Staggered Business Class Seating VS Qantas MK Beds

[chonetsao.co.uk]

I found Staggered Business Class seating more comfortable compare with the Qantas MK beds. Not to mention the min-F alike new Cathay Paicific business class seats. Now TG unveiled its new business class seats on A380, it will be staggered business class seats too!

It makes me thinking, what would you guys thinking if QF is to replace its current Business class seats from MK to the EK alike staggered business class seating plan across its A330 and A380 fleet. Would that be a step forward, or would that be totally unacceptable?

And how likely do you think Qantas would do this to match the product of EK? I am not saying Staggered Seating Plan is better, but I think it is far more comfortable and space saving compare with QF's MK beds.

If QF is to adopt the EK style seating, QF may be able to squeeze in more business class and premier Economy seats on updeck of A380. And it may find room for a small PE cabin on A330 by reducing two rows of economy class seats only.


I might be a dreamer, but I think the staggered business class seating makes sense should QF consider to upgrade its current product offering with minor changes.

 

[Deleted member 18152]

I completely agree with where you are coming from but I have an inkling that Qantas would want to create their own Marc Newson overseen Skybed 3 then order staggered seating off the market. Skybed isn't just a seat it's a core marketing tool of theirs. It is becoming a less efficient use of space but the branding of their seat plays a much bigger role than some of their direct competitors.

 

[nonpop]

I would opt for staggered where possible.
The QF pods are nice but I find them to take up a lot of space in the cabin and meet it feel over-ful.

 

[The Rok]

I would prefer to see maybe 3 or 3 smaller J Cabins. It would feel cosier and more ambient than one or two big open plan cabins.

2 or 3 rows per cabin!

 

[Boris spatsky]

Staggered definitely. More private.

 

[moa999]

Totally agree... QF needs a MkIII
Key requirements:
All aisle access
Fixed 20+" screen gate to gate
Fully flat with fixed footbed/footwell (stop the droop)
Connectivity - usb and hdmi, maybe new lightning

 

[Kangol]

Totally agree... QF needs a MkIII
Key requirements:
All aisle access
Fixed 20+" screen gate to gate
Fully flat with fixed footbed/footwell (stop the droop)
Connectivity - usb and hdmi, maybe new lightning

Sounds similar to F?

 

[Noob]

Is the MK II really that bad?

 

[moa999]

Difference width and length...
QF First 4 abreast
QF Business 6/7 abreast all aisle

Mk Ii has issues
Seat droop due to bed end not being supported
Small tv and not gate to gate
Not all aisle
It's not that bad but there is more and more that is better

 

[SteveJohnson]

I haven't travelled in any "staggered business class" yet but the new Thai A380 business class layout looks pretty good. AusBT has their review of the seats up now, and lots of "real world" photos.

Review: Thai Airways Airbus A380 Royal Silk business class seats - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

They do look pretty good although I'm worried about two potential flaws they highlight, those being the narrow gap between the window seats and the aisle, and the lie-flat bed appears too short if you're over 6 feet.

I still think Cathay Pacific's new business class is very impressive, if Qantas was to go for a SkyBed III this could be one approach, although of course they would look like a "me too" in the market if they followed CX with that same design. Staggered would also be a good move for them.

 

[bjaust]

I agree with the OP.

Of all the airlines I've flown J in (United, American, Air NZ, BA, Lufthansa, Austrian, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Etihad, Emirates and Qantas), the ones I've enjoyed the most have all had staggered seating. If you are organized, you can usually secure the window seats and have a much greater sense of privacy than is ever going to be the case in the other layouts. I often have to work on the plane, and not keeping my neighbours awake is a huge bonus to those around me as the light causes fewer issues and I can get up and down overnight without stepping over someone.

 

[eosphoros]

I actually really like the QF layout. The staggered layout, while private, makes me feel like I'm in a dingy little hole and I can get a little claustrophobic sometimes. Also, it doesn't allow you to have a little chat to your seatmate, which I do enjoy. The QF layout is a lot more open and inviting I find. But hey, that's just me and I know I am in the minority on this one.

 

[under the radar]

I actually really like the QF layout. The staggered layout, while private, makes me feel like I'm in a dingy little hole and I can get a little claustrophobic sometimes. Also, it doesn't allow you to have a little chat to your seatmate, which I do enjoy. The QF layout is a lot more open and inviting I find. But hey, that's just me and I know I am in the minority on this one.

i'm happy to join you in the minority