I am going to be on a flight From Calagary to LHR on 13th Nov 2009. We are considereing upgrading to Ex First on the flight but are unsure of what layout the cabin will be. The aircraft according to the web site is tha A330 (333) and if I try a booking on their web site it has a star by it which means it is the new XM'ed version(1-1-1), But when you look at seat avaliblty it shows th old layout (2-2-2). I belive that by then they all should be the new XM layout is this correct? I will be travelling with my wife and need some advice. If it is the newer layout where is it best to sit as the pods look very tall and it looks like you cannot see over the top of them from a seating position to see each other. If we chose seats 3A and 3G can you see each other across the aisle or is it best to chose 3A and 4A. Any help would be very much appericated.

All flying 333 are Xm'd = New layout

The A and G seats are positioned in the same direction...if you're looking to be across the aisle from each other, you'd want to be in G & K.

Reviews seem to be mixed on whether across the aisle or in front of each other is the better arrangement when travelling with someone else.

Part of the barrier between the middle seats goes down so you can pass things back and forth and sort of chat with each other (you are still facing away slightly from each other so have to turn and look over your shoulder.)

Since we can't see out the window well on those planes (due to the angling) my dh and I always choose centre seats so that he can easily pass me his fruit plates (he's allergic to melon) and I can pass him the sections of the paper I'm finished with.

In the event of an emergency, there would be a chance to at least hold hands (not a pleasant thought but just because I'm Elite doesn't mean I've got over my fear of flying and my mind wanders to what it would feel like to be in a crashing plane.)

So you surgest seats 3G and 4 G Then on the A330

This is only applicable on the 777 series aircraft where the seating layout is 1x2x1.

This isn't applicable to the 767 or A330.

Chris and Mauger are correct. I'm spoiled and haven't flown the 767 or a 330 for so long I forgot they don't have 1-2-1.

I've nearly made this mistake before but stopped myself before putting my foot in my mouth. I'd claim jet-lag but I've been in PRG for almost 2 weeks so that isn't it (and I don't drink beer, so that isn't it!)