Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX NEW Y Good/Bad??

Is CX new Y really that bad?
Almost everyone flying on it complained they had back problems because of the "shell seats".
How about the entertaiment ?
Are there footrest ?

How does it feel when turbulence hits your plane ?

Does the food tray slides from the side or come down from the seat infront of you like the old Y?

Looking forward to your suggestions from anyone espically people who flew it before :)

I have llown it on the LHR - HKG (and vice versa) route a few times. Always in the first bulkhead row (30 & 31), there it's at least bearable. In other rows the IFE box might limit pitch?

IFE is the normal brilliant CX standard and snacks and refreshments are available in the front galley as well.

i never had any better experience on Y other than the CX new Y. I love it.
it is superior to old Y (those on A346, which they claimed they were the "newer" old Y), also superior to AA, BA, VS Y seats.
sorry my mileage is not sufficient to bring other airline's Y seat into the comparison as well

done it on the LHR and LAX sector out of HKG a few times and it's not that bad. Compared to Y on other flights for this sector I wont complain. It's been decent and like any other economy. Of course the AVOD inflight Ent. is good and food it decent, after all, being in Y you gotta expect this.

Given the choice of any airline in Y long haul, i'd say this is one of the best options to choose from.....(in terms of the New Y)

Find it way better than the old Y seats. IFE is one of the best for many airlines
food it ok, sometimes options run out, but kind of expected...overall, quite like it

i never had any better experience on Y other than the CX new Y. I love it.
it is superior to old Y (those on A346, which they claimed they were the "newer" old Y), also superior to AA, BA, VS Y seats.
sorry my mileage is not sufficient to bring other airline's Y seat into the comparison as well

totally agree:D The new Y is the best Y I have ever flown.Don't know if the seats are comfortable for sleeping because I have only tried them on short haul flights.

The newer old Ys which you can find them in some 330s & 777s are quite comfortable too.It looks like SQ's NY(never tried).It reclines to the back as well as sliding the seat bottom to the front, a large recline angle.Should be more comfortable for sleeping compared to the NY.But since I usually don't sleep much(unable), I prefer the NY for all routes.:D

Winners:

IFE: New Y (by far)
Sitting position: New Y (not by much, pretty similar)
Sleeping position: Old Y (by far)
Food: No difference (why would there be?)
Service: No difference (why would there be?)

I recently had an opportunity to try out both the old and new Y configuration on the long hauls between SFO and HKG. I found the new Y seats to be much better than the old ones. With the new Y seats the seat backs are fixed so the person in front of you cannot recline into your space. That is a big advantage!

The IFE is also much better. I used the pillow provided by CX to support my back so I did not have a problem when sliding down my seat cushion (the new 'reclined' position).

Based on personal experience, CX new Y was the worst long-haul I experienced. Eventhough the service, IFE and other amenities were good for Y class, I wil not fly CX Y again because of the seat.

The bottom part of the seat slides out when in "recline" mode but the top part of the seat stays fixed -- so the seat is "curved". Think what this does to your posture - you are bending your spine, aren't you? I wonder if it's even safe to be in a seat like this for hours.

The seat is only good if you're used to slouching. I'm used to slouching, which is why I find it comfortable. However, if you are those people who already have constant back pain problems, then then it will not be good for a long haul flight.
However, you do get a lot more space compared to the old Y and the IFE is miles better. The brilliant IFE makes the flight seem shorter. Overall, the new Y is perfect!

First, the seat cushions and plastics are too hard. I've once had a whole row blocked for myself, and when I lied down I've found the plastics between seats are way too hard for anyone to sleep comfortably. Bottom line is, you could no longer get a "lie flat seat" in Y class.

However, the biggest drawback lies in the lack of lumbar support. Basically, what you're doing by pushing the "recline" button is just moving the seat bottom forward. As the seatback moves downward (and not backward), there is a huge gap between your lumbar and the seat cushion. Believe me, I've flown in the new Y many times and not once have I had a solid night of sleep. In the old Y I could easily manage 7 to 8 hours on a long haul flight. In the new Y I could not sleep at all even with a sleeping pill and it is quite dreadful. In my most recent flight I've found that sitting in the window seats by the exit row (44A or K) are not a bad option at all, and if you could get get two extra pillows (like I did) that's even better.

I've been looking at the Travel Products forum in the hopes of buying something to support my back (lumbar in particular). The closest thing I've come across is the LumbarCushion (http://www.tempurpedic.com/accessories/home_office_travel/the_lumbarcushion_by_tempur_pedic1/) by Tempur-Pedic. Does anyone here have one?

As I'm not too bothered about AVOD, give me the old Y any day...

Based on personal experience, CX new Y was the worst long-haul I experienced. Eventhough the service, IFE and other amenities were good for Y class, I wil not fly CX Y again because of the seat.

The bottom part of the seat slides out when in "recline" mode but the top part of the seat stays fixed -- so the seat is "curved". Think what this does to your posture - you are bending your spine, aren't you? I wonder if it's even safe to be in a seat like this for hours.

For the newer old Ys, I considered bringing my own back-support pillow and did it once.
For new Ys, I don't think it is necessary any more at least to me. I thought the new seats have better support, specifically lumbar support. (maybe it was just me who cramped lots of clothes as extra pillow..)

I thought the new seats have better support, specifically lumbar support.
Are you serious? :eek:

Are you serious? :eek:

Yes, I am. But maybe it was only to me though. I am 166cm FYI.

the new Y seat really does hurt the back and sometimes I rather sleep with the cushion in normal position than the 'lie-flat' position

Is CX new Y really that bad?
Almost everyone flying on it complained they had back problems because of the "shell seats".
How about the entertaiment ?
Are there footrest ?


Looking forward to your suggestions from anyone espically people who flew it before :)

Ever since the new Y I've became a frequent patient to my chiropractor. It simply kills my back no matter how many pillows/support I throw behind it.

The IFE is great thought, no complaints there.

Thank you guys for your experience !!! :D^:)
i'll be flying CX 888,839 so it will be new Y and then old Y , so i will compare when i return (in terms of how many hours of sleep,IFE so on.......)

umm,so far no one has comment about the footrest.I hope to hear about it :)

im sure the new IFE is way better then old IFE, heard that the 3-D flight map??
Is that true ??

Based on personal experience, CX new Y was the worst long-haul I experienced. Eventhough the service, IFE and other amenities were good for Y class, I wil not fly CX Y again because of the seat.

The bottom part of the seat slides out when in "recline" mode but the top part of the seat stays fixed -- so the seat is "curved". Think what this does to your posture - you are bending your spine, aren't you? I wonder if it's even safe to be in a seat like this for hours.

Are you trying to say that only the bottom part seat slides out, the top part doesnt move ??
if thats so, your back is curving in which isnt good for you !!!

The seat is only good if you're used to slouching. I'm used to slouching, which is why I find it comfortable. However, if you are those people who already have constant back pain problems, then then it will not be good for a long haul flight.
However, you do get a lot more space compared to the old Y and the IFE is miles better. The brilliant IFE makes the flight seem shorter. Overall, the new Y is perfect!

so it will be comfortable for people who are young ? And uncomfortable for old people as they have back problems ? :)

im used to slouching too, and im just 14 years old . hope i will enjoy the flight!

I prefer the new seats over the old. Simple as that. No seat-in-front in my face, comfortable lumbar support and great IFE. My only complaint is that on the long-haul flights, the seat cushion can get uncomfortable when in the "recline" position for a long time - I have found that a cushion sorts this out though.

My other complaint is that the magazines are behind your calves and the airbag belt can get cumbersome.

But, overall, give me the new seats any day. Just another reason why CX makes travelling just a little bit easier.

Are you trying to say that only the bottom part seat slides out, the top part doesnt move ??
if thats so, your back is curving in which isnt good for you !!!

As far as I remember, the top part sort of slides down but the bottom part slides out, so it is curved. Can someone correct me if I am wrong?

I agree the seat is fine in upright mode and it does feel reasonably spacious but I do not like it at all in recline mode which is what I think is most important in long haul travel. I didn't manage to sleep.

As far as I remember, the top part sort of slides down but the bottom part slides out, so it is curved. Can someone correct me if I am wrong?

I agree the seat is fine in upright mode and it does feel reasonably spacious but I do not like it at all in recline mode which is what I think is most important in long haul travel. I didn't manage to sleep.

I feel that it is curved out a bit but not enough.Anyway, it wasn't a problem for me as I traveled for short haul when I was in the new Y.

What you need to do is, once the seat is fully "reclined" push your butt back so that it is as far back into the corner of the seat where the back meets the seat pan. This way your back is more supported by the backrest.

I know this makes you less reclined, but you are more supported. The other thing you should do is get one of those blow up neck cushions that go around your neck. Good thing there is now a Muji in the airport near gate 61.

I still think they could have put more padding into the seat though.

What you need to do is, once the seat is fully "reclined" push your butt back so that it is as far back into the corner of the seat where the back meets the seat pan. This way your back is more supported by the backrest.

I know this makes you less reclined, but you are more supported. The other thing you should do is get one of those blow up neck cushions that go around your neck. Good thing there is now a Muji in the airport near gate 61.

I still think they could have put more padding into the seat though.

so no use of putting pillows there?

so no use of putting pillows there?

Do what feels best for you.

Do what feels best for you.

Including choosing another airline? :p

Including choosing another airline? :p
Go ahead. Flying to LHR makes a no-brainer if you are willing to forgo the miles. Go NZ. Rubbish times for taking off, but a good reason for an all-nighter and pull some sleep inflight. The seat is also numerically wider.

What you need to do is, once the seat is fully "reclined" push your butt back so that it is as far back into the corner of the seat where the back meets the seat pan. This way your back is more supported by the backrest.

Good thing there is now a Muji in the airport near gate 61.

Thats a great suggestion, push your butt back into the corner.

Oh yes , i went to the Muji when my flight from HKG-SIN was at gate 62 :)

My other complaint is that the magazines are behind your calves and the airbag belt can get cumbersome.
CX has relocated the position of the literature pocket on newly refitted aircraft. I've never been on a 74A that features this yet, but I know for sure that B-HUF has it.

I've been looking at the Travel Products forum in the hopes of buying something to support my back (lumbar in particular). The closest thing I've come across is the LumbarCushion (http://www.tempurpedic.com/accessories/home_office_travel/the_lumbarcushion_by_tempur_pedic1/) by Tempur-Pedic. Does anyone here have one?

Wonderful product (the lumbar pillow, not the seat). It made the CX New Y seat bearable, because then I could use the supplied pillow to support my neck. (Unfortunately, it fell off when I was asleep and then somebody picked it up and kept it. :mad: )

Add me to the list of those who are not impressed by the seat itself.

I don't know what's happening. Because technically, the recline pitch DOES NOT have any difference compared to the old Y seat. You are still having the exact same recline postion. I think it's just the physcological thing kicking in?

I don't know what's happening. Because technically, the recline pitch DOES NOT have any difference compared to the old Y seat. You are still having the exact same recline postion. I think it's just the physcological thing kicking in?

No it's physical and not psychological. While the reclining degree is the same, but because the actual back support doesn't move, the body slips forward and not backward, it puts the body really in an awkward non-supportive position. Your lower back is literally in mid-air unless you throw the pillow behind it, but even so the lower back lacks firm support, and thus causing the lower back disc to be in an awkward position, and in short causing pain in some passengers.

No it's physical and not psychological. While the reclining degree is the same, but because the actual back support doesn't move, the body slips forward and not backward, it puts the body really in an awkward non-supportive position. Your lower back is literally in mid-air unless you throw the pillow behind it, but even so the lower back lacks firm support, and thus causing the lower back disc to be in an awkward position, and in short causing pain in some passengers.

The back support doesn't move with the conventional recline as well.

No it's physical and not psychological. While the reclining degree is the same, but because the actual back support doesn't move, the body slips forward and not backward, it puts the body really in an awkward non-supportive position.

That's the way I see it as well. Add to that the armrests don't fold back completely out of the way...preventing one to snuggle with his gf.

Still, with the fantastic AVOD and acceptable level of service, there are worse options than long-haul in the new CX Y.

^

I like the IFE - it's great and can watch this for hours (I've flown this between SFO & HKG).

Hate the seat cushion - it has something to do with the angle - I seem to be sliding forward - and it is detrimental in terms of thigh support and back support since I feel like I'm tipping forward.

The extra leg room is appreciated when reclined. So is the extra coat hangar.

Probably on balance it's better than the old Y seat, but not by much.

I just took the new Y for the first time in a while, and I was surprised at how tattered it already is. It was a 777ER B-HPC and so it can't be more than 2 years old. The vinyl on the seats was scuffed, and the grey shells were cracked in many places, and the things that hold the emergency cards in place were hanging off.

The thing with the design of these seats is that I can't see how they can repair them without pulling a major part of the seat apart and replacing the parts. So CX is going to have some pretty tatty aircraft very soon with J class AND Y class falling apart.

I just took the new Y for the first time in a while, and I was surprised at how tattered it already is. It was a 777ER B-HPC and so it can't be more than 2 years old. The vinyl on the seats was scuffed, and the grey shells were cracked in many places, and the things that hold the emergency cards in place were hanging off.

The thing with the design of these seats is that I can't see how they can repair them without pulling a major part of the seat apart and replacing the parts. So CX is going to have some pretty tatty aircraft very soon with J class AND Y class falling apart.

Thats bad news,i hope i get a new plane with not worn out seats :)

I actually left some feedback to CX about their new seat. This is after flying from lhr / syd / lhr. Whilst I do like the concept of the fixed space, and their IFE and service is so much better than a lot of other airlines, I just wish that the new seat was just the old seat, with the new IFE... *sigh* Hmmm... that's just the SQ A380 seats. Am I being too picky?

---

What I thought of the new seat, sent to CX:
"I understand the new seat design conceptually. The lack of intrusion into other passengers is a great idea, but the execution of the seat is appalling. - The seat has absolutely no lumbar support. When the seat is reclined, it might as well not be. I cannot lean back into the seat expecting support. My lower back seemed to be curled and left me in a very uncomfortable position. There is nothing to lean back on. - The headrest on the seat is in the wrong position when the seat is reclined. When I recline, I expect the my head, neck and back to be aligned with the trajectory of the seat. I do not wish to have my head propped up so that my chin is held against my chest."

I will be taking CX840/841 HKG-JFK on the 777-300 ER. I have booked the first exit row, window seat (Row31) and my question regards the monitor and tray table. How intrusive is it to pull it out of the armrest and is the added legroom worth the inconvenience? I pretty much have my choice of any seat (except the middle exit row-54), what is the best?

I will be taking CX840/841 HKG-JFK on the 777-300 ER. I have booked the first exit row, window seat (Row31) and my question regards the monitor and tray table. How intrusive is it to pull it out of the armrest and is the added legroom worth the inconvenience? I pretty much have my choice of any seat (except the middle exit row-54), what is the best?

I think that the tray table will be pulled from the side.
Monitor will be from the side as well.

i booked HKG-YVR on 777-300ER tomorrow CX888.
i wanted row 31 or 54...... however i got 36A, thats very sad

I will be taking CX840/841 HKG-JFK on the 777-300 ER. I have booked the first exit row, window seat (Row31) and my question regards the monitor and tray table. How intrusive is it to pull it out of the armrest and is the added legroom worth the inconvenience? I pretty much have my choice of any seat (except the middle exit row-54), what is the best?

Just a friendly reminder to refrain from posting the same questions in 2 different places. I answered your question in the other thread that you created.

CX has relocated the position of the literature pocket on newly refitted aircraft. I've never been on a 74A that features this yet, but I know for sure that B-HUF has it.
I can now confirm that the oneworld liveried 34B, B-HXG, has this new feature.

Also, two new features:

1) The two "pockets" next to the PTV are now gone. Don't know why they had come up with such an idea in the first place - they were simply horrible. I don't know what people put in them but if you look at the older 74As, these "pockets" have been so worn out such that the elasticity of the straps is pretty much gone and you can't put anything in it anymore.

2) The coat hook is now gone. I've never used this before - I always flag down an FA and ask my coat to be hanged. The downside is that you now have to hold on to your jacket (or wear it) whilst landing.

I can now confirm that the oneworld liveried 34B, B-HXG, has this new feature.

Also, two new features:

1) The two "pockets" next to the PTV are now gone. Don't know why they had come up with such an idea in the first place - they were simply horrible. I don't know what people put in them but if you look at the older 74As, these "pockets" have been so worn out such that the elasticity of the straps is pretty much gone and you can't put anything in it anymore.

2) The coat hook is now gone. I've never used this before - I always flag down an FA and ask my coat to be hanged. The downside is that you now have to hold on to your jacket (or wear it) whilst landing.

Interesting.The removal of the 2 useless pockets is a wise decision.But about the coat hook? I think they are quite useful and they should be light in weight, no reason why they removed it.

Do you have any pics of the oneworld liveried 34B Y?

I also agree the new seat isn't exactly a great reclining seat. On the other hand, to me, it is a small price to pay to prevent the twerp in front of me from reclining at all, especially when I have a laptop open and I have to be on the lookout so it doesn't get crushed. I never thought I would appreciate how much removing the uncertainty of the recline of the seat in front of me would add to my psychological comfort.

Also, the new IFE is a real winner. So count me in on the camp that thinks the new seat is an improvement over the old one.

Now i have flown their new Y and finally understand how it feels.

First of all the seat:
The seat was comfortable in Recline position but only for sitting
It was horrible for sleeping, i could not sleep for the whole 12 hour flight !!!!!!

The entertaiment was really really good , no doubt about that.
I got window seat and it was really hard to move out if i have to go to the washroom etc..

I don't know what's happening. Because technically, the recline pitch DOES NOT have any difference compared to the old Y seat. You are still having the exact same recline postion. I think it's just the physcological thing kicking in?

No i dont think so, the recline is lesser than the Old Y

Interesting.The removal of the 2 useless pockets is a wise decision.But about the coat hook? I think they are quite useful and they should be light in weight, no reason why they removed it.

Do you have any pics of the oneworld liveried 34B Y?

The coat hook was especially useful when they handed out snack bag for super long-haul flights! LOL CX seems to be keep doing things that they aren't suppose to do, to do.

The coat hook was especially useful when they handed out snack bag for super long-haul flights! LOL CX seems to be keep doing things that they aren't suppose to do, to do.

I used it to hang my camera throughout my flight :)
very useful haha

The coat hook was especially useful when they handed out snack bag for super long-haul flights! LOL CX seems to be keep doing things that they aren't suppose to do, to do.

You do know they have a snack bar in every class galley of long haul flights, right?

A lot of you don't like the NY of CX because of the poor lumbar suppport & the tiny recline in which I agree.

The new premium Y (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/inter/premium_y/yp_seat/) of JAL looks quite similar to CX's NY.It's recline angle looks the same as CX's Y and the only difference I can see is the footrest, leg-support and the PTV which looks even smaller.But it got a good design award:confused:

What makes the Premium Y of JAL so good?Isn't VS's Premium Y a grade better than JAL's ?

A CX/KA premium economy offering, as a side note, would be very, very welcomed.

A CX/KA premium economy offering, as a side note, would be very, very welcomed.

Not when it would decrease upgrades to full J class

I also agree the new seat isn't exactly a great reclining seat. On the other hand, to me, it is a small price to pay to prevent the twerp in front of me from reclining at all, especially when I have a laptop open and I have to be on the lookout so it doesn't get crushed.

And that, in a nutshell, is the decision CX took. They chose a seat that protects a useable amount of space for eating, working, reading, watching lovely IFE; the downside is that a slide-down seat just isn't as good for sleeping (at least for those of us that are tallish).

I found the seat fine for sleeping at about half-slide; my back would not tolerate it any further than that.

And that, in a nutshell, is the decision CX took. They chose a seat that protects a useable amount of space for eating, working, reading, watching lovely IFE; the downside is that a slide-down seat just isn't as good for sleeping (at least for those of us that are tallish).

I found the seat fine for sleeping at about half-slide; my back would not tolerate it any further than that.


+1 i'm glad cx tried out a different option for Y. i like the extra space, as i've had many horrible experiences with people in front of me reclining. i personally don't mind the seat as well. it's just a matter of finding a comfy position and something for lumbar support.

those who are asking and curious about the "improved new Y", here is a photo i found.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Airbus-A340-313X/1530565/M/

(Photo courtesy Ken Chan)

note the missing side pockets and the still existing coat hook. also the empty cabin!!!

those who are asking and curious about the "improved new Y", here is a photo i found.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Airbus-A340-313X/1530565/M/

(Photo courtesy Ken Chan)

note the missing side pockets and the still existing coat hook. also the empty cabin!!!

It looks quite smart. According to Wikipedia, 3 A340's have now been reconfigured with 7 to go.

those who are asking and curious about the "improved new Y", here is a photo i found.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Airbus-A340-313X/1530565/M/

(Photo courtesy Ken Chan)

note the missing side pockets and the still existing coat hook. also the empty cabin!!!

Wow , very nice.
I hope they will fly to YVR as CX 838/839 , 14 hours in the old cabin is too long for comfort !!!!!!

those who are asking and curious about the "improved new Y", here is a photo i found.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Airbus-A340-313X/1530565/M/

(Photo courtesy Ken Chan)

note the missing side pockets and the still existing coat hook. also the empty cabin!!!


If this photo is an indication of how full some flights are, CX is in a lot of trouble.

I can now confirm that the oneworld liveried 34B, B-HXG, has this new feature.

Also, two new features:

1) The two "pockets" next to the PTV are now gone. Don't know why they had come up with such an idea in the first place - they were simply horrible. I don't know what people put in them but if you look at the older 74As, these "pockets" have been so worn out such that the elasticity of the straps is pretty much gone and you can't put anything in it anymore.

2) The coat hook is now gone. I've never used this before - I always flag down an FA and ask my coat to be hanged. The downside is that you now have to hold on to your jacket (or wear it) whilst landing.

So no "The coat hook is now gone" after all:confused:

CX and KA staff have the very friendly habit of hanging jackets of at least status pax in eco in the closets.

I've used the new Y LHR-HKG. Never used the old Y so can't compare, but will compare with the BA current Y which is my only real comparison point.

The CX IFE is utterly superb. Reliable and packed with choice, good screen/image quality, never had any glitches with it at all. I've been fortunate enough to snag the bulkhead rows on all flights so never had a problem with people reclining into my space, but I don't find the new "recline" particularly great. The first time I used it I thought my seat was stuck as the effect was so little, it's more of a slump than a recline. The footrest was nonexistant in the bulkhead row, which is a shame. Overall, I do find the BA seat more comfy, and combined with CX's consistent failure to load my special meal, despite it being noted in my ticket/ FF profile and phoning ahead, pushes me towards BA.