Why does UA have rear-facing J seats?
Feb 27, 2013, 3:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,166
Why does UA have rear-facing J seats?
Hello,
I started reading the threads on where to sit in certain planes, and now I'm kind of curious why UA has rear-facing J seats.
Do they save space compared to an all forward-facing cabin?
If so, I can't figure out how they can achieve the savings, since the overall lengths/widths will still be the same regardless of the direction, if I'm not mistaken.
Or is there some other reason for the rear-facing seats?
I started reading the threads on where to sit in certain planes, and now I'm kind of curious why UA has rear-facing J seats.
Do they save space compared to an all forward-facing cabin?
If so, I can't figure out how they can achieve the savings, since the overall lengths/widths will still be the same regardless of the direction, if I'm not mistaken.
Or is there some other reason for the rear-facing seats?
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Feb 27, 2013 at 6:53 pm Reason: nonsensical thread title
Feb 27, 2013, 3:33 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA, formerly DCA, PDX and JNU
Programs: AS MVPG75, UA 1K, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Gold, Starwood Gold, Hilton Platinum
Posts: 121
I have flown facing backwards in J on several occasions. At first I was nervous about it and the take off and landing are odd sensations, but once you are airborne, it doesn't make a bit of difference.
Feb 27, 2013, 3:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,768
I actually find rear-facing to be a better sleeping position because all the blood isn't rushing to your head due to the pitch of the plane.
Feb 27, 2013, 4:05 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: POS, Trinidad
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold
Posts: 43
I usually like to sit in the J forward seats. Never experienced being in the reverse direction as the aircraft moves forward. However, refer to seatguru.com in terms of comfort, etc to confirm whether it may be better. All the best
Feb 27, 2013, 4:05 pm
#8
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
First time I flew it, it was odd, but not as odd as when I flew in rear facing WN seat way back when (obviously in coach).
I usually try to pick front facing seat as I like to look ahead, but it's no big deal to fly in rear facing seats.
EmailKid
I usually try to pick front facing seat as I like to look ahead, but it's no big deal to fly in rear facing seats.
EmailKid
Feb 27, 2013, 4:14 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
It was pointed out to me there that United actually issues a soft flat rectangle to every business-class passenger for the sole purpose of helping them elevate their heads while resting.
Last edited by mherdeg; Feb 27, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Feb 27, 2013, 4:56 pm
#12
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Feb 27, 2013, 4:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,768
I guess the people who pointed that out have necks that sit atop one shoulder rather than between them.