Nicc HK

Perhaps you have never experienced CX's Inquisition designed shell seats which did not recline but slide down. Theory excellent, but after even a short period it felt had spent time with Torquemada and his crew.

I just hope BA's effort is more comfortable........................

Kevincm

It's not a bad seat considering (I've tried it at AIX as shown in the article above that I scribed)

It's got to be better than the B/E Aerospace Pinnacle. That seat I swear is not fit for purpose in any row bar Row 1 and the exit rows

Just expect higher densities - this seat is designed for 29".

Although IAG decide to implement the Airbus/Recaro Smart Seat concept- then anything is possible.

Worcester

How much do they recline currently? I recall someone saying that CE pitch was to remain at 30''? I hope that's correct.

I do think it's reasonable to recline on a late night flight like Athens.

Robespierre

I fly these seats on EasyJet and Air France Domestic 'La Navette' flights on A320s. In both cases the typical block time for me is less than 1.5 hours. I don't think AF has put these in mainline routes outside France.

They are OK for this length but not much more. Which is ironic really as the NEOs that BA will fit them to will generate more savings over longer sectors due to the improved fuel burn so I guess they will be put on the long routes first.

In both EasyJet and AF Navette configurations it is a one class operation and I don't think that there is much of a premium effect on these narrower seats with the middle seat left free for Club, even with a panini and some alcohol thrown in for good measure. More often than not I am in Row 1 on EasyJet with a vacant seat next to me which is about as good as it gets. And honestly it isn't that good. AF gives you free drinks and a snack with this product btw.

I understand the need to make money but surely once this cabin goes in then the European operation needs to be rebranded away from BA. The gap between W/J/F international and a connecting flight in Y or C is going to be huge. With the density comes the baggage problem and so I guess it will need to go down to one carry on in Y unless you have status, which again will pose connecting flight problems.

I guess a codeshared Euro IAG brand will make sense but with this short haul product trying to cover 2 classes I don't see the BA Mainline brand stretching to cover it without loss of credibility. There is nothing remotely premium about these seats.

Tuggster

I was on a IB flight from MAD to DUS in Business recently, and the woman I use that term loosely sat in row 1 as soon as the plane was wheels up reclined into my knees and put her feet on the bulkhead. Now the seatbelt sign was still on, I am sure this is not allowed but me making a lot of noise and giggling my Legs annoyed the hell out of her. I couldn't keep it going for 2 hours so moved to Row 4 which was unoccupied but I was thinking how ******* rude I am over 6 ft and making an astonished noise of pain when she did it shud have made her realise she had done something [inappropriate content redacted by mod].

edi-traveller

These seats are also narrower than the current seats - Easy Jet have wider aisles than BA and this is what helps them board their flights faster and get away on time more often.

DFB_london

ever thought it might be you being rude? If the seat reclines it designed to do so. Hence she was only doing what the product offered.
If you can't cope with that buy the seat in front of you next time too.

flatlander

"It is unclear how BA’s adoption of an eight-year-old product seven years after others in the market is benchmark-setting."

flatlander

Those seats may be more comfortable than an old seat of some other type, but I actually don't think they are more comfortable than BA's current seat.

However much more importantly they are not very durable if abused. Under the seat cushion the seat base is an aluminium mesh, and I have already seen one of them (on an Easyjet aircraft) bent into unusability by someone standing on the seat. It may be undesirable that they do so, but people do stand on seats, and it shouldn't wreck them.

Tuggster

No It isnt the fact she reclined the seat, it was A. The seat belt sign was still on, and I am pretty sure seats should be in the upright position, & B. the speed she done it i yelped in pain, but she didnt even register interest that she may have caused an issue with the person behind her, hence what got my back up

LTN Phobia

She may genuinely not have realised that she's inconvenienced you. You could have asked her politely to put her seat back up a little because it was causing you pain rather than digging your knees into the back of her seat. While I would not recline my seat on short haul unless the seat behind me is empty, when the seat has a mechanism to recline, you really haven't got much choice but to tolerate being reclined into.

[I do not endorse putting one's feel on the bulkhead in any way - it scratches the bulkhead if in shoes, and their feet/shoes often come into contact with magazines. I think it's awful. The bulkhead is not designed for feet.)

It may also help you if you sit really deep in seat and sit up because it would make your legs stick out less.

mjh0

That's right, the AF seat on non-domestic is B/E Pinnacle, the same as the BA Airbus fleet at the moment, but with some differences in the seatback arrangement.

Robespierre

Without adding fuel to the fire I think the real question is whether this should really be necessary in a premium cabin for a 2hr flight on a full service carrier? Should it be the same routine as a LCC single class config?

Tuggster

It's just me, But I NEVER recline in SH, ET or CE, I don't travel in WT thankfully, but the 1 time 1 Reclined in WT+ I 1st asked the person sat behind me if it was ok for me to do so, I guess that's the way I was brought up manners and all.

Robespierre

Yes. That and a robust/consistently enforced boarding priority and cabin baggage policy.