Today's blog is to help you choose the type of airplane seat that best suits your personal and business travel requirements.
With airlines investing pretty much of their time and money in making their aircrafts even more luxurious than ever, there’s never been a better time to be a business class traveler.
Before we dive into detail, it’s important to consider that not everyone is looking for the same thing when flying business class. While some people love direct aisle access from every seat, others love to sit next to their travel companion. Some people love seats with doors. Others hate them. The list goes on and on.
After all, an ideal business class seat is one that covers all – or most – of the following features:
It goes well beyond doubt that business class is all about the bed, so a comfortable sleeping surface is the single most important factor. Part of that is lots of space for your feet, since some airlines seem to be developing elaborate seats with small footwells.
Most business class travelers prefer to take a seat that offers more privacy over one that doesn’t. They simply feel uncomfortable to sleep next to strangers on the ground, and the same applies in the air.
An ideal design of a business class seat is one that has great attention to detail. This can include where buttons are located, how good the lighting is, how easy it is to use the tray table, and more.
It is vital for business class as well as first class seats to be customizable depending on whether a passenger’s traveling alone, with a companion, or with their family. It’s also great to have a lot of privacy, and truly great airlines have designed their cabins in such a way that you can choose whether you want to sit alone, or next to someone else.
While the substance of a seat is of vital importance to most people, there’s also something to be said for a cabin that’s stylish.
Individual air nozzles make a huge difference in terms of enabling passengers to sleep comfortably, given how warm cabins are often kept.
For sure, it’s great to be on a plane on which all you have to do is sit back (literally) and bask in the plush glory of premium amenities and cushy seats with all sorts of added features. So many new features, in fact, that it can be hard to keep track of especially if you're new to the pointy end of the plane.
Do you know what seat pitch is? What about the difference between an angled lie-flat and flat bed seat? Or are you looking for a private suite? You may expect that Business Class varies between airlines, but did you know domestic and international services can be quite different as well? Taking the mystery out of booking Business Class, here's a look at the different types of available seats:
The most characteristic feature of this seat is its significant pitch and added footrest that enables passengers to recline with their feet up. It doesn't, however, offer a full recline into a flat position. It is the most popular type of seat for domestic Business Class services as well as international services on some low-cost carriers.
• Pros: It offers a decent amount of space. The footrest is also a nice touch.
• Cons: Sleep positions are limited for longer flights.
The angle lie-flat seat allows travellers to recline to a near 180 degrees, with a foot rest to put your feet up. It differs from the full flat in that there is a slight angle in the seat, sloping down toward the floor of the plane. Many Business Class airlines in the Asia Pacific region feature the angle lie-flat seats.
• Pros: They are significantly more comfortable when it comes to sitting back and relaxing with plenty of space to stretch out, work or watch a movie while flying.
• Cons: The slight angle can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position and some passengers complain of slipping down the seat.
The Angle Lie-Flat seat is available on Emirates A330-200s and Boeing 777s, Boeing 747s, and Virgin Australia’s A330 domestic services.
For most travelers, the full-flat bed is the holy grail of Business Class. This coveted seat offers a complete recline into a 180 degree position that allows passengers to lay in a completely flat position. They are hailed as being especially comfortable for both relaxing and sleeping.
• Pros: The fully horizontal position allows you to lay completely flat as if in a bed, which is great for sleeping. Many full flat seats also come with a turndown service featuring a mattress, bedding and pajamas.
• Cons: If you're not in an aisle seat, you may have to shimmy around a fellow passenger if you want to get up to walk around.
The Full Flat Bed is available on Qantas and Virgin Australia's Airbus A330-200, Virgin’s Boeing and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and A380, Qantas 747-400ER and A380, and others.
Taking Business Class comfort to the next level, some premium airlines are integrating private suites to their cabins. These offer maximum comfort and privacy for passengers with a fully flat bed, workstation and TV screen.
• Pros: These suites are much more private and almost feel like your own personal hotel room in the skies.
• Cons: How could there possibly be a con? These are seriously luxurious airplane seats.
Business Class Suites are available on Etihad and Qantas A380s and Dreamliners, selected Singapore A380 services and Cathay Pacific long haul services.
If you need further help on how to book your most luxurious plane with the most comfortable seats, feel free to get in touch with Aviation Horizons team. We will help you find the one that best suits your needs, budget and taste.
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