Review of new QF 330 Economy Seats

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flyerx

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Feb 25, 2015
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Hello All,

Long time lurker and decided to post as I haven't seen anything specific to this ... although I apologise if this is already hidden somewhere in the very large business seat thread.

I just had the immense pleasure of travelling in the new refurbished cabin overnight from Singapore to Sydney and thought I would share my experience for those who are not travelling up the pointy end of the plane.

As a long time sufferer of the 320/330's from East coast to West coast and to Asia the only thing that I can say to Qantas is THANK YOU !!!!!

Most of my travel is in Economy although I do occasionally sit up in business, so I understand all the different business/economy configs in these planes.

Positives
  • Sitting in a brand new seat ... what more can be said about that 'new car smell'
  • Significantly more legroom when the seat in front is upright, although probably the same when the person in front reclines on you
  • Wider seating makes a big difference on those overnight trips
  • Armrests take a smaller footprint without the need for remotes added into the design
  • Centre armrest moves right back into the seat, which is great when travelling next to a partner
  • Entertainment screen is HUGE and HD crystal clear images.
  • Touch screen interaction with iPad like commands, swiping etc
  • Revamped entertainment screens make it much easier to navigate and choose movies, with a much larger selection.
  • Ability (finally) to quickly check the map while watching a movie etc
  • Ability to plug in those Bose headphones to either the armrest OR the seatback (just below the screen)
  • New small compartment, just below the screen, is great for storing small things in easy reach during the night .. or just fits one of those small water bottles provided

Negatives
  • Seat felt much harder, they may soften over time, which would make the 8 hour trip about the maximum I could handle
  • Touch screen activates on the slightest touch, a problem when trying to sleep ... doesn't seem to a way to really turn it off
  • Entertainment Games are updated/upgraded but very very slow to load
  • The front economy section remained overlit when the lights were turned off, due to not really covering that gap above curtains/lockers etc between the business class section


Overall, this would make me pay extra for the joy of travelling in this seat alone. They have definitely taken all those small pieces of advice/complaints and made something much more pleasant to experience.

However, the fear of getting the old Jetstar planes (or even the older Qantas planes with the tiny screens) after this experience may make me very cautious about booking with Qantas until the odds are more in our favour of scoring this ride.

Hope you get your chance to experience it soon

ps. I did have a quick look at the business class seats and they look amazing. Will be booking those soon to test out.
 
Welcome to AFF flyerx.

Nice review.

Disappointing the new seats have not dealt with what I believe is one of the most contentious issues in economy air travel.
 
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Disappointing the new seats have not dealt with what I believe is one of the most contentious issues in economy air travel.

You will need to stick to JQ or U2 or other similar airlines for that JohnK. Of course, if you do, then you will lose out in many other areas of air travel...... Pick your battles ;).
 
You will need to stick to JQ or U2 or other similar airlines for that JohnK. Of course, if you do, then you will lose out in many other areas of air travel...... Pick your battles ;).
Totally understand your point.

Disappointing the airlines and seat manufacturers are doing little about it.
 
Disappointing the new seats have not dealt with what I believe is one of the most contentious issues in economy air travel.

What is one of the most contentious issues you speak of?
 
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