Backwards facing seats
Feb 7, 2012 | 1:26 pm
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Ham Medallion
Posts: 104
Personally, I would not book one. Not really for motion sickness, but the motion of being on a rear facing train or bus seat already makes me feel awkward. I can't imagine how it would be moving 500 miles per hour backwards.
Feb 7, 2012 | 1:31 pm
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL MM (thanks PMNW!), DL PM, UA PLT, just about every darn hotel program-generally GOLD type level
Posts: 783
Another vote for rear facing seats here. They are easier to sleep in plus I enjoy the usual feeling/view during takeoff and landing.
Feb 7, 2012 | 3:12 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montral
Programs: Air Canada, Hyatt
Posts: 1,464
It's been quite interesting to read the responces here. It's almost a 50/50 split in terms of love it / hate it.
I think I'll try to avoid the rear facing seats, I flew back on one again today and this time I really started to feel a wee bit sick on take off and landing. I think the fact that only UA and BA use these configurations is a testament to it's popularity amongst passengers.
Does anyone know if the new CO-UA plans to standardize it's cabins? It would be a shame if they changed CO's Business First seat. It's not the prettiest thing out there but I like it a lot.
I think I'll try to avoid the rear facing seats, I flew back on one again today and this time I really started to feel a wee bit sick on take off and landing. I think the fact that only UA and BA use these configurations is a testament to it's popularity amongst passengers.
Does anyone know if the new CO-UA plans to standardize it's cabins? It would be a shame if they changed CO's Business First seat. It's not the prettiest thing out there but I like it a lot.
Last edited by rafi2k6; Feb 7, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Feb 7, 2012 | 3:36 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 34,998
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
I recall seeing them on AA's Convair 990's in the 1960's, and on US Air's DC-9-50's in the 1970's.
I recall seeing them on AA's Convair 990's in the 1960's, and on US Air's DC-9-50's in the 1970's.
Feb 7, 2012 | 5:09 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montral
Programs: Air Canada, Hyatt
Posts: 1,464
It'll be interesting to see what AC, ANZ, VS, etc.. choose as their new premium cabin seats in the next 7-10 years.
Feb 7, 2012 | 7:53 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: MEL
Programs: QF CL
Posts: 689
I'd much rather face backwards than be in the herringbone config. Herringbone is so uncomfortable on takeoff - it makes me feel as if the plane is continually rounding a corner as it accelerates and lifts off!
Feb 7, 2012 | 8:10 pm
#27
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,014
Feb 7, 2012 | 9:57 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montral
Programs: Air Canada, Hyatt
Posts: 1,464
Feb 10, 2012 | 9:41 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Posts: 3,794
I'm fine with them. As mentioned above, years ago WN had a row at the bulkhead facing backwards. Herringbone does feel a bit odd, as it does make it feel like the aircraft is constantly turning when it's accelerating/decelerating.
The safety analyses I've seen are mixed. The idea is that in a sudden stop the force is spread out over your whole back rather than just the seatbelt. However, there's not a lot of data that seatbelt injuries are a big problem. There's the potential for debris to hit you in the face in a sudden stop if you're facing backwards.
The safety analyses I've seen are mixed. The idea is that in a sudden stop the force is spread out over your whole back rather than just the seatbelt. However, there's not a lot of data that seatbelt injuries are a big problem. There's the potential for debris to hit you in the face in a sudden stop if you're facing backwards.