Am I Comparing Apples to Apples?
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,143
Am I Comparing Apples to Apples?
I just took the SQ 380 suites earlier this morning onboard SQ322 SIN-LHR. The experience of the suite furniture (seat/bed function) was just absolutely outstanding. IMO, it blows the new CX F (which I have flown on both the 74A & 77A) out of the water if I have to make a comparison. The level of privacy was just unbelievable. I got the feeling as if I had a private cabin room all to myself similar to what I have experienced on an overnight train with sleepers in it and speaking of trains, while I was walking through the isles of the cabin, it did somewhat feel as if I was walking through the isles of a train. What really separates the sense of privacy of SQ suites vs. CX's new F is the level of privacy without any feeling of claustrophobia while sleeping. For the SQ suites there are windows (with shades to open/close) on the the suite walls on the head/pillow rest part during bed mode that allows you to look out into the isle while in addition to the sliding doors. Whereas the new CX F, you'd get the feeling that the seat walls are just too high while you're laying down.
Also with the suites, you don't get the problem of a mounted-closet at the end of the seat/footrest that narrows that section of the seat. In simplicity, you'd more or less get the same width from head to toe when lying flat and you and your partner more or less get the same seat width when dining together in the same suite. And for someone who likes to spread the legs out at times while asleep, this makes a huge difference.
Finally the suite also has an advantage over the new CX F in terms of seat/bed softness.
But at the end one thing kept creeping into my mind. Am I comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges? Afterall SQ has created the suites as a product distinguished at a different & higher level than it's new F class (which are found on its 77W aircraft). Hence I am not sure if weighing the SQ suites to the new CX F is that of a fair comparison. What do you all think?
In that "perhaps" a better comparison would be the new CX F vs. the new SQ F (77W) which I have also had the opportunity to experience and hence done the comparisons as well (for this comparison I have rated them as almost equal with perhaps a slight, slight edge on the seat given to CX).
Again I'm still not sure what should be pinned against what for equal comparisons on this matter and perhaps some one can chip in here with their thoughts.
Also with the suites, you don't get the problem of a mounted-closet at the end of the seat/footrest that narrows that section of the seat. In simplicity, you'd more or less get the same width from head to toe when lying flat and you and your partner more or less get the same seat width when dining together in the same suite. And for someone who likes to spread the legs out at times while asleep, this makes a huge difference.
Finally the suite also has an advantage over the new CX F in terms of seat/bed softness.
But at the end one thing kept creeping into my mind. Am I comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges? Afterall SQ has created the suites as a product distinguished at a different & higher level than it's new F class (which are found on its 77W aircraft). Hence I am not sure if weighing the SQ suites to the new CX F is that of a fair comparison. What do you all think?
In that "perhaps" a better comparison would be the new CX F vs. the new SQ F (77W) which I have also had the opportunity to experience and hence done the comparisons as well (for this comparison I have rated them as almost equal with perhaps a slight, slight edge on the seat given to CX).
Again I'm still not sure what should be pinned against what for equal comparisons on this matter and perhaps some one can chip in here with their thoughts.
Last edited by Rejuvenated; Jun 8, 2008 at 1:34 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
It is the one that SQ called it R class, not to be confused with F. It is the one that people cannot book award on.
I do think that you were comparing apples and oranges. Comparing A380 R with CX F is like comparing that with SQ other F.
I do think that you were comparing apples and oranges. Comparing A380 R with CX F is like comparing that with SQ other F.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: CX GR, SPG/MR GE, Ritz Plat, Hilton S
Posts: 195
I would say if the price of the CX F and SQ Suite is comparable, then it is comparing an apple to an apple, (same date, same route)
But most people get the idea that the SQ suite is the most luxurious on the sky possible since the introduction of A380. Which is one class above F.
But most people get the idea that the SQ suite is the most luxurious on the sky possible since the introduction of A380. Which is one class above F.
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 459
It is definitely not fair to compare the SQ suites to CX F class, given the surcharge you need to pay to get on it.
The SQ 77W F Class seats will be a fair comparison to CX.
The narrowness of the CX F Class foot area is the most annoying feature. It is actually narrower than the old F Class.
They really should remvoe the closet to increase the footwell space.
The SQ 77W F Class seats will be a fair comparison to CX.
The narrowness of the CX F Class foot area is the most annoying feature. It is actually narrower than the old F Class.
They really should remvoe the closet to increase the footwell space.
#6
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 459
According to some Die hard SQ fans, it seems the CX F Class suites beat the SQ 380 R Class hands down
http://www.sqtalk.com/forums/showthr...?t=4537&page=2
I personally don't understand the need to have doors to the seats on planes
I think the major gripe on SQ's new F (both 77W and 380) and new J Class is the bed mode where you have convert manually and the actual seat itself is not that comfortable in terms of recline and support.
http://www.sqtalk.com/forums/showthr...?t=4537&page=2
I personally don't understand the need to have doors to the seats on planes
I think the major gripe on SQ's new F (both 77W and 380) and new J Class is the bed mode where you have convert manually and the actual seat itself is not that comfortable in terms of recline and support.
#7
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,143
Other than some claustrophobic feeling during lie down and that closet, I am overall very pleased with the seat. IMO without the mounted closet, it would be the perfect seat. Would still not beat the SQ suite if it were that way, but would definately beat the SQ 77W F seat by a considerable margin IMO.
Later this month I'll have the opportunity to sample the new CX J seat (which has had all kinds of reviews from one extreme to the other) on HKG-LAX (assuming they don't swap away the 74A) and on the same trip/ticket will also have the opportunity to sample the new BA CW seat SYD-BKK (which is a guarantee according to the folks on the BA folks since all of BA's 744 have been retrofitted with the new seat. So by then I will be able to compare SQ, CX, and BA's new business class product.
#8

Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 92
Whilst I have not been in Suites, I have enjoyed the new CX first.
I am 5'11 and found no problems with cramping around the feet.
I loved the width of the seat and slept very comfortably overnight on my Lax Hong Kong sector.
I felt very private without the feeling of being walled in.
G
I am 5'11 and found no problems with cramping around the feet.
I loved the width of the seat and slept very comfortably overnight on my Lax Hong Kong sector.
I felt very private without the feeling of being walled in.
G
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold/OW emerald, QR
Posts: 17,074
I did not try SQ A380, but I find the SQ 77W suites (much) better than the new CX F seat (on longhaul flights). The feet space is terrible on CX and less room altogether than on SQ 77W. Service is also better on SQ recently, but thats another issue.
Regarding BA NCW, it makes a HUGE difference where you are seated. The upper deck is wonderful and beats any other C product. Feels like F. Lower deck...
Regarding BA NCW, it makes a HUGE difference where you are seated. The upper deck is wonderful and beats any other C product. Feels like F. Lower deck...
#11
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 459
Also do note that CX can offer A Class on most routes which is significantly lower than the 11GBP quoted price. However I don't think there are any SQ discounted R Class?
#12

Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 92
Of course it's different destinations but I have to say that the global explorer and circle pacific fares are just great.
I was able to get 9 first class sectors on my F flight Aus-USA-Asia-Aus for 3K less then the return syd-lax F
I was able to get 9 first class sectors on my F flight Aus-USA-Asia-Aus for 3K less then the return syd-lax F
#13




Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA 3 MM, IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,590
#14


Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: HKG
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 486
Nowadays ex-LHR fares are always higher than ex-HKG's (to LHR).
Perhaps SQ Suites is better than CX First, but the fares out of your pocket (or your corp) should be taken in account of the comparsion.
Perhaps SQ Suites is better than CX First, but the fares out of your pocket (or your corp) should be taken in account of the comparsion.
#15
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 459
IF SQ's R Class is only selling at full publish fare with no discounted class, then I really fail to see the >50% premium it has over CX's F Class (EVEN if it is the OLD CX F Class).
Even at full published fare, the 2000GBP difference is not really justifiable.
But I guess when you pay these sort of $$$ you wouldn't really care about these minor differences.
Even at full published fare, the 2000GBP difference is not really justifiable.
But I guess when you pay these sort of $$$ you wouldn't really care about these minor differences.



