Airbus A380-861 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Image at - Photos: Boeing 777-3FX/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Very nice

 

[hoops]

If seated in 63B, you would have noticed that the passenger in 63A would have to climb over the reclined seats of 64B if wanting to get out. Since passenger 64A is unlikely to have been reclined during the meal service, Mr 63A may have been served from behind you, with the FA stepping through the leg space of Mr 64B.

In 63B I'm happy as a clam in my own little world and if I need something, I can easily attact the attention of a stewardess.

 

[simongr]

When you add the aisle seats such as where I always sit (63B), how many have to jump and how many do not?

On BA 33/52 have aisle access
On QF 40 of 60

Please use the stats above to advance your argument how you feel best.

Obviously QF dont have 8 across.

Oh and as a OWE flying alone I only need one seat to have aisle access. As a OWE flying with a companion I need two and the comparison for that is:

BA 8/52
QF 20/60

 

[serfty]

I don't know where you have got your info from but it is you who are completely wrong. :evil: I just flew from Cairo to london and from london to JFH and I can assure you I an 100% correct. ...

Having actually traveled in NCW on BA several time I do know what I am posting!

I go for rear bulkhead windows on the lower deck if I can get them due to 1) Privacy & 2) Access with their private walk ways. All other window seats or centre seats are behind the adjacent aisle seats.

Here's a seat map: British Airways Boeing 747-400 (70/Next Generation Club World) - SeatExpert

... Apologies are always welcome

Quite! .. always ...

 

[WTL]

So, was the journalist asleep and have to get info from passengers about what happened?

You would prefer the journo to interview his or her self?

 

[pauly7]

Qantas instead purchased the cheaper Business Class seats,

Do you work in airline procurement? What is the source of this fact and what airlines and seats are you comparing it to exactly....

I would be interested in hearing about a cost comparison accross the carriers on J seats - would be interesting....