Qantas premium economy is a bit tired

[DonaldD]

Last week I flew premium economy from Sydney to LAX. Everything was good until you look down at the footrest. I also didn't realise that the padded seatbelt was so heavy.
The service was immaculate on the flight though.

 

[elanshin]

Last week I flew premium economy from Sydney to LAX. Everything was good until you look down at the footrest. I also didn't realise that the padded seatbelt was so heavy.
The service was immaculate on the flight though.

If you had a "padded" seatbelt, that's because it holds an airbag and thus the extra weight.

 

[DC3]

Last week I flew premium economy from Sydney to LAX. Everything was good until you look down at the footrest. I also didn't realise that the padded seatbelt was so heavy.
The service was immaculate on the flight though.

Was there anything in particular that was tired?

 

[encryptededdy]

I think the brown leather footrest is just a poor material choice for a footrest and shows wear easily. Additionally, passengers can't figure out they need to pull the lever to release the footrest and therefore keep trying to force it, damaging the mechanism and making the footrest loose.

 

[Sprucegoose]

elan shinIf you had a "padded" seatbelt, that's because it holds an airbag and thus the extra weight.

I believe you have that airbag, either because you are in the front row or the distance is too great to properly brace with your hands on the seat in front and your head supported.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Additionally, passengers can't figure out they need to pull the lever to release the footrest and therefore keep trying to force it, damaging the mechanism and making the footrest loose.

Valid comment on an impractical design unless safety requirements or considerations were a dominant requirement.

Post automatically merged: Jun 26, 2024

Last week I flew premium economy from Sydney to LAX. Everything was good until you look down at the footrest. I also didn't realise that the padded seatbelt was so heavy.
The service was immaculate on the flight though.

What was the aircraft registration?

 

[encryptededdy]

Valid comment on an impractical design unless safety requirements or considerations were a dominant requirement.

Given the footrest coming down during an emergency landing on the aisle seat can block egress for the window seat, I'd assume it's a safety requirement that they stay locked

 

[servicerequired]

Qantas Premium Economy from AU to the USA is absolute cough - the footrest, the airbag seat belt, just not an enjoyable experience ... the seat pitch is also cough.

The only half decent seats in the PE cabin are those in the front row.

 

[encryptededdy]

Qantas Premium Economy from AU to the USA is absolute cough - the footrest, the airbag seat belt, just not an enjoyable experience ... the seat pitch is also cough.

The only half decent seats in the PE cabin are those in the front row.

Personally, I like the way the footrest is setup. Agreed that 38" pitch shouldn't be acceptable for PE - needs at least 40".

IIRC think the A380 version of this seat doesn't have airbags

 

[kpro]

I haven't traveled many Y+ cabins, but airbag seat belts are fairly common in J. You see them on CX, JAL, SQ. Even VA's 777 and A330's had them in "The Business".

I'm aware it's some safety thing though don't know the specifics of it. The alternative being the three point belt, which is probably mildly better because you can take off the sash belt when not in take off or landing.

 

[andgucps]

I personally found Qantas PE seat padding to be less comfortable than in economy on a 787 from SYD-HND recently, and that was 'only' a 9hr flight. Needed to constantly stand-up and fidget, despite being front row and having all the recline I wanted.
This, combined with a similar experience on a JAL 787 has led me to believe that Y+ is not really a worthwhile stopping point between Y and J.

 

[tdimdad]

To me, a good PE is ideal for mid to long-hauls. I've gotten to enjoy AY (330, 350), JL (78x) and QF (380) versions on various 3 - 14 hour legs.

If the seat ergonomics work for you, it's a good, decent way to travel and you arrive feeling like at least a semi-human (unlike zombieing out of overnight in Y). I used to think that a leg support is a must for me but my latest on QF was a surprisingly good trip and I finally figured out how to use the foot rest net to my benefit.

I can see how the cabin divides opinions. It's the much needed step up from the modern sardine Y but can certainly feel half-baked if you are expecting some real space and comfort.

 

[BrockF]

The footrest are all quite ripped and I am usually surprised when I get one that actually holds it position, rather than slowly drooping down over half and hour. I actually like the calf rest design and they were great when they were first released. Just a shame most of them are ripped and don’t work anymore.

 

[DonaldD]

Thanks for all the replies. I did post a photo showing the footrest in shreds but can't see the photo now. I would also like to add that we weren't able to select our seats and had to make do with whatever we were assigned. What's with the booking system? Hence we ended up in seats 23 A & B

 

[Sprucegoose]

I would also like to add that we weren't able to select our seats and had to make do with whatever we were assigned

I am presuming you are not P1. Usually, you can select your seats at T-80. This game is (usually) all about status.

 

[N860CR]

Should the title be “Qantas as an airline is a bit tired”?

We all know they’re pretty awful. Sadly, there are often no other viable choices.