airberlin topbonus - New new J coming to airberlin

So, the current new J (ex-LX) is outdated right now, even not all planes are fitted with it yet.

Etihad forced AB to use new, lie-flat seats which will be installed at the end of 2012.

http://i.imgur.com/S9Sk9.jpg

The AB spokeswoman today wondered how this picture leaked from their internal sources, but she confirmed the fact that this will be the new seat :)
As you see on the picture, the configuration will be 1-2-1 which is even better than the new LH J seat. It seems that this will be the same seat EY uses right now in their Business Class.

This is GREAT. Lie-flat seat makes AB my first choice on longhaul when flying in F.

no F on AB :(

this config (EY seats) will only be used on AUH connections in J.

no F on AB :(

this config (EY seats) will only be used on ABU connections in J.

Presume of course you mean AUH ;)

ABU: Atambua (Indonesia)
AUH: Abu Dhabi (UAE)

thx!
havent been there yet. will try next month. ;)

This is very good news - they should position their product higher than LH is to be able to seriously compete for the corporate segment. They could then introduce a premium eco for the more price sensitive customers.

LH's appalling product management (NEK, new business class) actually provides an excellent window of opportunity for AB. Let's see if they'll be able to use it...

Sorry, I meant C not F. But I hoped it will be fleet-wide C :(

This is very good news - they should position their product higher than LH is to be able to seriously compete for the corporate segment. They could then introduce a premium eco for the more price sensitive customers.

LH's appalling product management (NEK, new business class) actually provides an excellent window of opportunity for AB. Let's see if they'll be able to use it...

At the moment they really suck with their customer support. I don't get it. They knew, that this year will be hard (Etihad, BER, OW) and everyone will have a close look at them - especially new international flyer which are OW-customers.

But instead of preparing themselves by upscaling their hotline capacities and finding solutions for apologizing if something goes wrong (what always happens during a big change) they are practically unavailable for significant periods of time and you should not think about a real apology and a customer orientated reaction.
These things would cost AB some money but it wouldn't actively drive away customers who are upset about ABs behaviour.

At the moment I have four flights booked during the next two months and these fligths will show if AB has become a real network carrier.

S.

no F on AB :(

this config (EY seats) will only be used on AUH connections in J.

I don't think they could sustain F to DUS from YVR anyways.
From what I hear the plane is filled with kettles.

I don't think they could sustain F to DUS from YVR anyways.
From what I hear the plane is filled with kettles.

J/C only, but I'd second that. Not only SFO-DUS but also other long hauls they tend to upgrade Y. Sometimes even having to serve Y food to the lucky ones.

BTW: AB seems not to be able to book C on AA feeders. Personally I dont care for 2-3h on coach, but want my pampering on the x-atalantic. Last time I booked separate BER-JFK with AB in C and JFK-AUS with AA in Y. After 4hr delay I ended up in NYC, having missed my (once a day) flight. AB didnt care at all, even i was top tier customer. Only AA was helpful and apologized on AB's behalf. Expect a crowded C and lousy CRM. :td:
...wondering how I should book BER-YUL next month. :rolleyes:

Biz seat hardware is extremely expensive so I think it would not be reasonable to expect another upgrade after the just introduced 2nd hand LX biz seats. But it would have been a good move to have better biz seats available than LH can offer and introduce those quickly fleet-wide instead of the roulette that customers play with LHs new seat for the next 4-5 years.

At least offering a real good quality seat to AUH is a very welcome choice now for my flights towards asia on AB/EY.

At least offering a real good quality seat to AUH is a very welcome choice now for my flights towards asia on AB/EY.

just booked TXL-AUH feeder. kepping in mind its a 1-2-1 config, it seems like the new config is already in use, as the seat next to mine is blocked right after booking. I booked 1A, immediatly 1C was blocked as well. Maybe they dont have the seat map of the new config?

J/C only, but I'd second that. Not only SFO-DUS but also other long hauls they tend to upgrade Y. Sometimes even having to serve Y food to the lucky ones.

BTW: AB seems not to be able to book C on AA feeders. Personally I dont care for 2-3h on coach, but want my pampering on the x-atalantic. Last time I booked separate BER-JFK with AB in C and JFK-AUS with AA in Y. After 4hr delay I ended up in NYC, having missed my (once a day) flight. AB didnt care at all, even i was top tier customer. Only AA was helpful and apologized on AB's behalf. Expect a crowded C and lousy CRM. :td:
...wondering how I should book BER-YUL next month. :rolleyes:

Are you based in BER?

Are you based in BER?

...most of my time. ;)

All I can say is wow! Finally Air Berlin has become a real threat to Lufthansa with a cabin product that is far better in business and AT LEAST on pair in the economy class. I hope that the new new lie-flat business seat will not only be available on the AUH route - this would be a shame as there would be MANY customers willing to try it.

The only thing I'm hoping for at the moment are flights from Berlin to Amsterdam!!! ;)

The only thing I'm hoping for at the moment are flights from Berlin to Amsterdam!!! ;)

Word!
Dont dare to dream that AB will open a route to skyteam's main hub. Would tempt me to fly Asia on CI's upper deck, at 30-40% less. BUT as rumor has it: AF/KL is making eyes to AB:
LH - AF dogfight (http://www.thelocal.de/money/20120309-41243.html)

BTW: AB has oficially stated that the new new J will "mainly" be used on AUH routes.

OK, I'm a little confused by this implementation. There is one 332 out there with the new "old-style" LX J seats, correct? And they now plan to install the J suites starting at the end of the year? So will the remaining 332s in the fleet be flying around with the old AB J seats until then? Or will they get the LX J seats as originally scheduled, and then get the new J suites a few months later? And do they plan on outfitting any of the 333s with the J suites and new Y cabin? They could use them on the JFK routes. I'm not sure if MIA is within the range of the aircraft, though.

BTW: AB has oficially stated that the new new J will "mainly" be used on AUH routes.

So old new J will be used for TATL? Any hope of new new J being widely implemented beyond the AUH routes?

Word!
Dont dare to dream that AB will open a route to skyteam's main hub.
Actually, AB has operated TXL-AMS flights in the past. Transavia still flew into Rotterdam back then I think.

Actually, AB has operated TXL-AMS flights in the past. Transavia still flew into Rotterdam back then I think.

No use for Transavia and other carriers, as I cannot take advantage of my tier baggage allowance of 30-40kg.

@Thunderroad: the refurbished LX seats will be implemented by fall 2012 on all long hauls. my guess: only 4 machines will fly on EY config. (ex HAM, FRA, DUS, BER)

The refurbished LX seats will be implemented by fall 2012 on all long hauls. my guess: only 4 machines will fly on EY config. (ex HAM, FRA, DUS, BER)

This is later than what is quoted on the website, which states: The upgrade of all long-haul aircraft should be completed by the start of the summer 2012 flight schedule.
(http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/new_business_class.php?LANG=eng)

This is an unexpected delay?

This is later than what is quoted on the website, which states: The upgrade of all long-haul aircraft should be completed by the start of the summer 2012 flight schedule.
(http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/new_business_class.php?LANG=eng)

This is an unexpected delay?

rather (to be) expected:
having started in Nov2011 AB has taken only one machine out of routing each month. D-ABXA, D-ALPI, D-ALPD are confirmed to be upgraded. As rumor has it and my math skills second: AB has 9 more A330 to go. I doubt they will can afford to a) double capacity nor b) deprive 2 enigines at a time.

rather (to be) expected:
having started in Nov2011 AB has taken only one machine out of routing each month. D-ABXA, D-ALPI, D-ALPD are confirmed to be upgraded. As rumor has it and my math skills second: AB has 9 more A330 to go. I doubt they will can afford to a) double capacity nor b) deprive 2 enigines at a time.

Hi there - I am just hoping to understand your note above about the new-new J seats on the A332. I am scheduled to take JFK-BER on AB A332 in September of this year. Given the approximate 1 aircraft per month refurbish cycle, and the 9 more to go as of your post, is it a fair assumption my odds of having the new seats are relatively high? EF seatmap still shows 24 seats at this time.

Thanks!

Hi pbohannon,

u shd be good. as i suppose 4 machines will get the etihad seats on the AUH routes, where at this time only the old C is availible. as AB is trying to sell off their maintenance, i suppose they will be refurbished in AUH anyway.

never bother about seat reservation with AB (works for me less then 50% of my bookings). the routing of the machines will be fixed 2 weeks in advance, and can always be subject to changes. ...and hey - I would consider JFK as short haul, esp. since its no red eye flight, you will be off pretty good in any J cabin old or new. ;)

cheers

Can someone post pix of the current J product, please

I'm looking at using AA miles on a J award on Air Berlin, MIA-DUS in mid-May. Does this route have the new business class seat? How does AB compare to AA or IB on a transatlantic route?

Thanks.

I'm looking at using AA miles on a J award on Air Berlin, MIA-DUS in mid-May. Does this route have the new business class seat? How does AB compare to AA or IB on a transatlantic route?

Thanks.

If you're travelling mid-May 2012, I'd strongly advise IB. All of their longhaul planes are equiped with a full flat product. AA is right now - apart from very few refurbished planes - angled flat. And AB may have one plane with full flat (which will then be used on AUH routes), according to this thread about 3 planes with angled flat (former LX product) and the rest is a cradle seat, similar to domestic F on AA.

Therefore, in May 2012, IB is clearly the best choice. This may change over time, as both AA and AB improve their products.

If you're travelling mid-May 2012, I'd strongly advise IB. All of their longhaul planes are equiped with a full flat product. AA is right now - apart from very few refurbished planes - angled flat. And AB may have one plane with full flat (which will then be used on AUH routes), according to this thread about 3 planes with angled flat (former LX product) and the rest is a cradle seat, similar to domestic F on AA.

Therefore, in May 2012, IB is clearly the best choice. This may change over time, as both AA and AB improve their products.

Unfortunately AB is the only option where I can find seats. Trying to decide whether spending the miles on business class is worth it. Thanks.

D-ABXA
D-ABXB
D-ALPE
D-ALPD
D-ALPI
..are confirmed to be refurbished with the seats from LX.

D-ALPJ now taken out of routing.

6 more A332 to go, of which (suposedly) 4 will get the EY seats.

http://www.ausbt.com.au/airberlin-to-install-etihad-business-class-on-long-haul-flights?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper

"We plan to refit all long-haul aircraft (A330-200) with the new Business Class [which will take] until the end of 2013. They will then operate on all airberlin long-haul routes," the spokesperson told us.

Word!
Dont dare to dream that AB will open a route to skyteam's main hub. Would tempt me to fly Asia on CI's upper deck, at 30-40% less. BUT as rumor has it: AF/KL is making eyes to AB:
LH - AF dogfight (http://www.thelocal.de/money/20120309-41243.html)

BTW: AB has oficially stated that the new new J will "mainly" be used on AUH routes.

......and the same plane will ply the AUH-HKT route too? thanks.

......and the same plane will ply the AUH-HKT route too? thanks.

not sure I understand ur question. CI is not flying AUH.

not sure I understand ur question. CI is not flying AUH.

..as posted by you above....BTW: AB has oficially stated that the new new J will "mainly" be used on AUH routes.

Therefore I am asking if "new J" will also be used on AUH-HKT-AUH (operated by AB)?

To HKT the new J, yes. (170 degrees angled)
As far as I know this is a flight with STOPOVER in AUH.

The new new J (EY config - 180 degrees lie flat) will be used on the 4 AUH feeders, only. No machine has been refurbished yet.
I woud recommend to book a flight that is EY operated on AUH-HKT route.

To HKT the new J, yes. (170 degrees angled)
As far as I know this is a flight with STOPOVER in AUH.

The new new J (EY config - 180 degrees lie flat) will be used on the 4 AUH feeders, only. No machine has been refurbished yet.
I woud recommend to book a flight that is EY operated on AUH-HKT route.

I already have booked AUH-HKT for June. I believe its operated by AB. This is a day flight so am not too concerened. I presumed it will either be the leather recliner style J or the 170 degree flats. Thanks.

http://www.ausbt.com.au/airberlin-to-install-etihad-business-class-on-long-haul-flights?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper

"We plan to refit all long-haul aircraft (A330-200) with the new Business Class [which will take] until the end of 2013. They will then operate on all airberlin long-haul routes," the spokesperson told us.

:confused: WHAT??!! :confused:

The end of 2013 for 6 remaining aircraft? I understand not doing any during the summer peak season, but over a year and a half to complete the 332 fleet? Or was he talking about all of the 332s having the EY type of J seats by the end of next year? BTW, I know for a fact that ship # D-ALPG has yet to be refurbished. I flew it from MIA-TXL last week and it had the ex-LTU cabin interior. I was in coach, but I was looking forward to the the AVOD. Instead, it was the overhead monitors (which are only over the center seats). And they kept having 2-3 second pauses during the movie showings :mad:. However, the breakfast they served was probably the best I've had in Y in a long time.

I already have booked AUH-HKT for June. I believe its operated by AB. This is a day flight so am not too concerened. I presumed it will either be the leather recliner style J or the 170 degree flats. Thanks.

exactly. As far as I know this machine is coming from DUS, then continues to HKT. flightaware should show u what machine it is, a few hours ahead. ;)

@Fanjet: I was on the same machine 2 weeks ago, AUH-TXL. :D

Are any Trans-Atlantic planes updated?

I think the thread title should be changed to include the Y changes (which are very significant).

A recent thread had a link to a Youtube video of the new seats and AVOD:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1343396-air-berlin-new-cabin.html

Here is another piece from AB facebook: http://www.rp-online.de/app/air-berlin/

I am not sure if it will be done by the start of the summer 2012 schedule (seems not), but I have sent a note to AB to find out. Seems like you guys know which plans are in and out of service more than AB does. If there are 6 planes to go, then looks like it is a 50% chance?

Other soft enhancements recently announced by the way:

Changes to the chocolate given..
http://www.airberlin.com/site/pressreleases_dr.php?LANG=eng&ID=4388

I have an LAX-DUS trip in June, so I have no idea if it will be done by then. Seems not.

Rasheed

What is the likelihood of JFK-TXL seeing the newer product this month considering it is probably a heavy business route? Am flying it twice this month.

I am not sure if it will be done by the start of the summer 2012 schedule (seems not), but I have sent a note to AB to find out.

Okay. I got a few different/mix responses from AB.

Apparently, most flights on routes serviced by the A332 through July will have the new interior and AVOD. There are two planes scheduled to be completed at the end of September. I am not familiar with how many planes AB needs each day for its schedule. As many of you already know, many of the US routes are seasonal and not daily. This likely helps the situation.

The ATMS response was much more not promising (setting expectations lower obviously). If you are not familiar with ATMS, they are the US group who handled LTU here (and now do the same work for AB). I think they handle the US AB calls, but I am not absolutely sure. The reply was more along the lines that not all will be done by June (which we knew).

It appears scheduling has put the new version plane for my upcoming flight, but because there are non-converted planes still out there through September, you might get an older substitute.

Rasheed

Hello,

Any new reviews of the interior for those who have been on the retrofitted planes?

Still charging 3 euros for headphones on international AVOD flights?

Current entertainment guide location:
http://www.airberlin.com/site/affiliate/service/bordunterhaltung_lang.pdf

Rasheed

I already have booked AUH-HKT for June. I believe its operated by AB. This is a day flight so am not too concerened. I presumed it will either be the leather recliner style J or the 170 degree flats. Thanks.

We have had to cancel our planned trip to HKT in June (due to work pressures :() but we will be using this service in future months. Probably will be new seats by then..

Apparently, most flights on routes serviced by the A332 through July will have the new interior and AVOD. There are two planes scheduled to be completed at the end of September.Given that AB has 12 332s (according to www.airfleets.net), it looks like the overall chance of getting an old recliner seat/no AVOD plane is 17%.

That's too high for me for an 11-hour flight, will wait until the last aircraft has been converted before booking AB.

Still charging 3 euros for headphones on international AVOD flights?

Current entertainment guide location:
http://www.airberlin.com/site/affiliate/service/bordunterhaltung_lang.pdf

Rasheed

Weird deal, but AB no longer charges for headphones on trans-Atlantic flights. They are also matching up on the types of complmentary drinks with other international carriers for the Y service.

I guess I was not the only one who thought there was a few things out there that did not seem to match up.

Rasheed

Given that AB has 12 332s (according to www.airfleets.net), it looks like the overall chance of getting an old recliner seat/no AVOD plane is 17%.

That's too high for me for an 11-hour flight, will wait until the last aircraft has been converted before booking AB.

Smart person. I got the old interior on my recent flight. I cannot report on the new seats or AVOD system despite all my hype as my return will be on AA operated flights. I will say that the local AB flight was better than transatlantic one. I am sure others will not be surprised.

Rasheed

We have had to cancel our planned trip to HKT in June (due to work pressures :() but we will be using this service in future months. Probably will be new seats by then..

OK, I can answer my own question. Last week AUH-HKT was a very tired A332 with the leather recliners but inbound (HKT-AUH) yeterday was the angled lie-flat. I did not fly the outbound but Mrs NoY says :td: (complete with a lazy, disinterested crew)

Last night was a world of difference. A superb crew in Business & very very nice service. The food was pretty good too.

Interestiing that the Purser said that the first full-flat (180 degree) aircraft will be fitted out in September ^

OK, I can answer my own question. Last week AUH-HKT was a very tired A332 with the leather recliners but inbound (HKT-AUH) yeterday was the angled lie-flat. I did not fly the outbound but Mrs NoY says :td: (complete with a lazy, disinterested crew)

Last night was a world of difference. A superb crew in Business & very very nice service. The food was pretty good too.

Interestiing that the Purser said that the first full-flat (180 degree) aircraft will be fitted out in September ^

Following my comments above - the seat maps for my upcoming October AUH-HKT-AUH flights in J have a very strange seat map. is this new, new J??:
1HK & 2HK
2DG
3DG
4DG

Mrs Noy, checked but couldnt confirm "strange seatmaps" on AB website. Could you screenshot us or tell example date on that route?

[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.2 - Amadeus Seat Map: 19 Oct 2012/AB 7424/AUH-HKT/332/C-Business] (http://www.KVSTool.com/)
A C | D G | H K
1 + -
2 + + + -
3 + +
4 + +




But it is only on the AUH-HKT-AUH flights, not on any of the Germany-AUH-Germany flights.
Most likely some kind of mistake in the seatmap.

i agree. unless they reconfig the gally like TG on one side of the cabin, or max business by adding a cargo upfront, it seems to be a sys error.

@Greg: Thx for sharing!

Interestiing that the Purser said that the first full-flat (180 degree) aircraft will be fitted out in September ^

Flew DUS to JFK yesterday. Aircraft had angled flat seats in J, the former LX seats. Purser said he hasn't see any 332 with the old cradle seats for a while, in fact he thinks they are all coverted by now, but wasn't sure. But he was sure that the first aircraft does receive the lie flat EY seats this month.

If this information is correct, this is great news, because it means you at least get the angled flat seats.^

Flew DUS to JFK yesterday. Aircraft had angled flat seats in J, the former LX seats. Purser said he hasn't see any 332 with the old cradle seats for a while, in fact he thinks they are all coverted by now, but wasn't sure. But he was sure that the first aircraft does receive the lie flat EY seats this month.

If this information is correct, this is great news, because it means you at least get the angled flat seats.^

Great thanks. Have another HKT trip coming up in October, so hopefully no more recliners ^ Be great to see the full-flat EY seats though :D

Flew DUS to JFK yesterday. Aircraft had angled flat seats in J, the former LX seats. Purser said he hasn't see any 332 with the old cradle seats for a while, in fact he thinks they are all coverted by now, but wasn't sure. But he was sure that the first aircraft does receive the lie flat EY seats this month.

If this information is correct, this is great news, because it means you at least get the angled flat seats.^

Does anyone know:
1) If any of the AB aircraft have converted EY J seats.
2) What routes they are being used/will be used on.

1) NO
2) AUH only

1) NO
2) AUH only

It'd be TXL-AUH and v.v?
Do you know when the first plane will be done?

Only 2 feeders to AUH op AB: TXL and DUS
They tend to use the only old C Cabin left on the fleet D-ALPH on one of them.
8 and 2 weeks ago I experienced new refitted C cabin only. (D-ALPH is out of routing since abt 4 weeks)

The new new EY config was planned to be installed this month. Probably will take another month.

I am seeing the followng J-cabin seatmap for flight 7393 SFO-DUS, a 332, on 26 June. What kind of seats (recliner, sloped lie-flat, or EK horizontal lie-flat) are these? It does not match the seatmap on www.airberlin.com or seatguru.
4G*AB7393J26JUNSFODUS«
AUTH-299 332
0 - SFO 1 - DUS
NO SMOKING-SFODUS
A C D G H K
1 I * * * * I 1
2 I * * * * I 2
3 I * * * * I 3
4 I * * I 4
A C D G H K

AVAIL NO SMK: * BLOCK : / LEAST PREF: U BULKHEAD: BHD
AVAIL SMKING: - PREMIUM: Q UPPER DECK: J EXIT ROW: X
SEAT TAKEN: . WING: W PAID : P LAVATORY: LAV GALLEY: GAL
PREF ACCESS LAV: PAL DOOR: DOR SCREEN: SCR CLOSET: CLS
PREF ACCESS:H BASSINET:B LEGROOM:L UMNR:M REARFACE:@
"I" is not a code in the legend (or one known to me).

Are AB GDS seat maps reliable or if I book I run the risk of finding myself in a recliner seat?

nice catch!
oposing AB's own press release, they seem to refit J product on all 12 planes.
config will be same as on EY which is an sloped arrangement of lie flat seats.
odd numbers should be window seats.

THX!

nice catch!
oposing AB's own press release, they seem to refit J product on all 12 planes.
config will be same as on EY which is an sloped arrangement of lie flat seats.
odd numbers should be window seats.

THX!

Is the sloped arrangement angled lie-flat? I thought EY had fully flat.

it is fully flat, just the arrangement of the seats is sloped. Have a look:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjmqkGiBGNM/TlhH3-LknsI/AAAAAAAAmbw/tZqcLv5MBZc/s1600/Etihad2.jpg
or a tour:
http://resources.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/Flash/experienceetihad/etihad/index.html#/inflight/pearl

it is fully flat, just the arrangement of the seats is sloped. Have a look:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjmqkGiBGNM/TlhH3-LknsI/AAAAAAAAmbw/tZqcLv5MBZc/s1600/Etihad2.jpg
or a tour:
http://resources.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/Flash/experienceetihad/etihad/index.html#/inflight/pearl

Oh, you mean staggered?
The seats have been installed on AB already?

Etihad's longhaul fleet is 100% fitted with fully-flat seats (not angled lie-flat).

on AB not a single machine yet. but as rumor has ist or in that case "hillrider"... all 12 machines will be refitted with same EY seats. intentionally (as on AB press release) only the machines Germany to AUH were scheduled to get these.

Wife and I ticketed to fly DUS-LAX on Jan. 2. What are our chances of flying AB aircraft that has flat bed seats in Business? Certainly would make the trip a whole lot less arduous. We were totally spoiled by our trip in April on Cathay from HKG-LAX on a 777 using the flatbedders.

Wife and I ticketed to fly DUS-LAX on Jan. 2. What are our chances of flying AB aircraft that has flat bed seats in Business? Certainly would make the trip a whole lot less arduous. We were totally spoiled by our trip in April on Cathay from HKG-LAX on a 777 using the flatbedders.

Probably very slim. At most, one or two of their planes will have the seats, and they will be likely used on the AUH routes. I hope I'm wrong, I am on the LAX route on Jan.6th

I'm a bit confused.

If I book a flight in J-class on AB 332, TXL-LAX, what are the chances that I get the recliner seats (53.9" pitch) that Seatguru (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_Berlin/Air_Berlin_Airbus_A330-200.php)shows vs. a lie-flat (slanted or horizontal) talked about in this thread?

I'm a bit confused.

If I book a flight in J-class on AB 332, TXL-LAX, what are the chances that I get the recliner seats (53.9" pitch) that Seatguru (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_Berlin/Air_Berlin_Airbus_A330-200.php)shows vs. a lie-flat (slanted or horizontal) talked about in this thread?

According to a few things I have read on here and elsewhere, zero. All planes have the 'new' seat, meaning the ex-LX J seat. This is also the seat they show on airberlin.com, which has a nice virtual tour of the cabin.

According to a few things I have read on here and elsewhere, zero. All planes have the 'new' seat, meaning the ex-LX J seat. This is also the seat they show on airberlin.com, which has a nice virtual tour of the cabin.

Mrs NoY flew the old recliner J seat in August. Alegedly the last aircraft with these seats - has it been retrofitted with new-new (EY full flat) J?

Mrs NoY flew the old recliner J seat in August. Alegedly the last aircraft with these seats - has it been retrofitted with new-new (EY full flat) J?

Anyone confirm 100% of the fleet is lie-flat (non-recliner)??

if u take the effort of actually reading this thread u would know 0% is lie flat at this point. we are all waiting for the first machine with EY C config

According to a few things I have read on here and elsewhere, zero. All planes have the 'new' seat, meaning the ex-LX J seat. This is also the seat they show on airberlin.com, which has a nice virtual tour of the cabin.Thanks! ^ to AB.
if u take the effort of actually reading this thread u would know 0% is lie flat at this point. we are all waiting for the first machine with EY C configI was just as confused by the multiple seat types being discussed in this thread, notwithstanding the fact that as of my post #44 of 7 Jun I was up to speed and able to calculate the appropriate probabilities.

Good to see that there is now confirmation of 100% completion of the conversion to the slanted lie-flat J-cabin seat.

So the current probabilities are 100% slanted lie-flat, 0% horizontal lie-flat.

P.S. aircrafts are generally not referred as machines, which, at least in American english, is not a term applicable to transportation vehicles (bicycles, automobiles, trains, aircrafts, naval vessels, etc.).

if u take the effort of actually reading this thread u would know 0% is lie flat at this point. we are all waiting for the first machine with EY C config

... I referred to 100% lie-flt (i.e. slopey) NOT full-flat (i.e. 180 degree flat) @:-). Maybe you do not know the difference ;)

So, I ask again are all AB A332 lie-flat..

FWIW, it appears that all 12 AB A332 have been busy flying for at least the past two weeks.

So, assuming one wasn't refitted with the EY type seats already, there won't be one in the near future.

... I referred to 100% lie-flt (i.e. slopey) NOT full-flat (i.e. 180 degree flat) . Maybe you do not know the difference
Mrs. NoY, please accept my apologies. :rolleyes:
The very last machine (already known to you) D-ALPH was schedduled to be refitted a month ago. Dont know the reason it has not yet.

So the current probabilities are 100% slanted lie-flat, 0% horizontal lie-flat.

P.S. aircrafts are generally not referred as machines, which, at least in American english, is not a term applicable to transportation vehicles (bicycles, automobiles, trains, aircrafts, naval vessels, etc.).

The very last machine [sic.](already known to you) D-ALPH was schedduled to be refitted a month ago.
Now I am totally, utterly, confused. Is it 100% or is it less than 100%? What's this "very last aircraft" referring to? Is it still flying around with recliner seats in J?

Now I am totally, utterly, confused. Is it 100% or is it less than 100%? What's this "very last aircraft" referring to? Is it still flying around with recliner seats in J?

Me too. :confused:


D-ALPH has been actively flying since mid-June without any extended down time. Suggesting if it got the ex-LX J seats, it was before then.

My take on this (after reading all of the posts - properly) ;)


1 x A332 aircraft has the recliners.

All other A332 have the lie-flat (that would be sloing flat @:-))

Nil have the full-flat, 180 degree totally horizontal, yet.

My take on this (after reading all of the posts - properly) ;)


1 x A332 aircraft has the recliners.

All other A332 have the lie-flat (that would be sloing flat @:-))

Nil have the full-flat, 180 degree totally horizontal, yet.


^ Correct!

for anyone interested, machines with LX seats 170degree angled flat:
D-ABXA - C20Y274
D-ABXB - C20Y274
D-ALPA - Y340 / no in-seat entertainment / no C cabin
D-ALPB - C20Y279
D-ALPC - C20Y279
D-ALPD - C20Y279
D-ALPE - C20Y279
D-ALPF - C20Y279
D-ALPG - C20Y279
D-ALPH - Schedduled for September 2012 // not refurbished as of today
D-ALPI - C20Y279
D-ALPJ - C20Y279

for anyone interested, machines with LX seats 170degree angled flat:
D-ABXA - C20Y274
D-ABXB - C20Y274
D-ALPA - Y340 / no in-seat entertainment / no C cabin
D-ALPB - C20Y279
D-ALPC - C20Y279
D-ALPD - C20Y279
D-ALPE - C20Y279
D-ALPF - C20Y279
D-ALPG - C20Y279
D-ALPH - Schedduled for September 2012 // not refurbished as of today
D-ALPI - C20Y279
D-ALPJ - C20Y279


Thanks for helping to clear this up.

for anyone interested, machines [sic.] with LX seats 170degree angled flat:
D-ABXA - C20Y274
D-ABXB - C20Y274
D-ALPA - Y340 / no in-seat entertainment / no C cabin
D-ALPB - C20Y279
D-ALPC - C20Y279
D-ALPD - C20Y279
D-ALPE - C20Y279
D-ALPF - C20Y279
D-ALPG - C20Y279
D-ALPH - Schedduled for September 2012 // not refurbished as of today
D-ALPI - C20Y279
D-ALPJ - C20Y279
Thanks for clearing this up.

In summary, if flying J-cabin on an AB 332 you have a 9% chance of getting a recliner, 91% a slanted lie-flat (ex-LX), and 0% a horizontal lie-flat (EY-type).

update:
D-ALPH has been taken out of routing as of Oct. 17th and seems to be stored in SFO.

Lets hope they will upgrade that lady straight to the EY C config. ;)

174degrees seat on a330. Please visit airberlin.com . Quite confortable and very similar to KLM business class seat. In the future, seats will be like Etihad. Economy class cabin has been refurnished. By the way, you can earn miles with any oneworld programme or etihad ffp.

update: D-ALPH is flying again to DUS, after 6 days in SFO at super bay
http://www.airliners.net/uf/163410/phpSkbNmF.jpeg

update: just landed in DUS, under strange flight# AB700P, not among normal arrival listing at DUS airport.
May have been cargo only?

I have received an email from the AB communications department with some information about the new J seats.

Of the 12 A332 aircraft in the AB fleet:

- 10 have the ex-LX seats installed
- 1 has been converted to all economy and flies mid-haul flights
- 1 still has the old recliner seats.

The email did not specifically state which aircraft has the old seats, but I will assume bobberle101 is correct in that it is D-ALPH. The aircraft will not receive the ex-LX seats, but rather go from the old recliner seats straight to the EY type seats. This will happen by the end of this year.

All 11 of the A332 planes with J will receive the EY seats, but I was not given an expected completion date for the project.


I will update if I receive more information. Many thanks to AB for their time and effort.

Would it be a good assumption that LAX-DUS and DUS-LAX will have the new J seats come April? Is there anyway to guarantee it via seat maps?

I have received an email from the AB communications department with some information about the new J seats.

Of the 12 A332 aircraft in the AB fleet:

- 10 have the ex-LX seats installed
- 1 has been converted to all economy and flies mid-haul flights
- 1 still has the old recliner seats.

The email did not specifically state which aircraft has the old seats, but I will assume bobberle101 is correct in that it is D-ALPH. The aircraft will not receive the ex-LX seats, but rather go from the old recliner seats straight to the EY type seats. This will happen by the end of this year.

All 11 of the A332 planes with J will receive the EY seats, but I was not given an expected completion date for the project.


I will update if I receive more information. Many thanks to AB for their time and effort.

Would it be a good assumption that LAX-DUS and DUS-LAX will have the new J seats come April? Is there anyway to guarantee it via seat maps?

The flight shoud almost certainly have the ex-LX seat by then. My rough guess would be 2-3 planes might have the EY seats by then.

Hillrider was so kind to share a screen from Amadeus system. It seems EY config will also fly US:

4G*AB7393J26JUNSFODUS«
AUTH-299 332
0 - SFO 1 - DUS
NO SMOKING-SFODUS
A C D G H K
1 I * * * * I 1
2 I * * * * I 2
3 I * * * * I 3
4 I * * I 4
A C D G H K

AVAIL NO SMK: * BLOCK : / LEAST PREF: U BULKHEAD: BHD
AVAIL SMKING: - PREMIUM: Q UPPER DECK: J EXIT ROW: X
SEAT TAKEN: . WING: W PAID : P LAVATORY: LAV GALLEY: GAL
PREF ACCESS LAV: PAL DOOR: DOR SCREEN: SCR CLOSET: CLS
PREF ACCESS:H BASSINET:B LEGROOM:L UMNR:M REARFACE:@

So I've booked AB flights DUS-CUR and back next April in J. My main goal in posting is to make sure I won't end up with "recliner" type seats - I have a back problem which is why I travel long haul in J. Looking at the seat maps I see:

[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.7/Diamond - Amadeus Seat Map: 02 Apr 2013/AB 7408/DUS-CUR//C-Business] (http://www.KVSTool.com/)
A C | D G | H K
1 - + + + + -
2 - + - - + -
3 - + + + + -
4 + +

[+] Available [W] Wing [L] Lavatory
[-] Unavailable [E] Exit Row [U] Upper Deck
[P] Preferred [|] Aisle


on the way out and

[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.7/Diamond - Amadeus Seat Map: 09 Apr 2013/AB 7409/CUR-DUS//C-Business] (http://www.KVSTool.com/)
A C | D G | H K
1 - - + + + -
2 - + - - + -
3 - + + + + -
4 + +

[+] Available [W] Wing [L] Lavatory
[-] Unavailable [E] Exit Row [U] Upper Deck
[P] Preferred [|] Aisle


on the way back. So, either all the window seats are already reserved, or there are only four seats per row indicating the newest seats. Is that possible?

Thanks,

-simon

So I've booked AB flights DUS-CUR and back next April in J. My main goal in posting is to make sure I won't end up with "recliner" type seats - I have a back problem which is why I travel long haul in J. Looking at the seat maps I see:I think you're seeing the same map I saw on the GDS and reported on in post 58 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19404018-post58.html), except that the "I"-marked seats are considered as occupied.

I've never seen "I"-marked seats before and "I" is not listed in the legend; have no clue what AB means with the "I".

I followed up a tip that it may be the seatmap for EY-seats, but EY does name its seats differently according to whether they're next to the window or aisle (for the outer rows), or are next to each other or not (for the center rows): this is how they look like on their 332s:4G*EY8J15NOVFRAAUH«
AUTH-262 332
0 - FRA 1 - AUH
NO SMOKING-FRAAUH
A C D E F G H K
5 / B . . / B 5
6 . * * * 6
7 * * * . 7
8 . / / * 8
9 . * . . 9
10 . . 10
A C D E F G H K

AVAIL NO SMK: * BLOCK : / LEAST PREF: U BULKHEAD: BHD
AVAIL SMKING: - PREMIUM: Q UPPER DECK: J EXIT ROW: X
SEAT TAKEN: . WING: W PAID : P LAVATORY: LAV GALLEY: GAL
PREF ACCESS LAV: PAL DOOR: DOR SCREEN: SCR CLOSET: CLS
PREF ACCESS:H BASSINET:B LEGROOM:L UMNR:M REARFACE:@

So now is the EY J being used for LAX or AUH?

So I've booked AB flights DUS-CUR and back next April in J. My main goal in posting is to make sure I won't end up with "recliner" type seats - I have a back problem which is why I travel long haul in J. Looking at the seat maps I see:

[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.7/Diamond - Amadeus Seat Map: 02 Apr 2013/AB 7408/DUS-CUR//C-Business] (http://www.KVSTool.com/)
A C | D G | H K
1 - + + + + -
2 - + - - + -
3 - + + + + -
4 + +

[+] Available [W] Wing [L] Lavatory
[-] Unavailable [E] Exit Row [U] Upper Deck
[P] Preferred [|] Aisle


on the way out and

[KVS Availability Tool 7.0.7/Diamond - Amadeus Seat Map: 09 Apr 2013/AB 7409/CUR-DUS//C-Business] (http://www.KVSTool.com/)
A C | D G | H K
1 - - + + + -
2 - + - - + -
3 - + + + + -
4 + +

[+] Available [W] Wing [L] Lavatory
[-] Unavailable [E] Exit Row [U] Upper Deck
[P] Preferred [|] Aisle


on the way back. So, either all the window seats are already reserved, or there are only four seats per row indicating the newest seats. Is that possible?

Thanks,

-simon

That looks like the angled lie-flat config to me. You might be able to get a window seat by calling AB. Seat availability is seemingly not always correctly reflected on AMA seatmaps. Try checking the seatmap on airberlin.com with a dummy booking, this has given me different results than AMA a number of times.

Seat availability is seemingly not always correctly reflected on AMA seatmaps. Try checking the seatmap on airberlin.com with a dummy booking, this has given me different results than AMA a number of times.Doesn't AB use Amadeus Altéa for its PSS (passenger service system)?

That looks like the angled lie-flat config to me. You might be able to get a window seat by calling AB. Seat availability is seemingly not always correctly reflected on seatmaps. Try checking the seatmap on airberlin.com with a dummy booking, this has given me different results than a number of times.

Rats! Having said that, I've looked at the video on airberlin.com, and at least it's going to let me stretch out. Probably won't be comfortable for sleeping...but a hell of a lot more comfortable than economy!

AB newest A332 D-ABXC just started active flying. today coming back from Calgary (!)
It has 26 C seats, shattering hopes for comfy business class:
http://www.meridiana.it/cms/deploy/1/IGGJ_Documenti/IT/SeatMap/A330-SeatMap.pdf

AB newest A332 D-ABXC just started active flying. today coming back from Calgary (!)
It has 26 C seats, shattering hopes for comfy business class:
http://www.meridiana.it/cms/deploy/1/IGGJ_Documenti/IT/SeatMap/A330-SeatMap.pdf

Is this plane new to AB? I didn't realize they were adding more A332s.

The seat map you link is from Meridiana Fly.

Is there a reason you think that AB willl use their C seats for any length of time?

Why would an AB plane go to YYC for one day? Or is it staying there for a while?

I suppose they could do refits there, but that would surprise me especially as their ex-LX seats were installed in Germany.

Doesn't AB use Amadeus Altéa for its PSS (passenger service system)?
Yes, they do, but I still do notice some differences in seat availability comparing AMA (or CMT) to the AB website. A number of window seats often show as occupied on AMA while you can assign them on AB.com or thru their call center just fine.

I spoke with a CSR on the phone yesterday to get a seat assignment and asked about the "new new" C. He said they will be starting to install it by the end of the year. They do not seem to have any information on when the "new new" product is going to be installed on all planes.

The seat map you link is from Meridiana Fly.
yes. that is the machine.
Have a look at their config:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Eurofly/Airbus-A330-223/1077369/M/

Dont know if they changed the board product. But I truly hope for.

yes. that is the machine.
Have a look at their config:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Eurofly/Airbus-A330-223/1077369/M/

Dont know if they changed the board product. But I truly hope for.

It seems that plane has just started flying, but AB has had it for a few months. It went to Calgary for a military charter.

As they have had enough time to paint it etc. I would be very surprised if they kept the old Meridiana seats, but I have no confirmation.

The question is whether they put the ex-LX seats or the EY-type seats on it.

This may mean nothing, but it is worth noting that D-ALPH has been in DUS since the 13th.

With any luck the plane is getting the EY-type seats.

This may mean nothing, but it is worth noting that D-ALPH has been in DUS since the 13th.

With any luck the plane is getting the EY-type seats.

D-ALPH has started flying again after 16 days in DUS.


Has anyone flown it or heard anything about its J seats?

The PH has been refitted with refurbished LX seats.

Now only the PA and PF are left over, with old recliners. They are mainly used on caribbean routes.

The PH has been refitted with refurbished LX seats.

Now only the PA and PF are left over, with old recliners. They are mainly used on caribbean routes.

I am confused.

Didn't you post in this thread that D-ALPA has no C cabin at all and that D-ALPF already has the ex-LX seats?

the PA has been equiped with old C cabin since November. Probably needed for longhauls.

D-ABXA - 29.12.2011 / C20Y274
D-ABXB - 03.04.2012 / C20Y274
D-ABXC - 13.11.2012 / C26Y260 (old Meridianafly seats till Q2 2013)
D-ALPA - 01.11.2012 / C24Y279 (old seats till Jan13)
D-ALPB - 12.08.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPC - 21.09.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPD - 23.02.2012 / C20Y279 (first to get EY seats mid-december)
D-ALPE - 15.03.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPF - old seats / C24Y279
D-ALPG - 24.05.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPH - 29.11.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPI - 11.02.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPJ - 04.05.2012 / C20Y279

the PA has been equiped with old C cabin since November. Probably needed for longhauls.

D-ABXA - 29.12.2011 / C20Y274
D-ABXB - 03.04.2012 / C20Y274
D-ABXC - 13.11.2012 / C26Y260 (old Meridianafly seats till Q2 2013)
D-ALPA - 01.11.2012 / C24Y279 (old seats till Jan13)
D-ALPB - 12.08.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPC - 21.09.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPD - 23.02.2012 / C20Y279 (first to get EY seats mid-december)
D-ALPE - 15.03.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPF - old seats / C24Y279
D-ALPG - 24.05.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPH - 29.11.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPI - 11.02.2012 / C20Y279
D-ALPJ - 04.05.2012 / C20Y279

Why do ABXA and ABXB have 5 fewer Y seats? But on the other hand, it looks like the ex-Meridianafly bird has a better seat pitch in Y.

http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Airbus/A330/288,D-ABXA-Air-Berlin.php
http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Airbus/A330/322,D-ABXB-Air-Berlin.php

both seem to be the oldest ladies on the fleet. maybe due to cabin design/bulkheads/gallies. at the moment only one ex Meridianafly, other one ferried for paint at the moment.

D-ALPD is the first plane equipped with the EY style business class seats (Sogerma Solstys). It first flew on 30/12/12, DUS-AUH.

http://www.airberlingroup.com/en/press/pressreleases/2013/01/03-The-new-airberlin-Business-Class

D-ALPD is the first plane equipped with the EY style business class seats (Sogerma Solstys). It first flew on 30/12/12, DUS-AUH.

http://www.airberlingroup.com/en/press/pressreleases/2013/01/03-The-new-airberlin-Business-Class


^^

D-ALPD is the first plane equipped with the EY style business class seats (Sogerma Solstys). It first flew on 30/12/12, DUS-AUH.

http://www.airberlingroup.com/en/press/pressreleases/2013/01/03-The-new-airberlin-Business-Class

So it seems to be the older EY product. Which is not bad, but slightly tighter than their latest product (which is usually deployed to DUS for instance).

Returned from DUS to LAX Business class yesterday in what we had hoped would be an upgraded 330. This was not the case. The whole experience could be summarized in one word: mediocre. Until we can be assured of the upgraded equipment, we'll probably stay with AA DFW-FRA (new planes reportedly on schedule). United's Business class SFO-FRA over left a lot to be desired but was still a few degrees above AB. Why can't we get Cathay or Singapore to operate these routes? Now there's a superior package.

SQ does operate JFK-FRA

SQ does operate JFK-FRA

And IAH-DME, but no premium class award seats.
The only reason I'm considering is AB is TATL OW with Avios w/o YQ.

Looking at DUS-JFK on Feb 17.

Noticed that Y begins row 6 instead of 14. I guess this is D-ABXC since the seat map shows 260 seats.

The AB330 my wife and I flew DUS-LAX on JAN 02 did have the fully reclinable seats in Business. We were seated in 3 HK. The two Row 3 middle seats were draped off as crew rest reats during 90% of the flight. The service was satisfactory. Menu entrees were limited to marinated chicken filets in an orange-honey sauce, beef brisket in a horseradish sauce, prawns marinated in lime juice in hollandaise sauce with pasta and spinach, and creamy pumpkin risotto with leek topping garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds. Dessert was either tete de Maine pepper cheese or Cappuccino Cherry tart. There was also a cold meal offering. Next time, we think we'll try Lufthansa or Air France.

Returned from DUS to LAX Business class yesterday in what we had hoped would be an upgraded 330. This was not the case. The whole experience could be summarized in one word: mediocre. Until we can be assured of the upgraded equipment,[...]

EY has only given cash to AB to retrofit a few aircraft which will feed the Germany - AUH traffic. The remaining aircraft will continue to have the recently installed former Swiss business seat, so don't get your hopes up high!

EY has only given cash to AB to retrofit a few aircraft which will feed the Germany - AUH traffic. The remaining aircraft will continue to have the recently installed former Swiss business seat, so don't get your hopes up high!

Are you sure? Is that a new plan?

From what I was told from a contact at AB, the current plan is to install the EY seats on all planes with J, but no finish date has been set. As I understand it, what you are saying was the plan, but not anymore. However, I have not reconfirmed this information for a few months.




For those interested, AB posted a YouTube video of their plane being refitted with the EY seats:

AB video of EY seats being installed (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12N8Uu_5onQ)

AB video of ex-LX seats being installed (with interviews in German) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKmcYPLPgTk&sns=em)



There is also a page on airberlin.com that shows where the plane with the EY seats will fly. So far, it seems to only fly to/from AUH (not surprisingly).

AB page with schedule for plane with EY seats (http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng)

There is also a page on airberlin.com that shows where the plane with the EY seats will fly. So far, it seems to only fly to/from AUH (not surprisingly).

AB page with schedule for plane with EY seats (http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng)

It is scheduled to fly to LAX tomorrow, so there is a chance elsewhere as well...

It is scheduled to fly to LAX tomorrow, so there is a chance elsewhere as well...
If it was to regularly fly to LAX i'd actually consider flying OW to Europe...but it's hard to predict if it will be running to LAX very commonly.

I just booked an award ticket on AB from MIA-DUS in September. The seat map is showing the new staggered configuration.

Not sure why they would show the seat map like this if there were no plans to deploy it to this route.

Flying back TXL-MIA and it shows the old seat map.

On airberlin.com I am not seeing the staggered seat map on direct flights from MIA-DUS when I searched for a few dates. Where are you seeing that seat map?

Flight I booked was 28 September.

It just strikes me as odd that they would have it loaded. I would think they would stick with the old configuration until the flight gets closer and they know a little more about the timeline of getting the planes configured.

I am not holding my breath. I expect to have the old seats and will just feel lucky if I get the new flat beds.

Flight I booked was 28 September.

It just strikes me as odd that they would have it loaded. I would think they would stick with the old configuration until the flight gets closer and they know a little more about the timeline of getting the planes configured.

I am not holding my breath. I expect to have the old seats and will just feel lucky if I get the new flat beds.

If AB thinks they will have the planes ready, I think it makes sense to load whatever seat map is most likely to be flying that flight. But as you say it could easily change.

Here are the screen shots from airberlin.com and ExpertFlyer for that flight:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8369986565_7022218a36_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84450064@N05/8369986565/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8369986593_bf5af524f3_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84450064@N05/8369986593/)

Dang, I'm flying on the 26th of September and they do not have the new seat map loaded for that date.

looks like expedia.com has got the new seat map for the above flight

I noticed the flight on the RSW-DUS route on 9/26 has the new configuration as well. It's interesting because I could not find any other flights on this route with that configuration. I switched my flight to this one so hopefully the config sticks!

any news on when the rest are getting a refit?

Where's these frickin planes?? Less than 2 weeks till my AUH trip, and still no updated seat map.

Edit: Never mind, just noticed that they are only doing DUS-AUH at the moment. Damn shame. I'm on TXL-AUH.

The plane can change literally last minute. I just flew back on FEB 17 in DUS-JFK in econ.

For the past 60 days, the seatmap reflected the one ex-Meridanafly a330-200 aircraft where econ began row 6 instead of 14. About 48 hours prior to departure, the seatmap was changed to reflect that of a regular a330-200 which was what was use to operate.

Good luck to those with the new J aircraft but be prepare if AB does a last minute swap.

so is the lax-dus flight going to get the new seats anytime in the future?

I have a business award for two booked on the new AA 77W J lax-lhr, but if AB has lie-flat 1-2-1 as well I'd rather do that and save the $250 PP rt in LHR/BA taxes/fees.

Does anyone have updates on how retrofitting is going?

Does anyone have updates on how retrofitting is going?

I don't know if they have installed the seats on a second plane yet. The AB page that shows where the new J seats are flying still only has one plane's worth of flights on it, so that suggests that only one plane has the new seats.

Hopefully AB doesn't take the LH pace for adding new J seats (or even worse, BA new F).

Looks like they have added a 2nd plane. Next few days one plane is doing DUS-AUH and the other is doing TXL-AUH-HKT.

http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng

Looks like they have added a 2nd plane. Next few days one plane is doing DUS-AUH and the other is doing TXL-AUH-HKT.

http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng

Nice to see the second one is flying.

Take a look at this nice trip report of AB J:

AB J trip report on FlyerTalk (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1451371-photo-trip-report-review-airberlin-jfk-dus-business-class.html)


It sure looks like those seats are old recliners. The trip report is apparently from a week ago. I didn't realize AB was still flying recliners in J. If true, it seems pretty pathetic to have flights with recliners, angled lie-flats and fully-flat seats, but only be displaying the newest model of seats on their website.

Nice to see the second one is flying.

Take a look at this nice trip report of AB J:

AB J trip report on FlyerTalk (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1451371-photo-trip-report-review-airberlin-jfk-dus-business-class.html)


It sure looks like those seats are old recliners. The trip report is apparently from a week ago. I didn't realize AB was still flying recliners in J. If true, it seems pretty pathetic to have flights with recliners, angled lie-flats and fully-flat seats, but only be displaying the newest model of seats on their website.

Those seats look like the old AB seats to me as well. The new (old LX) seats are cloth aren't they. These were definitely dark blue leather ones. Isn't there one old AB configured plane left as well as the ex Meridiana one?

Those seats look like the old AB seats to me as well. The new (old LX) seats are cloth aren't they. These were definitely dark blue leather ones. Isn't there one old AB configured plane left as well as the ex Meridiana one?

FANJET is right, on these pictures are the old-old (ex LTU) seats, but to my memory also the new-old seats (Swiss) have leather.
To my knowledge the second aircraft with the completely new (EY) seats are now in operation, whilst two aircraft also still have the old-old (LTU/Meridiana) seating.

Well, we fly DUS-CUR tomorrow...how do I tell what seats we have? Frankly, if it's the old meridian-fly seats, I think I'd prefer to cancel - my back won't be able to take not being flat for that amount of time. This whole situation is bloody irritating, am really regretting choosing AB Business Class now.

Here's the seat map from check-in - four rows of Business in 2-2-2 formation. Is that the old ex-LX angled lie flat seat or the horrible meridian seat?

http://i49.tinypic.com/2j67a5s.png

Is there some way to work out which aircraft will be flying the route tomorrow?

-simon

Well, we fly DUS-CUR tomorrow...how do I tell what seats we have? Frankly, if it's the old meridian-fly seats, I think I'd prefer to cancel - my back won't be able to take not being flat for that amount of time. This whole situation is bloody irritating, am really regretting choosing AB Business Class now.

Here's the seat map from check-in - four rows of Business in 2-2-2 formation. Is that the old ex-LX angled lie flat seat or the horrible meridian seat?
Is there some way to work out which aircraft will be flying the route tomorrow?

-simon

It could be either, the LX seats, the one aircraft with old LTU seats or the IG one.
On the two German forums some guys know where to find the aircraft planned for your flight, unfortunately I can't help you on that.
But believe me: the LX ones are bearable and the good service will hopefully reward your bravery. I am used to club world also, seating and entertainment offer are sadly not comparable, but service is slightly better.

*sigh* ok I guess we take the risk. Flying to DUS today then...keep your fingers crossed for me! Many thanks.

so i call AA Explat for baggage allowance on AB and they tell me it 2 bags for coach, however AB insists its only 1 w/ emerald. I look here its 1, what is chance of them bending the rules?

Well, we ended up on D-ALPI, with the ex-LX angled lie-flat. The angle is pretty bad, maybe 140 degrees (I actually don't remember Swiss being *quite* this sharp an angle!), but great for a daytime flight and I'm sure it will be OK for night time as well. My back isn't complaining at all, which was my main worry - and I'm writing this from the beach :-)

A few notes on the flight - the service was simply superb, it was really nice to have them recognise OneWorld Emerald and they did treat us very well indeed! The IFE was pretty good, the food was good, and they made all the other passengers wait while Business Class left the plane (which meant being at the front of a surprisingly big queue). All in all, a good experience.

Now I just hope that we get the same kind of seats on the way back, and not the recliners!

so i call AA Explat for baggage allowance on AB and they tell me it 2 bags for coach, however AB insists its only 1 w/ emerald. I look here its 1, what is chance of them bending the rules?

Maybe there was a miscommunication. AB has always allowed 1 free bag for every Y passenger. I belive sapphire and emerald get that raised to 2 free bags total. Maybe they thought that you meant 2 additional free bags on top of the standard 1.

Just a correction.

Y passengers intra Europe on "Just Fly" fares pay for checked baggage. And the free extra checked bag only applies to OW Emerald, not Sapphire.

so i call AA Explat for baggage allowance on AB and they tell me it 2 bags for coach, however AB insists its only 1 w/ emerald. I look here its 1, what is chance of them bending the rules?

One extra bag (or +20kg) has recently become a published benefit for all oneworld Emerald members, see here: http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/emerald-privileges/.

My TXL->LAX flight in Sept appears to have been switched to the new biz seats. airberlin's website now shows it as 6 rows with every other seat occupied. It looks more sane on rj.com, which I used to pick a seat I thought I'd like better than the one AB moved me to as part of the change. I didn't find any seat reviews anywhere, and the one website I found with a representative seatmap seems to have an extra row.

One extra bag (or +20kg) has recently become a published benefit for all oneworld Emerald members, see here: http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/emerald-privileges/.

thanks,
really wish i found this earlier, had to leave one bag at the hotel, called airberlin 3 times and told NO each time. Called AA explat and told yes but they could not find it for me.
you guys are great, too bad it was too late.
AB csr annoying

Well, we ended up on D-ALPI, with the ex-LX angled lie-flat. The angle is pretty bad, maybe 140 degrees (I actually don't remember Swiss being *quite* this sharp an angle!), but great for a daytime flight and I'm sure it will be OK for night time as well. My back isn't complaining at all, which was my main worry - and I'm writing this from the beach :-)

A few notes on the flight - the service was simply superb, it was really nice to have them recognise OneWorld Emerald and they did treat us very well indeed! The IFE was pretty good, the food was good, and they made all the other passengers wait while Business Class left the plane (which meant being at the front of a surprisingly big queue). All in all, a good experience.

Now I just hope that we get the same kind of seats on the way back, and not the recliners!

You can identify the Meridana birds by the seat map in Econ. If Econ doesn't start with row 14, it is Meridana.

Now I just hope that we get the same kind of seats on the way back, and not the recliners!

According to some German forums the only A332 of AB that does not have the former LX or EY seats in business class yet is D-ALPA. And according to flightaware D-ALPA has not flown since March 15th. So, hopefully it currently gets new seats as well. Thus, the risk of not getting the LX or EY seats should be pretty low by now.

According to some German forums the only A332 of AB that does not have the former LX or EY seats in business class yet is D-ALPA. And according to flightaware D-ALPA has not flown since March 15th. So, hopefully it currently gets new seats as well. Thus, the risk of not getting the LX or EY seats should be pretty low by now.

That would be good news. D-ALPA flew the JFK-DUS route on March 15th, which would seem to match with the trip report I linked to, so hopefully that is the only plane with the old, old seats and is being refitted now.

According to some German forums the only A332 of AB that does not have the former LX or EY seats in business class yet is D-ALPA. And according to flightaware D-ALPA has not flown since March 15th. So, hopefully it currently gets new seats as well. Thus, the risk of not getting the LX or EY seats should be pretty low by now.

The one I'm worried about is D-ABXC - the old meridianfly seats, which look very much like recliner type seats rather than high angle lie flat...

We'll see when I check in tomorrow I guess. Will be so sad to leave this place, I'll be unhappy whatever bird we get! Although we're connecting through to Zurich to go skiing so I suppose I shouldn't complain :-)

According to some German forums the only A332 of AB that does not have the former LX or EY seats in business class yet is D-ALPA. And according to flightaware D-ALPA has not flown since March 15th. So, hopefully it currently gets new seats as well. Thus, the risk of not getting the LX or EY seats should be pretty low by now.

What about D-ALPF? That still had the original LTU seats on them at the end of the year.

Looks like D-ABXA (http://planefinder.net/data/airplanes/D-ABXA) is on its way over here at the moment, so all is good :-). Not looking forward to angled lie-flat on red-eye, but a billion times better than the ex-meridianfly seats!

Travelled on D-ALPD with the "new" fully flat (EY) seats yesterday. Very nice to have the flat bed, AUH-TXL.

One question; are these seats really brand new? Or more likely (??) EY cast-off's that have been refurbished for AB. I strongly suspect the latter ;)

What about D-ALPF? That still had the original LTU seats on them at the end of the year.

D-ALPF was the 2nd aircraft to get the newest business seats. It came back into service on March 23rd with them, after not flying for just over a month.

Are we sure that D-ABXC is still using the old Meridiana seats? It is currently flying DUS-PUJ, and when I look at the return on ExpertFlyer, it shows a seat layout with 20 in J and with Economy starting in row 14 (but only 260 economy seats).

Is this a mistake on Expert Flyer or did they convert this plane to the old, new J at some point?

Are we sure that D-ABXC is still using the old Meridiana seats? It is currently flying DUS-PUJ, and when I look at the return on ExpertFlyer, it shows a seat layout with 20 in J and with Economy starting in row 14 (but only 260 economy seats).

Is this a mistake on Expert Flyer or did they convert this plane to the old, new J at some point?

D-ABXC does not have the old Meridiana seats anymore. Has been converted to the 20 seat layout with the Swiss seats.

D-ABXC does not have the old Meridiana seats anymore. Has been converted to the 20 seat layout with the Swiss seats.

Then that means all 332s have been redone in J. And that two of them have the lie-flat EY seats. Does this also mean that all Y cabins have been redone as well, or is the ex-Meridiana bird still flying with the old 260 Y seats that it came with? Also, does AB plan on eventually re-doing their 333s to be like the 332s? They have the range to do Germany- eastern U.S. flights.

Then that means all 332s have been redone in J. And that two of them have the lie-flat EY seats. Does this also mean that all Y cabins have been redone as well, or is the ex-Meridiana bird still flying with the old 260 Y seats that it came with? Also, does AB plan on eventually re-doing their 333s to be like the 332s? They have the range to do Germany- eastern U.S. flights.

All 332s have at least the ex-Swiss Business, with two having the EY full-flat seats. All 332s have the new Y seats. AB does no longer operate 333s, they were among the older ones out there being delivered in 1996. Two are flying for Hi-Fly (Portugal) and one for I-Fly (Russia).

Travelled on D-ALPD with the "new" fully flat (EY) seats yesterday. Very nice to have the flat bed, AUH-TXL.

One question; are these seats really brand new? Or more likely (??) EY cast-off's that have been refurbished for AB. I strongly suspect the latter ;)

One question; are these seats really brand new? Or more likely (??) EY cast-off's that have been refurbished for AB. I strongly suspect the latter.

Anyone? :)

Looks like D-ALPA is back in service after more than a month. It should now be the 3rd plane with the new EY seats.

Looks like my July DUS JFK have the new config as well.

I might fly AB from TXL-ORD on may 29. Anyone know how likely I am to have new J? Does anyone know of a good TR on AB J either new or old?

Looks like my July DUS JFK have the new config as well.

Yep on some dates.

I might fly AB from TXL-ORD on may 29. Anyone know how likely I am to have new J? Does anyone know of a good TR on AB J either new or old?

Currently, AB has the ex-LX seats assigned to that flight. That, of course, could change.

Read this thread and also looked at seatguru.

Not sure I am clear about new lie-flat and angle-lie-flat seats on this TXL-JFK route for end of May.

Can someone please clarify?

(seatguru clains it to be lie-flat but posters here seem to indicate "old LX style")

TIA

Read this thread and also looked at seatguru.

Not sure I am clear about new lie-flat and angle-lie-flat seats on this TXL-JFK route for end of May.

Can someone please clarify?

(seatguru clains it to be lie-flat but posters here seem to indicate "old LX style")

TIA

It could either be the angled lie-flat seats (ex-LX) or the fully-flat seats (like Etihad has).

If you check AB or ExpertFlyer, it will show what seats are set to be on that flight.

This is awesome news. Makes me more willing to fly into DUS.

Seatguru doesn't have the new layout, and the AB website shows the new layout as if half the seats are full, though you can tell be the number of rows in business class (4 vs 6). The closest map I've found is the following but it's not completely correct either.

http://www.seatplans.com/airlines/Air-Berlin/seatplans/A330-200-(2)

What happened to the seating on D-ALPG? It was out of service for almost 4 weeks, and I thought it was getting the new EY seats. But is has now come back and is only flying routes within Europe.

Did it get fitted in some sort of all-Coach configuration?
Did it get the new EY seats, but they needed the extra capacity short term within Europe?

D-ALPG is currently inbound HAM and will be flying back to PMI later this evening. I just looked up the seatmap of AB9234 HAM-PMI departing 06MAY - tonight - and it shows the new staggered business class ^ Apparently they need the extra capacity on certain routes. With the completion of Papa Golf this makes a total of 4 refitted aircraft. I wonder why they do not include this one in their "follow the new business class" timetable on the website though.

I'm thinking of flying AB7000 10/6 but not sure how to read seatmap. I *think* expertflyer/seatguru is showing the old map but not sure.

Even if not, any confidence that DUS-MIA will have new J by early October?

I don't think seatguru has the new seat map available yet. You could try checking on the airberlin website. If the seatmap for the flight on there has 6 rows in business class, it is the new configuration.

I don't think seatguru has the new seat map available yet. You could try checking on the airberlin website. If the seatmap for the flight on there has 6 rows in business class, it is the new configuration.


Just 4 :(

I'm thinking of flying AB7000 10/6 but not sure how to read seatmap. I *think* expertflyer/seatguru is showing the old map but not sure.

Even if not, any confidence that DUS-MIA will have new J by early October?

That flight has the old ex-LX seats. This could easily change, but at this time AB thinks the flight will be operated with the older seats.

The new seat map is easy to see on ExpertFlyer. There is a screen shot of it upthread.

That flight has the old ex-LX seats. This could easily change, but at this time AB thinks the flight will be operated with the older seats.

The new seat map is easy to see on ExpertFlyer. There is a screen shot of it upthread.

Thank you for your help. Let's hope it changes.

Looks like they just swap back to the old equipment on my JUL DUS-JFK J flight.

D-ALPH has just come out of the shop, and is currently on its maiden flight with the new business class seats. So, that now makes 5 upgraded aircraft out of 13.

Unfortunately, I don't believe any other aircraft are being worked on at the moment, so it may be awhile before any of the remaining 8 get the new seats.

To my information a second A332 has joined the fleet from ID and will be used in all-economy on the shorter leisure routes.

Hello ,
I'm new on this site and I fly with AB on 22 May DUS-JFK. I read here that there is an aircraft ( D ABXC (ex meridiana)) with cabin with tiny screens in economy. Do I have the chance to fly on board of this aircraft or is it now fitted with the new economy cabin?
Thanks for your answers.

Hello ,
I'm new on this site and I fly with AB on 22 May DUS-JFK. I read here that there is an aircraft ( D ABXC (ex meridiana)) with cabin with tiny screens in economy. Do I have the chance to fly on board of this aircraft or is it now fitted with the new economy cabin?
Thanks for your answers.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/DABXC/history/20130115/1245Z/EDDL/KJFK

Looks like lately D-ABXC does intra-european flights, but it has done JFK-DUS in the past.

Thanks for your answer. Do you know if D ABXC has a new interior in Y?Do all the A330 have a new interior in Y?

Can anyone verify that fl. 7430 and 7431 in the lax-dus market is now equipped with the new business class. It does indicate so on their website but I put more faith in FT. Thanks

Can anyone verify that fl. 7430 and 7431 in the lax-dus market is now equipped with the new business class. It does indicate so on their website but I put more faith in FT. Thanks

It depends on the days you are flying. There is no accurate listing of all the flights with the new business class. The listing on airberlin's site has not been updated to account for the new business class that has been installed on D-ALPG and D-ALPH, but it does show the flights being operated by D-ALPA, D-ALPD, and D-ALPF over the next few days.

If your flights are more than a couple days out you can check the seatmap on Airberlin's site or ExpertFlyer, but they swap aircraft pretty frequently so there is no guarantee what aircraft will operate your flight.

maizenblue07, thanks for the info. Not leaving till late Oct this year.

Hello, I've made a reservation for AUH-DUS on flight AB7461 traveling early January 2014 and the seat map for my flight on the AB website is showing 4 rows of Business in a 2-2-2 configuration. Am I right in thinking this is the old seat style and not the new EY style? As this route is a code share with EY are AB likely to amend this with a revised seat plan in due course?

Hello, I've made a reservation for AUH-DUS on flight AB7461 traveling early January 2014 and the seat map for my flight on the AB website is showing 4 rows of Business in a 2-2-2 configuration. Am I right in thinking this is the old seat style and not the new EY style? As this route is a code share with EY are AB likely to amend this with a revised seat plan in due course?

It is the old style right now, but if you look at the link below where AB is flying with the New Business class flights

http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng

keep in mind as mentioned above right now they aren't tracking two of the 332's which have outfitted with the new seats.

It is the old style right now, but if you look at the link below where AB is flying with the New Business class flights

http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng

keep in mind as mentioned above right now they aren't tracking of of the 332's which have outfitted with the new seats.

Thanks for the info. I guess my thought process behind this is one of "if EY have made the investment into the AB business class product in order for it to be more consistent with its own hard product on routes on which AB codeshares (namely AUH-TXL and AUH-DUS) then will EY (as investor) not be concerned that AB aren't operating the EY J configured 332's on the routes for which the investment was intended?"

I guess the LX J product isn't going to be THAT bad, especially on a day flight. I just find it surprising that AB choose not to deploy the EY J configured aircraft on the routes to which I'm sure there will be some kind of contractual obligation to operate them on. To put it another way I know the situation now as an AB pax having read this thread from beginning to end but the poor guy who pays out AED10600 one way under the codeshare flight number on the EY website is going to be kicking off big time as the LX J product is inferior to the EY J product and may possibly have no idea until he steps on board.

Hello,
I fly tomorrow(22/05) DUS-JFK , AB 7450. Can you tell me if it will be a new business class cabin . It doesn't appear on the website list but on the seat map on AB website it appears that there will be 6 rows in business.
Does the D ABXC have a new business cabin. I hope I won't fly with this bird.
Thanks

Hello,
I fly tomorrow(22/05) DUS-JFK , AB 7450. Can you tell me if it will be a new business class cabin . It doesn't appear on the website list but on the seat map on AB website it appears that there will be 6 rows in business.
Does the D ABXC have a new business cabin. I hope I won't fly with this bird.
Thanks

If it has 6 rows of business seats and economy starts at row 14 it is a new business class plane, but it could still be swapped at the last moment for another plane.

Does anyone know when AB is going to be completely finished with the upgrade?

I'm looking for a MIA->DUS or MIA->TXL flight all the way in the summer of 2014. I was just getting my points together for it, and was trying to determine if I should take AB or Iberia. (connecting to Italy)

IB has the lay-flat seats, and I would take that if I can't guarantee the lay flat on AB. I would rather take AB if it had lay flat.

Thanks.

Does anyone know when AB is going to be completely finished with the upgrade?


I doubt they will convert more than a sixth aircraft before the main travel season and hopefully the remainder (in case they will really convert all, because for the summer season they are changing at least one back to all economy for the Mallorca flights) in fall until the end of the year.

It is the old style right now, but if you look at the link below where AB is flying with the New Business class flights

http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/schedule_alpd.php?LANG=eng

keep in mind as mentioned above right now they aren't tracking two of the 332's which have outfitted with the new seats.

If it has 6 rows of business seats and economy starts at row 14 it is a new business class plane, but it could still be swapped at the last moment for another plane.
Hmmm. Except at that link it shows TXL-ORD with the new configuration 5/25 & 26, and on AB.com for my flight in July it shows 4 rows & economy starts at 14. Still no definitive confirmation.