Almost lie-flat
Jun 17, 2013 | 11:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 30
Almost lie-flat
Is there a reason why some airlines seem to have 'almost' lie flat seats-why stop just short of the coveted 180degree when it's so close. Is it simply a space saver? On some airlines there seems to be space for the final 10-15degrees. Thanks in advance.
Jun 17, 2013 | 11:37 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
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Posts: 3,617
My understanding is that it is to save space, your feet can be under the seat ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if newer true lie flat designs haven't managed to do it without taking more space.
Jun 17, 2013 | 12:06 pm
#3
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You do realize that having 180 flat means on most flights you'll be at -(1-5) degrees, because most planes are tailheavy? I don't know why people harp on so much about 180. I would prefer 175.
Jun 17, 2013 | 12:46 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
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I used to slide down on the old Qantas not quite flat seats. It doesn't seem to happen on the A380s.
Someone will probably pop up now and tell me the angle hasn't changed.
I recently took a Lufthansa biz from KL to FRA and it was not quite flat but contoured so perfectly that I didn't slide down.
As stated above, the nose is usually higher than the tail but even so, I used to slide down over time on the old Qantas seats.
Someone will probably pop up now and tell me the angle hasn't changed.
I recently took a Lufthansa biz from KL to FRA and it was not quite flat but contoured so perfectly that I didn't slide down.
As stated above, the nose is usually higher than the tail but even so, I used to slide down over time on the old Qantas seats.
Jun 17, 2013 | 12:51 pm
#6
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i presume the wings are attached to the fuselage at zero degrees. the plane flys with a 4-5 degree angle of attack. we fly "backwards"(feet first) on ua flatbeds to keep our heads up. many people raise the heads of their beds to keep stomach juices from running into their throats.
Jun 17, 2013 | 1:21 pm
#7
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I'm probably the only guy on FT who liked the big old UA barcaloungers more than the newer flatbeds. Always felt like my feet had more room.
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)
Jun 17, 2013 | 2:21 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2001
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1) J or F product has not been updated in the last 10 years.
2) Airline has both J/C and F (ie three cabin aircraft) with F being reserved for 180 degree lie flat. To protect the integrity and value proposition of First Class, J/C class must have angle lie flat seats. However in recent years the J class angled lie flat airline had it is lunch eaten byt the two cabin (Y and J/C) airline running the same route.
Jun 17, 2013 | 2:51 pm
#10
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Jun 17, 2013 | 4:56 pm
#11
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This never occured to me before. Thank you for this - I thought I was going crazy. I was in CX J recently and I swore my head was at a downward angle. Don't get me wrong, it was still amazing, but there was a definite downhill feeling. Mr. Fink said I was nuts.
Jun 18, 2013 | 8:39 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2007
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I'm probably the only guy on FT who liked the big old UA barcaloungers more than the newer flatbeds. Always felt like my feet had more room.
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)
I also prefer upper deck window of UA 747s, seat 15K, specifically.
On LH business, I didn't like the almost-flat seats at all when in bed mode. It just wasn't comfortable for whatever reason. I really wanted to like it because the service and food and AVOD were so good. It was also cool flying in the nose of the 747 (2H or 3H, can't recall). Can't have everything, though.
Jun 18, 2013 | 10:18 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: DL - DM, SPG - Plat
Posts: 95
I'm probably the only guy on FT who liked the big old UA barcaloungers more than the newer flatbeds. Always felt like my feet had more room.
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)
Only flatbed I kind of like is the window seat upstairs on the 744. At least there, my feet can go up on the little storage unit between the seat and the window. (Sort of between my seat and the seat in front of me.)