Who will be first?
 

Hi all

I have a controversial question which I think will cause some debate.

I was just reading about BA's reclining seats in Business Class and what a great product they are.

It struck me that as there are more and more efficiencies in airline travel, improvements in comfort become possible.

So my question is this. Which airline is going to be the first to offer fully reclining seat/beds in economy. I know this may seem absurd but with greater efficiencies and new, larger aircraft anything is possible.

So, which airline and why?

cheers Peter

Maybe if they configure them as bunks, like on a train http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

------------------
Tony

Or like those japanese "tube" hotels. That way they could fit 5,864 pax into coach on a 747-400. Why didn't someone think of that before this?


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

What a great idea! Bench seats on planes. They could make them out of plastic. Light and durable. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif They could also get rid of the overhead bins to make room for the bunks.

It will never happen becuase coach passengers are to price sensitive. People would fly in the cargo hold if it would save them $20.00!

Hey, all you need is a sweater!

Introducing another class between business and coach...coffin class? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Well, even if it is like a stacking-coffin like, a full flat bed for only a small premium over coach will really be appreciated -- at least by me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I thought flying Ansett was coffin class?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

cheers Peter

I've always wondered why no one's thought of having stacked "couchettes" like on the trains in Europe in coach - I think I've seen ones on the train that start out as seats, and can be easily folded away and replaced with fold-down flat surfaces.

Should take about the same space as seats.

Until then, maybe sling a few makeshift hammocks b/w overhead bins???

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It is all simple really.

Ban all carry ons. For starters, that means each 747 loads 40 minutes faster as the usual idiots trying to move house and stuff it all into the already packed overheads for 40 minutes are dispensed with, so 85% of flights will now leave AHEAD of time.

So nothing in the overhead bins. Then at least 40 coach pax CAN have a lay down seat without airlines spending one extra cent. (Well they need to bash out the divider panels, big deal.) Pax just lay down in the overhead bins. If the lights from down below are too bright, you just pull the overhead door shut. To get out, you just thump loudly, and hope someone hears. Or put little FA call buzzers up there.

A few little ladders and they are in business. Darn good idea really. They could sell advertising space on the ladders. Going to the restroom down the ladder in turbulence is going to be a hassle, but hey, you fly coach and there are certain downsides come with the territory. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

Ozstamps,

It's starting to sound a lot like the FedEx PeoplePak. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Airlines will never allow a Fedex PeoplePak.

Why?

You can do LAX-NYC next day air 200 lbs for $87.69 plus tax.

Ever seen a coach ticket priced that low. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Add $30 meals surcharge, $25 heating surcharge, $20 oxygen surcharge, $15 lav surcharge, $5 reading light surcharge, $30 emergency support surcharge, minus $30 no door-to-door pickup/delivery discount.

This pushes the Fedex PeoplePak up to about $195 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Save your money and fly WHEELWELL for nothing! No surcharges in there. In a very short period of time, You will not need any other services as WELL!

nan .. they did say the proposed Fedex First Class PeoplePak © ® will have a padded interior, and larger airholes than the coach version, and be 3" wider for those "larger' users.

------------------
~ Glen ~