Best economy class product across the big pond - who's got it?
 

All things considered (seat comfort, pitch, IFE, lounge access for Y/elite members, AND FOOD), who has the best Y product across the Atlantic in your opinion?

You can leave out the American carriers. And no need to mention BR EGD either. We know about those. :D

Miles are important, but NOT so much THE biggest factor to consider here. Thanks.

I don't know, but isn't the Pacific the big pond and the Atlantic the small pond? :D

Atlantic is a big pond, while Pacific is the ocean.

I don't understand why you want to leave out American carriers. AA' s Y has the best seat pitch, 34-36". Their FF is great ,too.

Service is another issue. SQ does fly trans-Atlantic, and I would think their service is the best for Y. But their FF and seat comfort is less than desirable.

It depends what you are looking for.

I'm thinking trans-pacific. And wanna look more at new options now. With AA, been there, done that, pacific 'metal' destinations are too limited, and Im not pleased w recent changes to their program, and their J product for redemption is not all that great. LUV using their CX awards, tho.

SQ is good servicewise, but tight seating, as you mentioned. So, I'm just looking to hear more about the other carriers covered in this Forum... like Y on MH or PR... yada, yada.

Time for some new experiences I think.

Is this a general discussion or do you have specific routes in mind?

I ask because, in my experience, crowning a champion economy product does not help in the decision making process. One may compare 10-20 airlines flying transpacific but pricing, restrictions in routings (unless one is paying full fare) and scheduling considerations often narrow the field down to 2-3 candidates.

Assuming one is willing to pay full fare, fly at any hour of the day, connect through any airport etc., this becomes a general discussion (mostly for the fun of it IMHO). In this case, here is my very own subjective take on economy class inflight products:

MH is a pretty safe bet with comfy adjustable seats with personal screens and pitch at 33-34 in. throughout its transoceanic longhaul fleet. That said, I would choose SQ if I know I will end up on their B777 aircraft, because with slimmer seats (especially the older B777 seats), the legroom actually seems equal to that of MH despite the supposedly inferior pitch; plus I do actually prefer SQ's catering. Not having previously flown NH and looking at their advertised product (34 in. pitch and personal screens), I suspect they might be better than both SQ and MH in economy. If I could somehow plan a route that involves AC's A340-500, seat and IFE would be very good; except I may risk, based on hearsay, being faced with unresponsive cabin crew. Meanwhile, I could just as well go with UA if I had status that lands me in Economy Plus; adjustable seat with excellent legroom, decent catering, personal screen, AND Channel 9! Having just recently experienced the UA cabin crew for the first time on two transatlantics, I'd say cabin crew service is excellent or maybe I have been lucky. Nevertheless, if I feel I really want to rest, BR's very affordable Evergreen Deluxe is almost the only way to go, plus I love the congee they serve for breakfast. Finally, if I decide to splurge a little, I would definitely give SQ's Executive Economy a try.

I have found it difficult to be more conclusive than that.

:confused:

What about SQ on their ultra long haul routes LAX-SIN and EWR-SIN? Extra pitch and amenities over the usual economy.

NZ's economy has good pitch 34", good food/drinks/service but no PTV. Should be better after the long haul refurbishment (starts mid 2005) with AVOD, new seats etc. Also the introduction of premium economy.