I'm not sure CX know what they are doing or whether or not they have put a lot of thought into it. Showing a picture of QF product and coming in some years after the competition began their planning process doesn't fill me with hope. As CX are fast cutting costs, I also wonder whether or not the crucial area of service in Y+ will be allocated adequate resources.

If this forum is representative of the market feedback will probably cluster in 2 groups. One will want a basic "more room in the air at a reasonable price", which is closer to Y. Another will want something closer to J, which is "more room (maybe much more) plus better service both in the air and on the ground". Link the relative sizes of these 2 segments to willingness to pay and CX will have a basis for deciding.

My suspicion is that CX will go for a "more of the same" product that is very similar to what airlines like BA and QF offer. They seem to be a follower in the market, not an innovation leader.

I just checked out the QF website and read a couple of reviews of their Y+ and it appears to be a much superior product compared to the BA Y+ that I just sampled -- the seat, although still 38" pitch, appears much more sophisticated with better recline and a wider armrest between adjoining seats; the catering and ground support appears to be an improvement as well and no doubt worth paying a hefty premium over Y.

Although I would be in the "more room in the air at a reasonable price" group, basically, and not really that concerned with being fussed over and feted with vintage champaign and J class privileges (although that would be nice, I guess), but it really comes down to the seat for me. I think 38" might be a bit skimpy to permit a proper 'sleepable' recline but don't really know what the optimum angle would be and how much pitch would be required -- I suspect another 6" or so. In order to get sufficient seat width to have individual armrests would probably require removing another seat bringing it down to 2-3-2. I calculate this would require around 60% more space than Y's 32" pitch, 9 abreast seating and is probably very close to the old standard for J but would be a good mid-class to the current flat-bed J. For me, a comfortable reclining seat might be preferable to the narrow confining seats and strange configurations that have been developed to make flat beds viable in J. Certainly, I'd pay double or even somewhat more, for that sort of seat; with the addition of some of the frills others are seeking, it would be more of a J- rather than Y+ and possibly the price creep would negate the original purpose though.

More seat pitch and hopefully also width. Plus a comfy pillow and duvet. That's about all I need. Priority boarding and baggage most on this board get anyway but admitted that both are useful perks.

I agree that QF's product is superior to that of BA. The point is that the BA Y+ has remained the same ever since it was launched around 10 years ago so that is why it seems outdated now. Even the VS product, launched even earlier than BA's Y+, has only been slightly improved.
By contrast, the more recent converts to Y+ (for example, AF, JL, NH and QF) have had time to examine the BA/VS products and so have come up with something better.

That is the advantage to be the follower in the market. I hope CX can do better.

Yes that is what I mentioned about the difference between European orientated members and NA orientated members. I really want to know what is CX's final decision. My suspision is that it will be close to one product comprimised both league.

They may reduce the J seats on A330 to make rooms for Y+. But on A340 and B777 they may will reduce Y seats for Y+. But who knows?

I would really be surprise if they sacrifice Y for Y+. The primary purpose for this move is that they are selling too many Y seats and not enough J seats. My guess is they would sacrifice the last few rows of J for Y+, but how will they divide Y+ from J will be a challenge.

Also, Canadian routes need this quick as well. YVR and YYZ are already (based on the experiences of this board), op-up heavens.

That is why I say A330 will reduce J seats and B777/A340 to reduce Y seats. A330 have several row of J in the second compartment which is the perfect space to have one small separated cabin. B777/A340 is difficult to config so. The most simple way fot B777 is to reduce the first 5 rows of Y seats and make a room for small cabin. I am unsre about A340 what they would do. But I guess reduce both J and Y would solve the prblem or maybe the Y+ would not be available on A340 since the total load for A340 is quite low already. But if CX decide they do not need that many Y seats then I guess they can remove some Y seats.

To B747, by judging from the seat map, it would be difficult to tell what they may do. Ideally they only need 8-12 F seats, 48 J seats. My guess is that they may do one special arrangement on B747 (by special I mean different from A330 and B777). Some J seats may be removed but who knows?

If you're a Millionaire...and if you don't fly in First your heirs probably will.

And his little birdies, personal assisstance, mistres...etc will be in F as well.

Nope, I'm donating all my money away, I teach my children to stand on their own feet, not rely on daddy.

Oh boy... the level of maturity in this forum never ceases to amaze me...

The scary part is this is a forum that we know none of us are teenagers masquerading as adults...

I think in reality the 777 is going to reduce the number of J seats. There are more J seats on a 777 compared to a 747. And with the JFK market dying in premium, I think the large number of J seats on the JFK aircraft was bad timing for CX.

Exactly, I find little sense (and logic) for CX to reduce Y seats on 777 if their problem is overbooking Y and not enough J purchases. On most of my JFK-HKG flights I see Y 85-95% full, and J virtually deserted. While CX may have to overcome some structural issues with converting half of J cabin into Y+, but I'm sure they will come up with something.

The business model seems to be to keep the Y as it breaks even at 70-80% capacity, J/F are the max profits seats, but the Y+ is seen as the place to provide steady amount of marginal profits for airlines.

Relax...you need to have some sense of humor when you read those posts :)