[Rant] AS First Class Is a Bad Joke
Apr 22, 2019, 2:26 pm
#61
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS 100K, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 298
Ahem:OP was saying that VX was sold because AS offered a buttload of cash. That's not what happened.
And there's plenty of inherent value in an existing aircraft fleet, route network, and gate/slot inventory. That in no way means that the acquired airline's decisions are necessarily worth replicating.
And there's plenty of inherent value in an existing aircraft fleet, route network, and gate/slot inventory. That in no way means that the acquired airline's decisions are necessarily worth replicating.
With that said, as an Alaska FF I do like the expanded network. But still, AS overpaid.
Apr 22, 2019, 2:57 pm
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I'm not sure whether I prefer the AS seats, but I agree that the VX recliners are not comfortable. IME the seat pan is too deep, so there's not much back support. For sitting (not sleeping) I'd be more comfortable in a standard VX or AS economy seat with the middle seat blocked out (and extra legroom).
This might just be about different body sizes. I'm 6'2 and generally in the 200-230 range so I like a bigger seat -- I don't fit in the smaller ones very well.
Apr 22, 2019, 3:17 pm
#63
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
Those seats have always gotten stuck in the recline position occasionally. There is a lever or something that the FA can pull to get them upright again, and then they work (both reclining and going back). At worst, it's a minor inconvenience. I wouldn't refer to it as broken. That's not AS' fault.
Apr 22, 2019, 3:36 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I would say that on at least 20% of my VX flights I had to get the FA's assistance in returning my seat to the upright position before takeoff or landing.
I wasn't one to fiddle with my seat during the flight. I would board ASAP, go into full recline with my feet up, enjoy PDB(s), go upright for takeoff, then back to full recline with my feet up until it was time to land. So I was returning to upright 2x per flight. That's probably why it didn't really bother me... if I was going back and forth all flight it would have been a hassle.
Apr 22, 2019, 6:33 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,633
Really??
I would say that on at least 20% of my VX flights I had to get the FA's assistance in returning my seat to the upright position before takeoff or landing.
I wasn't one to fiddle with my seat during the flight. I would board ASAP, go into full recline with my feet up, enjoy PDB(s), go upright for takeoff, then back to full recline with my feet up until it was time to land. So I was returning to upright 2x per flight. That's probably why it didn't really bother me... if I was going back and forth all flight it would have been a hassle.
I would say that on at least 20% of my VX flights I had to get the FA's assistance in returning my seat to the upright position before takeoff or landing.
I wasn't one to fiddle with my seat during the flight. I would board ASAP, go into full recline with my feet up, enjoy PDB(s), go upright for takeoff, then back to full recline with my feet up until it was time to land. So I was returning to upright 2x per flight. That's probably why it didn't really bother me... if I was going back and forth all flight it would have been a hassle.
Apr 22, 2019, 8:45 pm
#69
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Between SFO and STS
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, United Serf, Delta Gold
Posts: 731
Originally Posted by RAD_PDX
Are they not adjustable? The website says “footrests to support guests of varying heights.”
Apr 22, 2019, 8:55 pm
#70
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 330
Many guests don't know about this since AS FAs no longer inform passengers of this feature.
Apr 22, 2019, 9:03 pm
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
The VX F seats have fully adjustable lumbar support, in three different positions, and a massager. You can adjust the back support from soft to major lumbar, and at different heights on your back. Have you tried adjusting this before? They are the three small buttons under the armrest. You'll see them when you go to access retractable table.
Many guests don't know about this since AS FAs no longer inform passengers of this feature.
Many guests don't know about this since AS FAs no longer inform passengers of this feature.
Apr 22, 2019, 10:41 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP , Delta Gold Medallion, "Credit Card" status for various hotels
Posts: 672
Apr 23, 2019, 7:59 am
#73
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SFO, mostly
Posts: 2,204
That’s unfortunate, since traditional legrests attached to the seat were an option for the particular seat model they chose. I’m the same height and also generally find footrests useless, although I haven’t flown in the new seats yet. The other advantage to legrests is that they are installed on all seats, whereas currently the bulkhead row doesn’t have anything. Some carriers have legrests in premium economy, even with less underlying seat pitch than AS F.
Apr 23, 2019, 8:10 am
#74
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SFO, mostly
Posts: 2,204
Comparing AS F now to 5 years ago:
1) movie selection is better
2) food quality served is better, though portions may be smaller in some cases
3) seat pitch expanded from 36 to 41” on the 737-800 and 900/900er. Regardless of the condition of the Airbus fleet, it is better than sitting in a 36” seat on a 738.
However, the actual inflight service is not as consistent.
1) movie selection is better
2) food quality served is better, though portions may be smaller in some cases
3) seat pitch expanded from 36 to 41” on the 737-800 and 900/900er. Regardless of the condition of the Airbus fleet, it is better than sitting in a 36” seat on a 738.
However, the actual inflight service is not as consistent.
Apr 23, 2019, 8:46 am
#75
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, 1MM
Posts: 377
Comparing AS F now to 5 years ago:
1) movie selection is better
2) food quality served is better, though portions may be smaller in some cases
3) seat pitch expanded from 36 to 41” on the 737-800 and 900/900er. Regardless of the condition of the Airbus fleet, it is better than sitting in a 36” seat on a 738.
However, the actual inflight service is not as consistent.
1) movie selection is better
2) food quality served is better, though portions may be smaller in some cases
3) seat pitch expanded from 36 to 41” on the 737-800 and 900/900er. Regardless of the condition of the Airbus fleet, it is better than sitting in a 36” seat on a 738.
However, the actual inflight service is not as consistent.