BA: 9 abreast in 777 Economy
Dec 18, 2017, 10:50 am
#1
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BA: 9 abreast in 777 Economy
Since it seems AA is "densifying" (what an ugly term) their Main Cabin Extra mini-cabin to the nasty 10-abreast seating on the 777, I'm wondering how long BA will have 9 abreast seating on their 777s.
I read they tried to move to 10-abreast years ago but backtracked due to customer backlash. Now I read somewhere that the Gatwick fleet is moving to 10 abreast.
How long is the LHR fleet safe at 9 abreast? And what about equivalently wide seats and aisles for the 747 fleet?
If BA plan to move to entirely 10-abreast, which airlines flying LHR-NYC will still have 9-abreast in Economy?
I read they tried to move to 10-abreast years ago but backtracked due to customer backlash. Now I read somewhere that the Gatwick fleet is moving to 10 abreast.
How long is the LHR fleet safe at 9 abreast? And what about equivalently wide seats and aisles for the 747 fleet?
If BA plan to move to entirely 10-abreast, which airlines flying LHR-NYC will still have 9-abreast in Economy?
Dec 18, 2017, 11:03 am
#2
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(I rather like the 787, but that's very much a minority opinion in these parts)I had thought the LHR 777s were staying 9 abreast for the moment - but if the LGW move (which is going ahead) is deemed a success who knows how long that would be the case?
Dec 18, 2017, 11:24 am
#4
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Discussion about LGW going 10-abreast here (includes discussion of other airlines with 10-abreast):
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...ly-2018-a.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...ly-2018-a.html
Dec 18, 2017, 11:26 am
#5
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25 B772 are going 10 abreast. BA are already a narrow seat economy airline with the Dreamliners and the B787-10s will be as well. When the B773s are refurbished they are likely to go 10 abreast, same with the A380s who’ll likely go 11 abreast on the lower deck.
Dec 18, 2017, 11:34 am
#6
Join Date: May 2010
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Many other airlines operating 777s are going 10 abreast. BA used to have this configuration many years ago in their LGW fleet (through a franchise partner AML), but ultimately stopped it due to customer complaints. However, now with improved slimmer seating and re-shaped walls, and upgraded IFE, it is deemed feasible again. Overall, the product looks an improvement on the current set up when you factor in the refreshment of the interior and the vastly improved Panasonic IFE (currently the best on the BA fleet).
It may be worth asking the question, 'Would I rather travel 9 abreast on the current 777s, or 10 abreast with brand new seats, new cabin interior with mood lighting etc and top of the range IFE?' I think i would choose the latter, but of course YMMV.
It may be worth asking the question, 'Would I rather travel 9 abreast on the current 777s, or 10 abreast with brand new seats, new cabin interior with mood lighting etc and top of the range IFE?' I think i would choose the latter, but of course YMMV.
Dec 18, 2017, 11:42 am
#7
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Thanks for the correction.
Dec 18, 2017, 12:15 pm
#8
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I have no issue with the 10 abreast 777 to be honest. For me it's pitch that is more important, so I actualy prefer a 10 abreast 777 with 33-34 inch pitch like EK versus a 9 abreast 777 with 33 inch pitch like BA!
Dec 18, 2017, 12:51 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Many other airlines operating 777s are going 10 abreast. BA used to have this configuration many years ago in their LGW fleet (through a franchise partner AML), but ultimately stopped it due to customer complaints. However, now with improved slimmer seating and re-shaped walls, and upgraded IFE, it is deemed feasible again. Overall, the product looks an improvement on the current set up when you factor in the refreshment of the interior and the vastly improved Panasonic IFE (currently the best on the BA fleet).
It may be worth asking the question, 'Would I rather travel 9 abreast on the current 777s, or 10 abreast with brand new seats, new cabin interior with mood lighting etc and top of the range IFE?' I think i would choose the latter, but of course YMMV.
It may be worth asking the question, 'Would I rather travel 9 abreast on the current 777s, or 10 abreast with brand new seats, new cabin interior with mood lighting etc and top of the range IFE?' I think i would choose the latter, but of course YMMV.
Last edited by capin; Dec 18, 2017 at 8:24 pm
Dec 18, 2017, 12:52 pm
#11
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It's not just the seat width thats an issue, It's nearly impossible to get up and down the aisles.
Dec 18, 2017, 2:08 pm
#14
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Dec 18, 2017, 2:11 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
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To be fair, we don't know this yet. We don't know if the new product will be comparable to what you endured with BA's old 10-abreast 777s. There will be much more modern, space-efficient new seats and perhaps a better use of internal space. Best to wait and see.