I would like to get an idea as to which airlines offer beds, and what you think of them in terms of its features - compared to other airlines with beds.

I've been on the 180 recline or beds on KE, AF, SQ, SR and UA (and probably a coupel others that don't pop into mind right now) and while SQ has the best TV and programming, I have to say that I think the all around best setup is the United First Suite.

I have used the flat seat on LH and the beds on SQ and UA. All are comfortable, and I would be happy to sleep in any of them again. Therefore, my remarks are of a nitpicky nature. I would not chose one of these airlines over another solely because of their bed.

LH - flat seat - 2 x 2 configuration; if you are traveling alone, don't get total privacy. When flat, the seat is very comfortable. There is a bin that comes forward from the arm rest for shoes; a very sensible feature.

UA - bed - the one with which I have the most familiarity. There are single suites along the sides of the cabin; there are adjacent suites in the center of the cabin. UA has the best bin storage of the three. It's great to be able to store a briefcase in the bin by the armrest and easily get in and out of it. The seat has to be returned to a fully upright set position before it can be lowered into a bed. This design needs to be rethought. The armrest can be lowered on one side, giving a greater feeling of space.

SQ - bed - my favorite for two reasons: the meal tray slides forward and backwards. Thus, during the lengthy meal, it is easy to push the tray back, exit the seat, and return. My second reason is that you can move the seat from any configuration into a bed. As on UA, you have your choice of a single suite along the side of the cabin, or an adjacent suite in the center.

I always felt that the BED was a continuation of the entire upright to recline position. I've always been able to go from a reclined position when reading or watching videos to BED without even having to get out of the seat.

I have sampled beds on BA, QF, CX,SR, and AA new flagship suites. I must say that I feel AA product if superior. VERY impressive

The UA first suite is very nice - major improvement over before. Haven't had a chance with anyone else yet.

I've been on LH and UA. Love both. I think LH bed is more comfortable but like the whole UA suite thing better in general especially when travelling alone.

I'm flying CX First to RSA next month and am looking forward to trying their version of the bed.

Here's a site I found a while ago about the different offerings:


http://www.stormloader.com/havane/sl...roduction.html

I havnen't been on more than one airline bed, but I must say CX is absolutely impressive. It too has a moving tray, which was as expansive as the grand canyon. I like having enough room so I don't keep bumping my wine glass. I believe the edge goes to CX for the following reason. Most of the other airlines, such as SQ and QF, have 14 seats in the nose of the 747. (Three rows of 2 in the middle) CX only has 12, and it lends itself to a much more spacious, less cramped cabin. Not to mention there are, I think, 3 flight attendants for first, and they all know you by name. Very nice touch.

Hopefuly I will try out the AA suite next month, and will see, but I have heard good things.

Now if they can just add better J seats...

The ones I have tried (in order of preference)

1. SQ (big screen, easy to move tray table, chair and video controls out of the way, nice duvet, etc.)
2. CX (almost as good as SQ. A bit wider on the head area when fully reclined)
3. BA (very good overall, small screen, video tape sometimes difficult to use, once in a while you have to fight with the recline controls).
4. QA (worse of all the fully reclining independent bed suites - it is cut very low and very narrow - makes you feel like sleeping on top of a bench in the park, ieexposed to everyone's view)
5. SR (classsic fully reclining bed)
6. IB (bed is about as comfortable as SR, but the IB flying experience can be so bad, that I try avoiding it).
7. AF (yes, it reclined, but never managed to get rid of the obvious sensation that there was a joint in the middle of the seat).

I have not tried AA or UA, but wherever I can get SQ, CX, or BA I will not even dare to try AA or UA. I will try avoiding the rude service of USA based airlines. The bed is not the only thing when it comes down to having a good flight in F/P/A class.

[This message has been edited by Anagnorisis (edited 05-05-2001).]

QA: do you mean QF?

Did you fly SR before or after the F reconfiguration?

I've flown LH, UA & SQ, and as I'm over 6'3" tall, I much prefer the LH seats - while (because) it's not a suite, I don't have to sleep in a fetal position because my feet are boxed in.

SQ is not as tight as UA, but still not great.

I agree that the retractable armrest is a nice feature of the UA Suite. I understand that CX and AA do this as well, although I've not been on them.

Greg

My sole experience is in BA F so far. It's a very good product and not as bad as mentioned by some others. I slept at least 4 hrs on each of 6 flights. It's more comfortable with a duvet than without (no duvets are supplied on shorter daytime flights) as the bed surface is not completely flat when reclined. It's still good without the duvet though you can't sleep on your side so well (tip: don't recline the seat all the way).

BA is also refurbishing the cabins with one of the main features being a largers screen.

Do the United First Suites afford the most privacy?

I have enjoyed ANA�s NRT-Europe product very much. Like CX they have fewer seats in front and you feel you can play football/soccer between seats. Video screen is wanting (selection is great though), but the space and spaciousness make up for it to some extent. Not a fully enclosed suite, but a fully flat seat which is easy to sleep in. The flight attendants are very high end Japanese style service oriented. I am a bit biased, but have enjoyed this the best so far. In July will try the LH product which comes highly recommended by several FTers. Using the UA suite a few ti,es this summer so will have a more careful look and comment again later this summer.

Mike

the may issue of biz traveller has a report on J beds, and pitch for all airline J seats