Lie-Flat Seats: Are they that much better?

[ATMwalking]

I am debating flying on an airline that I hate in exchange for a faster trip and the better seats. This compared to another air line with excellent service, but older planes & seats plus 15% longer flying time (2+ hours). I'm using up some points, so I don't want to blow them on something that isn't good.

But are they better? It is the new semi-private pod style that recline back 80 degrees. To me it seems a lot better, but I am reading mixed reviews. Most of the negative comments seems to be people mentally feel a little cramped. But for me that is just the privacy.

Has anyone tried these out yet? Thoughts?

[samaan101]

I've been in some seats quite like those (not exactly the same) and enjoyed the rest. very comfortable.

hope you enjoy your flight.

[MrDK]

I have flown in fly Lie-Flat Seats in first class on Korean Air and it was awesome. The ones you posted look nearly as good. In my opinion the real benefit is when the flight is 10+ hours. 3 hours to take advantage of the service and 7 to sleep.

Be careful of the term Lie-Flat. KLM claim Lie-Flat, but they ate not. They are 180 deg. and tilted about 15 deg.

I attached some pics of the Korean seats. Those flights were approximately 14 hours.

[ATMwalking]

Those look pretty cool. But I like the angled once even more as there is more privacy. Wish it was a fully pod so I could snore away.

The flight is around 20 hours (actually 6 + 14 hours) so it is worth it. It's points anyway.

[DREW]

This is a good site to look at and compare airlines and also what their passenger reviews are like.

Airline Business Class cabins with lie-flat seats

I like the lie flats as they definately make the long haul more comfortable, but I usually now always travel to Phuket with Singaporeair, their service is excellent and their new flatbeds are great.

https://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_...atfeatures.jsp


There is an Indian airline which actually offer individual cabins, Jet Airlines, which totally close, like a train cabin on the Orient Express. They strarted up this year and they sound just like what you were after for privacy.

Jet Airways - Product Demo

Jet Airways UK | Book flight tickets on this Indian airline for discount air travel


In saying that after 2 bottles of wine and a few beers I usually sleep for 8 hours no matter where I am or what I am sat on.

Regards

Drew

[t0rn]

On an airline I like the lie flat seats are great, well worth the price/miles. On another airline that's only ok, to me, but universally reverred, I was less impressed - useful? same as your OP....

[Coolhand]

Some flat beds I like some I don't. The ones that go horizontal IMO are brilliant, and I can get a really good kip. The ones that go nearly horizontal, I just can't get comfortable.
I had a better sleep in a Cathay economy seat than I did in one of their business class beds.

[nelsonone]

tell us the airline Chris and I may be able to have an opinion....as Coolhand says they vary greatly and are worth it for the right ones....ie the true lie flat beds like Singapore or Qantas....but the ones on a funny recline have you thinking you are sliding down hill or something and are hard on your ribs if you like to lie in one side

[geespot]

flown BA bus class alot, flat beds good

but to be honest dont see the point on anything other than 8+ hours

G

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by nelsonone

tell us the airline Chris and I may be able to have an opinion....

In the large photo, there is a large maple leaf on the bulkhead, and the exit sign is in english and chinese, so I guess Air Canada.

[nelsonone]

Originally Posted by Coolhand

In the large photo, there is a large maple leaf on the bulkhead, and the exit sign is in english and chinese, so I guess Air Canada.

ah well done CI Luke.....well I'm no help then....haven't flown Air Canada in years

[ATMwalking]

Yep biz class on Air Canada. They are generally a 3 star airline and I always feel like thier staff despise me as much as I despise them. But looks like they are upping their game on this route with new planes and the new star trek pod set-up. Even my GF got excited by the pictures.

Normally I would fly Cathay. But the plane is old and the biz class seats are those 50 degree recline where you just feel exposed.

So I figure I can control how much the AC staff annoy me and just focus on the good seats and increased privacy.

[ATMwalking]

Well I did the flight. It is worth it. These seat/pod things are much better than standard business class.

The lay flat part is cool. Although I found I preferred to keep a 10 degree angle so I didn't move around as much. I was a little strange taking off and landing as you are pushed into the side of the pod. Anyone up to 1.85cm in height should be ok. Overall I felt a lot more rested.

The thing I like best was the sense of privacy and open space. I included a pictures so you can get a sense of it. On the widebody the row is set up in a 1+2+1 configuration with the seats on a 45 degree angle. So you aren't looking directly at the back of anyone's seat. The closest wall is a good 2-3 meters away. When everyone reclines a little you can't see anyone so it is quite private.

I figure more airlines will adopt this set-up. Well worth the upgrade if you can wrangle it.

[Coolhand]

At least all the seats are sort of facing forward. British Airways seat config is alternate them facing forward and back, so that you end up head to toe,, when lying down - just how the use to pack the slaves in those old ships!

[cybernator_uk]

I did at trip on JAL Frankfurt - Tokyo before aánd had one of those flat beds... It was nice and all but I couldn't sleep anyway on the flight so i might as well have been in economy. The good thing was that i could use my laptop so i got to play civilisation 2??? I think anyway it was that flight i used my laptop on the way to Japan... Other than that, personally, i have no problems economy. I didn't pay for the flight so as a freebie it was great.

[samaan101]

Originally Posted by geespot

flown BA bus class alot, flat beds good

but to be honest dont see the point on anything other than 8+ hours

G

depends on where you're flying in from. if you're coming from india or someplace like that it's nice not to sit with the very unwashed masses.

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by Coolhand

At least all the seats are sort of facing forward. British Airways seat config is alternate them facing forward and back, so that you end up head to toe,, when lying down - just how the use to pack the slaves in those old ships!

Head to head all the way. Besides coming from thailand I'd find head to toe very offensive.

The cool thing on the inner row is there is still a inner divide that keeps things private. But you can push it down to open it up if you now the person in that seat.

Other cool thing is there was a window in the lavatories. Although it is a little challenging to watch the passing scenery and keep your aim on target if you know what i mean ;-)

For a crappy airline I was surprised with how well done this pod system and layout was executed. Plus the senior citizen stewardesses were even pleasant.

[Nautilus]

Have not experience this pod style Biz Class travel. SIA dont seem to be doing this style.

[dizbuster]

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Have not experience this pod style Biz Class travel. SIA dont seem to be doing this style.

I would imagine that they are focusing more on the new A-380 fleet due to start operations soon.

[Nautilus]

Originally Posted by dizbuster

I would imagine that they are focusing more on the new A-380 fleet due to start operations soon.

Guess so, the new cabin pictures from the website are fitted on Singapore Airlines' new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.