Herringbone J

[Noob]

What do you think of the Herringbone seating configuration? So many airlines now use this once rare and unique configuration which seams to have very mixed reviews.

I personally think the Air NZ version got it right, but what do you think? Would you pick it over a Mark II Skybed from Qantas?

 

[wilco]

What do you think of the Herringbone seating configuration? So many airlines now use this once rare and unique configuration which seams to have very mixed reviews.

I personally think the Air NZ version got it right, but what do you think? Would you pick it over a Mark II Skybed from Qantas?

As far as I'm aware, NZ and DL both licensed VA's herringbone. CX is/was different, so I'm not really sure who else you can compare it to.

 

[NM]

I have only experienced CX first hand. I find it ok. Seats a narrower than traditional seating formats (say QF Skybed MK I) but are more private. I like the fact that every seat has direct aisle access. I find them good when travelling solo, but not so good if travelling with others.

But I would rather have a horizontal herringbone seat than a flat but sloping forward facing seat. I would also rather have either of those options over a Y seat.

When I am privileged enough to be in a Business Class cabin, I am gratful for whatever seat layout is provided as I know its going to be better than my usual confinement to the economy cabin.

 

[elbarto]

NZ licenced the VS version and have/had exclusive use across the Pacific hence why you don't see it on V Aus aircraft. The CX seat has been somewhat of a farce because the product that was installed turned out to be smaller than than mockup that management approved.

So far it would seem that the Herringbone config is the best at accomplishing the ultimate goal of airlines to stuff more premium seats in while giving passengers more space and comfort to continue being able to command a premium price.

 

[maninblack]

As far as I'm aware, NZ and DL both licensed VA's herringbone. CX is/was different, so I'm not really sure who else you can compare it to.

The DL (Air Canada) seat and the VS/NZ seat are totally different products. The DL/AC seat Has a single continuous movement from upright into recline into lie-flat mode, The NZ/VS seat is an upright to recline seat then a flip-over into lie flat bed mode. The NZ/VS is longer and wider than the AC/DL seat.

I much prefer these to the Skybed and similar as you get a much better sleeping mode with far more shoulder room as they widen out at the shoulder due to the configuration and better personal space overall.

New CX reverse herringbone is numero uno. This is replacing the seat I think elbarto is talking about.

 

[Noob]

The DL (Air Canada) seat and the VS/NZ seat are totally different products. The DL/AC seat Has a single continuous movement from upright into recline into lie-flat mode, The NZ/VS seat is an upright to recline seat then a flip-over into lie flat bed mode. The NZ/VS is longer and wider than the AC/DL seat.

I much prefer these to the Skybed and similar as you get a much better sleeping mode with far more shoulder room as they widen out at the shoulder due to the configuration and better personal space overall.

New CX reverse herringbone is numero uno. This is replacing the seat I think elbarto is talking about.

Got to agree there, I would love that with the new Air NZ business colour scheme i.e. glossy white and black.

 

[elbarto]

New CX reverse herringbone is numero uno. This is replacing the seat I think elbarto is talking about.

Correct. It should be noted that the new CX seat is the Weber/Sicma Cirrus which is also used by DL and US in various custom guises.

 

[wilco]

The DL (Air Canada) seat and the VS/NZ seat are totally different products. The DL/AC seat Has a single continuous movement from upright into recline into lie-flat mode, The NZ/VS seat is an upright to recline seat then a flip-over into lie flat bed mode. The NZ/VS is longer and wider than the AC/DL seat.

Well there you go. I thought they (AC included) were all VS licences. I stand corrected.

 

[Sprucegoose]

NZ licenced the VS version and have/had exclusive use across the Pacific hence why you don't see it on V Aus aircraft.

The CX seat has been somewhat of a farce because the product that was installed turned out to be smaller than than mockup that management approved.

So far it would seem that the Herringbone config is the best at accomplishing the ultimate goal of airlines to stuff more premium seats in while giving passengers more space and comfort to continue being able to command a premium price.

One would think this would induce a contractual response?

 

[richie9x]

I had one flight in a herringbone J seat. It was on an AirNZ 747. Seemed ok. Not particularly better or worse than a normal business class seat. Only down side is that you are at a funny angle to the window. So to look out the window you have to turn around more than 90 degrees.

 

[trooper]

Opinions here seem quite consistent...

I like the concept of the herringbone seats, as I travel alone... mostly...
(They don't seem conducive to conversation however...so if travelling with a "partner".. Not so sure...)

I REALLY like the whole package on NZ's 773, wasn't impressed with CX's first attempt (only a day flight so no harm done), and found AC's version inferior to NZ's original one....let alone their NEW offering!

What I really want when I get to travel in J is a FLAT bed... but NM summed it up beautifully.. I too am always grateful when I'm in a "forward cabin"!!!...

 

[The Rok]

The VS J cabin on their A340-600 is my most favourite J Cabin of the lot. I think they got it spot on.

 

[dk4]

Correct. It should be noted that the new CX seat is the Weber/Sicma Cirrus which is also used by DL and US in various custom guises.

Count me as another fan of this seat. My trip report here - http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../cathay-pacific-new-business-class-30331.html . IMO this seat is preferable over a Qantas 747 First Class seat.

 

[Tooner]

The VS J cabin on their A340-600 is my most favourite J Cabin of the lot. I think they got it spot on.

I'm with you there - and travelling together works best when sat next to each other rather than across the aisle IMO.

 

[simongr]

I used to love CX in J on their "new" seats - direct aisle access, no whacky seat mates and a lie flat bed - despite being 10KG overweight I am still not a wide load so the "narrow" seats weren't and issue. Then CX really stuffed up and put in their new J - window seat with no whacky seat mate, IFE that I can connect my iPad to, heaps of space - makes the old herringbone look almost regional...

Now if they could just fix their catering issues...

 

[JohnK]

I have only ever tried it with CX and have to say that I hate it.

The seats are too narrow and feel claustrophobic.

Oh and regardless of what they say about privacy see if you can get on a flight where the old(ish) Asian couples are seated 3-4 seats apart and are speaking to each other in Cantonese or Tagalog over, around, and through the partitioning. Not fun at all....