Had my first experience yesterday flying BF from AMS to EWR. Was actually quite disappointed in seats as well as service. Even though the seats are called flat, they are not really. Go to like 160 degrees causing me to slide down constantly. Also had a real tough time getting any serice. Kept pushing flight attendant call button but they just ignored. Took me forever to get their attention. Annoying.
Finally, they upgraded about 8 people to BF. Seems like a lot. Is this normal?

Guess I'll just stick with BA and AA (in F by upgrading from J by sing 10K miles) or even KL over CO

If I remember correctly, the seats fold flat or almost flat, but just are not horizontal.

"Deeper electronic recline measuring 170 degrees from seat cushion to seat back."

http://www.continental.com/travel/in...CD458E402AFCFB

If CO wants to consider their bizfirst product = to others 1st- they need to fix this, but I don't think they will as it would require them to remove a few rows of seats....

They really like that, and it is well known to enhance improved service onwards.

Call buttons are so 90s.

In future, what you need to do is take a lighter and set fire to your shoes; the resultant bonfire can be used to make smoke signals and they should come running to "assist" you then.....

Did you happen to see the little card in the seat pocket entitled something like "how to get comfortable in the fancy seat"?

It basically suggests, if you like to sleep on your back, that you first fully recline the seat, then "back" it up a little bit more toward the cradle position. This tilts the seat cushion back upward and will keep you from sliding down. I found this position rather comfortable on my back. If you sleep on your side, then you fully recline the seat and stay that way. This was very comfortable for me as well.
Honestly, I prefer CO's BF seats to AA's coffin seats in F, particularly since the cradle position is great for just relaxing, watching a movie, reading etc. I can sleep just fine in CO with the help of a little Ambien...

I tried all kind of ways to get comfy but none worked for me

I am so pleased to see these comments about the FC seats. I though I was the only one having problems sliding down the seat, and then being too long in the legs to be able to wedge myself against the footset into a comfortable position. Not only that when lying flat on my back, I find my toes get jammed up against the back of the seat in front.

I've been doing a lot of EWR/HKG round trips, and have now resorted to a cocktail of drugs (and a sip or 2 of wine) to mask the "pain". Is this normal.

Whater, its better than being in economy.....

BTW, I consider myself to be a normal 200lb adult with joints that seem to work like everyone else.

Is the FC marketing spiel "kidology"??

JA

At 6'4" I too had some issue with my feet, but I figured I was taller than most folks and took some items out of the seatpocket in front of me (which helped). I have have flown business to Asia on ANA and think BF blew it away.

I have never seen CO upgrading people(for free- not for miles) on international BF unless the economy class is oversold

They were totally oversold in the back

There's nothing normal about sitting in a pressurized tube for 16 hours and waking up in China. Even if you had a king size bed and a personal butler, I'd wager you'd still be uncomfortable (or at least very restless and longing for a hot shower).

What exactly are you expecting, anyway? I hate to sound Polyanna-ish, I think it's incredibly convenient (albeit uncomfortable) that they can get you to HKG nonstop. I've flown from NYC to HKG on other carriers with a stop and it's brutal. Plus, why is no one mentioning the food? The meals in BF are consistently top notch and so abundant that I end up force-feeding myself once the entree shows up because I'm so full by that point. The flight attendants are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and after spending time in Asia or Europe, it's nice to return to something familiar when you're away from home. Most of all, the service is consistent no matter where you are, both on the plane and in the lounges.

With certain routes I think the criticism is warranted (e.g. NYC-LON), because you can clearly get a better product in business class (especially if you fancy flat bed seats). But on a route like NYC-HKG nonstop, what other option do you have, other than shelling out $14,000 for a FC ticket? I love the hospitality on the Asian carriers, but that's waaaaay beyond my budget.

CO loves to pee on your leg and tell you it's raining. Besides, Texans are great at putting spin on everything, if you catch my drift.

Not sure I totally agree with number of your comments. I really don't think service is any good. It is generally v difficult to get the FAs attention and asking for glass of water is like they are doing me a favor by getting it. Also, non stop on CX from NYC to HKG is fabulous for similar price as CO

You can't really compare CO with CX...the Asian carriers are leagues above American carriers when it comes to service, and I doubt the CX nonstop is similar in price unless you're talking about a full J fare on CO.

I guess we've just had different experiences...they were always there to fill my glass of wine before i had to ask, the FAs had a great work ethic, and if anything was bothering me they'd fix it immediately, or at least show a lot of effort to help out.

I wouldn't doubt that CX is fabulous, but the only way I'm able to sit up front is by upgrading a coach ticket. i've never paid >$2000 for a flight before nor do I have the means to do so anyway, so I'm happy with what I can get at this point.