Design patent for the Club World seat revealed
Aug 24, 2014, 12:01 pm
#62
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It will certainly be nice if BA moves to 1-2-1 seating. However, I'll admit that for the reasons described by Crampedin13A and those who compare the new seat to CX's old "coffin", I tend to prefer reversed herringbone (a la new CX, new AF, AA 77W) to herringbone.
Aug 24, 2014, 12:09 pm
#63
Join Date: Jul 2010
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Do people wishing for a reduction in seat density pay for their own seats or make a lot of redemptions? I'd be concerned it would increase prices and certainly be very concerned about less award availability.
However it seems like this design could be a good compromise, obviously depending on the recline issue.
However it seems like this design could be a good compromise, obviously depending on the recline issue.
Aug 24, 2014, 12:23 pm
#64
Join Date: Apr 2012
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To all those who are worried about density and its effect on pricing and/or redemption availability, a thought experiment.
Imagine BA were able to licence some Tardis[tm] technology from Doctor Who... ...to increase the current CW seat density across the entire fleet by 10%, with no measurable effect on personal space, and without changing the external dimensions of the aircraft (or its take-off weight).
Do you really expect BA Rev Mgmt would either a) immediately drop CW fares, or b) immediately increase CW redemption availability?
No, didn't think so
Imagine BA were able to licence some Tardis[tm] technology from Doctor Who... ...to increase the current CW seat density across the entire fleet by 10%, with no measurable effect on personal space, and without changing the external dimensions of the aircraft (or its take-off weight).
Do you really expect BA Rev Mgmt would either a) immediately drop CW fares, or b) immediately increase CW redemption availability?
No, didn't think so
Aug 24, 2014, 12:31 pm
#65
Join Date: Dec 2009
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The most inspired part of this design is the creative mechanism for aisle access occurring mid-bed. The thing I love the most about CW is the slightly angled position during take off, and the variety of reclining positions. I don't see this seat working very well for lounging without at least one intermediate reclining position. That said at least they are trying to find a better design. I find the CX seat to be a bit overrated, especially the lack of comfort during taxi takeoff and landing.
Aug 24, 2014, 12:35 pm
#66
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, VS Silver, Alitalia Freccia Alta, Starwood Gold, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum
Posts: 408
Very interesting. Some observations
But all these are details. Recline is make or break for this design. I'm a huge fan of the Z position, and at this point, I can't see how this seat as proposed can be made as comfortable. If they can do it, they'll revolutionise business class again.
- The tray table cannot be stowed - makes sense, because you don't have to make room for it in the seat in front, but I'd be worried about kicking it in the sleeping position. (In general, I don't like having anything in the airspace above me while asleep)
- The abilty to have the table in a serving position and a dining position is fantastic. It really overcomes some major problems with current CW.
- Hurray for drinks bottle holder under Shelf 7 in the 3rd embodiment
- Need some kind of accessible storage when the bed is deployed. The upper deck on the 747 is the only BA setup that has this properly catered for - That said, looking at the drawings, you could potentially have room for a similar storage locker between the seat and the window.
- 40" IFE in the bulkhead!!! But then the OH and I would have to agree on what to watch...
- BA have put an upper deck on the 787!
But all these are details. Recline is make or break for this design. I'm a huge fan of the Z position, and at this point, I can't see how this seat as proposed can be made as comfortable. If they can do it, they'll revolutionise business class again.
Aug 24, 2014, 1:23 pm
#67
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
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If you want to sit straight I think that asymmetric seat and its asymmetric back are going to be incredibly uncomfortable. The room at the ankles when lying flat looks less than the new AA business seat.
Of course I will reserve final judgement but I am apprehensive....
Of course I will reserve final judgement but I am apprehensive....
Aug 24, 2014, 2:41 pm
#68
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
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The patent document is a fascinating design statement. Tessellated (I love that word) multivalent sofas each with bolster cushions to form a private lounge zone; or a 6'-2" long flat bed; a banquette for two; private multitasking work/dine space; or if you sidle towards the cabin wall, a viewpoint to the clouds.
Conceptually, very interesting
Conceptually, very interesting
Aug 24, 2014, 3:44 pm
#70
Join Date: Feb 2010
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I'll volunteer for human testing when it's on board an aircraft - very selflessly...
Overall I think it's interesting, looks more private than some herringbone style seats I've been in (eg NZ) and no risk of injury due to extricating yourself from window seat. 2018 for the A350?
Overall I think it's interesting, looks more private than some herringbone style seats I've been in (eg NZ) and no risk of injury due to extricating yourself from window seat. 2018 for the A350?
Aug 24, 2014, 4:06 pm
#71
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold, AAdvantage
Posts: 200
This looks very similar to the first gen UCS on VS: a herringbone arrangement which is fine for sitting upright and good for lying down but not good for relaxing / watching a film. Seems to me a retrograde step.
Aug 24, 2014, 6:30 pm
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
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To all those who are worried about density and its effect on pricing and/or redemption availability, a thought experiment.
Imagine BA were able to licence some Tardis[tm] technology from Doctor Who... ...to increase the current CW seat density across the entire fleet by 10%, with no measurable effect on personal space, and without changing the external dimensions of the aircraft (or its take-off weight).
Do you really expect BA Rev Mgmt would either a) immediately drop CW fares, or b) immediately increase CW redemption availability?
No, didn't think so
Imagine BA were able to licence some Tardis[tm] technology from Doctor Who... ...to increase the current CW seat density across the entire fleet by 10%, with no measurable effect on personal space, and without changing the external dimensions of the aircraft (or its take-off weight).
Do you really expect BA Rev Mgmt would either a) immediately drop CW fares, or b) immediately increase CW redemption availability?
No, didn't think so
Aug 24, 2014, 8:07 pm
#73
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
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It could also act as public notice of what BA intends to do and to head off competitors who intend to develop a similar seat.
Aug 24, 2014, 10:27 pm
#74
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
I'm not sure how they are going to make one comfortable seat cushion for upright, reclined and lie flat positions, and for two different seating directions.
If they can, i think it looks good, although I'd prefer they turned it to face the window.
If they can, i think it looks good, although I'd prefer they turned it to face the window.
Aug 25, 2014, 12:37 am
#75
Join Date: Dec 2007
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