Business Class Seating Arrangements

[Noob]

Similar to the previous thread ''who has the best business class?'', I posted this thread to seek out what seating arrangement members prefer in Business Class. This thread assumes all seats are lie flat and horizontal to the cabin floor.

So which one do you prefer? If I have left out any possible arrangements can someone correct me If you would like list them in your order of preference, or identify the one(s) you most dislike.

1. Standard row seating - e.g. Qantas, Virgin Australia
example: http://oztraveller.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/airbus-business.jpg

2. Herringbone seating - e.g. Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic
example: http://images.smh.com.au/2011/01/26/2152700/Air-New-Zealand-Business-Class-420x0.jpg

3. Staggered seating - e.g. Etihad, Emirates, ANA, Asiana
example: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_srQm3unF0tw/TNqscDjg-CI/AAAAAAAAADU/rXpf0xGw3UQ/s1600/Etihad2.jpg

4. Reverse Herringbone seating - e.g. Cathay Pacific
example: http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos/view...thay-new-business-class-seats-cabin-empty.jpg

5. Alternating direction seating - e.g. United Airlines
example: http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos/view...07904c118bd26e4f767f1341-ua-bizclass-main.jpg

6. Staggered alternating direction seating - e.g. British Airways
example: http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/09/03/cmBA_article_wideweb__470x341,0.jpg

7. 'Overlapping' row seating - e.g. Singapore Airlines (A380)
example: http://i.slimg.com/afwd/converted/Singapore_Airlines_New_C_class.jpg


My choice first choice is 'overlapping' row seating, followed by reverse herringbone and herringbone seating - my least favorite is the alternate directional seating on United.

 

[stomplad]

Nice post, thanks for all the examples. I havent flown enough in J to make a comparison from experience. I enjoyed standard row seating on QF A380 I liked having the space between me and the seat in front. I like that SQ has wider seats but wonder if it feel as as spacious? I think my preference would change on if I was flying solo, business colleague or partner. Like to be able to have some sort of close contact when traveling with partner, not as close with colleague and on my own when solo.

 

[elbarto]

The BA configuration is good if you're travelling with someone you like, not so much if you've got a random seated next to you. Those looks can be awkward, at least until the safety demo is done.


Sent from an Apple wireless device

 

[andymoo]

I don't understand the UA configuration tbh... How does having half the seats facing backwards have any benefit at all?

I have to admit I'm a sucker for BA's 'ying-yang' layout, though it needs more width and storage now that the rest of the market has caught up. Reverse herringbone looks promising, though I'm yet to try it. Regular herringbone is dreadful IMO, and the plain forward facing (ala QF) does the job well and without any fuss. Can't pass judgement on the staggered layouts (never tried them), but EK's (on the A380) is poor -- aisle seats have drastically less room than the window/inside seats (like 12"+ less).

 

[Princess Fiona]

I too love the BA CW seating especially upper deck. I've never travelled on the SQ A380 but the photo above looks pretty impressive. Is it 1-1 across with what looks like very wide seats ?

 

[reductionist]

Cathay's reverse herringbone gets my vote. Such a good product.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I too love the BA CW seating especially upper deck. I've never travelled on the SQ A380 but the photo above looks pretty impressive. Is it 1-1 across with what looks like very wide seats ?

1-2-1

Seats are very wide.

I some ways too wide....as you cannot use both arm-rests at once.

Seats are fantastic beds due to the width...but padding is thin on the seat side and is not curved at all...so as a seat it is less comfortable.

Certainly is very spacious though.

 

[Durin's Bane]

Option 7 - Overlapping Row Seating. The SQ Business Class is the best J class I've been on.

(But next Saturday I get to try CX's new J class from HKG to JFK, woohoo!)

 

[lovestotravel]

In order of preference, now I am trying to base this ONLY on the seats and nothing else! So ignoring food, IFE and service received.

1. Singapore Airlines A380
2. V Australia 777
3. Air NZ 777-300ER
4. Qantas A380