Squeezy Jet? Seat Space On Board 14 Major Airlines Compared

According to recent research by air intelligence company OAG, airlines are now fitting between 7% – 8% more seats into their aircraft than they were initially design to carry, potentially leading to a reduction in personal space on board.

To help passengers stay in the know prior to their flight, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has put together a guide comparing seat space across 14 major airlines.

The research compares 14 major airlines, including British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Qatar Airways, and highlights seat configuration, seat width and recline, entertainment screen size and all-important legroom space for each airline’s economy and business class cabins.

For travelers looking for privacy and aisle access, most of the airlines researched offer a spacious business class cabin. For example, the Premium Seat cabin on A330 flights with Aer Lingus offers a 1-2-1 seat configuration, and the Upper Class cabin on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights with Virgin Atlantic, offers a 1-1-1 seat layout, averting any awkward squeezes to the cabin aisle.

However, some airlines’ economy cabins offer less space, since the economy cabins on board B777-300ER aircraft with Emirates and Boeing 747-400 aircraft with KLM feature a 3-4-3 seat configuration.

With regards to legroom, when flying in an economy seat the distance between the back of a seat and the rear of the seat in front (seat pitch) varies from 73.66cm for standard seats on easyJet flights, to 81.82cm with Singapore Airlines. Travellers should keep in mind that extra legroom space may be provided in the exit row of many aircraft, although there may be certain restrictions for passengers wishing to sit in these seats. For those travelling in business class seats, seat pitch varies from 94cm with First Class seats on board Delta’s 757-200 aircraft, to 200cm with Business Class seats on board Qatar Airways’ A320 aircraft.

In terms of elbow space in economy cabins, the distance between armrests (seat width) only varies slightly across the 14 airlines researched. In fact, there is just 4cm difference between Ryanair’s measurements of 43cm and Singapore Airlines’ measurement of 47cm. However, research shows that seat width varies across the airlines’ business class cabins, from 49.53cm on board Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to 76.2cm on board the same aircraft model with Singapore Airlines.

For travellers aiming to enjoy a snooze during their flight, nine of the airlines researched provide economy cabin passengers with reclining seats, including British Airways and American Airlines, which offer a seat recline of 5.08cm and 15.24cm respectively. Alternatively, for those looking for more of a recline, nine of the airlines researched provide an option for flatbed seats, including Business Class seats with Aer Lingus and Upper Class seats with Virgin Atlantic. Travellers should also note that economy seats on board five of the airlines researched, including Ryanair and WOW air, do not off the option to recline.

In-flight entertainment is becoming something most passenger expect to enjoy on their travels, and 11 of the airlines offer a personal entertainment screen for certain cabins on board selected flight routes. Of these, the size of the screen ranges from a diagonal width of 22.61cm with Economy Seats on board Qatar Airways’ A320 aircraft, to 43.18cm with Business Class seats on board Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER. Travellers should be aware that three of the airlines researched, easyJet, Ryanair and WOW air, do not currently offer entertainment screens on board any flights and that in-flight entertainment may not be provided during short-haul routes.

Lufthansa Introduces New Business Class On All Long-Haul Aircraft

Guests on Lufthansa intercontinental flights enjoy the latest cabin interior in all classes

Lufthansa has now successfully completed the most extensive cabin renewal programme in the company’s history. As of now, only aircraft with new cabin interiors are in scheduled service. Thus, all 106 Lufthansa long-haul aircraft in the Business and Economy Class are equipped with the latest cabins and the newest seats. In 76 aircraft passengers can indulge in the new First Class cabins.

Since 2011, Lufthansa has invested an average of around one million Euros per day in the refurbishing of the cabins. The total investment amounts to around 1, 5 billion Euros. In a unique refurbishing programme on all long-haul aircraft, Lufthansa Technik exchanged, modified or installed around 39,000 seats in an unparalleled refurbishing program on the long-haul aircraft: 600 seats in First Class, 7,000 seats in Business Class and more than 27,600 seats in Economy Class. For the new Premium Economy Class, which has already become a bestseller, 3,600 new seats are being installed in Lufthansa’s long-haul aircraft. From autumn onwards, passengers on all long-haul flights can travel in Premium Economy.

In addition to the new seats, the inflight entertainment was lifted to a new level: The installation of new screens and an increase of the audio and video content on offer provide for entertainment.

A part of the overall refurbishing is also the establishment of FlyNet® which has recently become available on all long-haul flights. The broadband Internet access via an onboard WLAN (WiFi) offers passengers the opportunity to go online or to catch up with the latest news and major sports events via the FlyNet® online portal during their journey. Moreover, three-quarters of all long-haul aircraft are already equipped with a direct access to the mobile network, which enables the sending of text messages or data synchronisation via one’s own mobile devices.

The new Business Class, which has been outstandingly evaluated by customers, has been upgraded with cosy lying and sitting comfort. Through the push of a button, the seat can be transformed into a comfortable bed with a horizontal reclining area of ​​1.98 metres in length. A generous spacing to the neighbour ensures pleasant privacy. In addition, since August, the new restaurant service is being introduced successively on all A380 flights, as well as the Gulf and Asia routes. The culinary experience on board is oriented towards the service of a high-class restaurant. The table is set individually by the cabin crew and the food and drinks are served directly from the galley.

For Lufthansa, the new, high-standard integrated passenger comfort is a further important step on the way to becoming the first Western five-star airline. The Lufthansa offer is already being rated by passengers with very good scores, as the Skytrax customer survey confirmed in 2015. In the world's largest survey of the airline industry Lufthansa received awards in three categories: "Best Airline Transatlantic", "World's Best First Class Airline Lounge" and "Best Airline in Western Europe". 

Lufthansa Restaurant Service begins, Creating A Better Dining Experience

A new travel experience in Business Class on long-haul flights starting August 1st

Lufthansa Business Class passengers can look forward to a completely new service on board long-haul flights. Now, flight attendants will be placing much greater emphasis on the personal needs of the passengers that they are assigned to.  The flight crew will individually respond to guests' needs and requests similar to an upscale restaurant. After the flight attendants have personally welcomed 'their' guests on board and by name, they take their orders and set the tray tables with ceramic tableware. Service plates will replace trays and flight trolleys when meals are served directly from the galley.

After the introductory flights in June and July on the Airbus A380 routes to New York (JFK) and Miami, the restaurant service will now be launched on the A380 services to Houston, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Miami, Delhi, New York (JFK), Beijing, San Francisco, Shanghai, Seoul and Singapore from  August 1st onwards. The service will then be introduced on flights with the Boeing 747-400 and 747-8 from Frankfurt on October 1st and the Airbus A340 fleet from Frankfurt and Munich to Asia and the Middle East on October 25th.

Special service-training courses for around 4,500 flight attendants have been occurring since May of this year. The approximately 130 flights on which the new concept has already been tested received an extremely positive response from Business Class guests. With its new restaurant service, Lufthansa is taking another major step towards becoming the first five-star airline in the Western hemisphere.

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About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa, serving 20 North American gateways, currently flies to 258 destinations in 80 countries. The air carrier offers hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. With the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, SWISS and a stake in Brussels Airlines, additional hubs include Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich. The entire Group flew a total of 106 million passengers in 2014. Lufthansa, along with its Group members and Star Alliance partners, serves over 1,300 destinations worldwide. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating one of the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380— the industries’ two most environmentally-friendly passenger aircraft. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8. By 2025, Lufthansa will receive 272 new aircraft worth about €38 billion in list prices on order. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues to build new or upgrade existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend over €3 billion in new products and services by 2016. In 2014, Lufthansa introduced its new Premium Economy Class which offers further comfort and more personal space. By the end of 2015, Lufthansa’s entire long-haul fleet will feature all new onboard products in each class– bringing Lufthansa one step closer to becoming the first five-star airline in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, nearly the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet is equipped with its onboard broadband wireless Internet service, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.LH.com.

KLM Invests In Customer And Future With New Boeing 787-9

The new aircraft will be introduced to KLM’s fleet in October 2015

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will introduce the Boeing 787-9 to its fleet in October 2015. This new aircraft will add a quieter and more fuel-efficient experience to ensure the airline’s passengers an unforgettable and comfortable journey.

“The Boeing 787-9 enables KLM to offer passengers even more comfort and privacy,” said Pieter Elbers, President & CEO KLM. “KLM has chosen to add specific improvements to this special aircraft, which make it unique among other 787s. All these details add up to ensure our passengers can experience a new way to fly.”

Among the most important features of the Boeing 787-9 are lower fuel consumption, the new World Business Class (WBC) and Economy Class seats, a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system and Wi-Fi for all passengers.

Lower fuel consumption

The Boeing 787-9 is equipped with highly fuel-efficient engines, which will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20%.

The aircraft is part of KLM’s program of fleet investment, which began with the introduction of the new World Business Class in the Boeing 747. This was followed by entirely new World Business Class and Economy Class interiors in the Boeing 777-200 and the phased introduction of new Boeing 777-300s. From December 2015, KLM will continue its fleet renewal with the deployment of the Embraer 175 and 190.

New flight mode

The interior design of the Boeing 787-9 maximizes comfort and privacy for passengers, while maintaining KLM’s aesthetic and brand values.

KLM’s Boeing 787-9 is fitted with onboard Wi-Fi, marking the launch of KLM Wi-Fi, which was tested in earlier trials. It will now be possible to use the internet, email and other online services onboard using laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

Larger windows, a higher cabin pressure and special LED-lighting further enhance the unique flight experience ensuring passengers arrive more rested at their destinations.

Luxury personal space in World Business Class

KLM has chosen the newest full-flat World Business Class seat for its Boeing 787-9s. The position of the new seats in the cabin and various design decisions ensure passengers can enjoy as much privacy as possible during the flight. Every World Business Class seat in the Boeing 787-9 has direct access to the aisle, a new feature for the Boeing 787-9.

Warmer colors – with different shades for every seat – and a large storage space ensure ultimate comfort and more personal room for passengers. Large, soft pillows and luxurious new blankets give the new World Business Class a warm and welcoming mood. Each seat is fitted with a 16” screen. There is also the option of a dual-screen experience, which allows passengers to game or chat using the handset while watching a film.

Economy Class

The seats in Economy Class offer passengers extra comfort. The back of the seat can recline 40% further and all passengers have access to a power socket where they can recharge their mobile equipment. The inflight entertainment system has been renewed and extended with a larger, 11” screen, intuitive HD-quality touchscreens, interactive 3D maps, and the option to communicate via Seat Chat with fellow passengers who are not seated nearby. The inflight entertainment system provides access to more than 150 films and 200 TV programs in 12 languages, including a large number of local films.

About KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 32,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

What It’s Like To Fly Upper Class With Virgin Atlantic

I've had the pleasure of flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic Airways on a few occasions recently – coming back from New Delhi to Heathrow as well as a return trip to Cape Town – so I thought I would take this opportunity to describe what you can expect when booking the airline’s equivalent of a business class seat.

The first thing to note is that the Virgin Atlantic service begins from the moment you leave home. They’ll send a limo to your house to pick you up and take you to the airport (and take you home on your return) – a real treat, meaning you are dropped at the airport entrance, not having to worry about parking and all that that entails. In my case, I was driven to Manchester Airport where I also used ‘Little Red‘, Virgin Atlantic’s new domestic service for a quick and efficient way of getting to Heathrow. Despite it being just a short flight, I was served a drink and a packet of ‘plane’ crisps, and didn't need to worry about my main case which was automatically checked through to Cape Town. The Little Red service operates multiple daily flights between London and the cities of Manchester, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Once at Heathrow, the process of changing terminals couldn't have been easier and I soon found myself at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, a place where you could very quickly forget that you’re even in an airport at all. Here you can just relax with a drink and read a magazine, have a meal, do some work, or even get yourself a haircut or a spa treatment.

This is the perfect start to air travel and a sign of things to come. With such a relaxed atmosphere, the last thing you’re thinking is “I've got a plane to catch” so it’s a good job that someone will come and find you should you forget.  Once on-board the aircraft – with priority boarding of course – you’ll find the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seats are arranged in a herring-bone pattern in order to make optimum use of the space available and to give passengers the option of a very comfortable 33-inch wide flat bed.

Your footrest can serve as a seat should you wish to sit face-to-face with a travel companion for some of the journey or, if you just want some alone time, the pull-out screen offers everything from the latest films to TV to Skymap – in fact, it includes more than 300 hours’ worth of entertainment so should help even the longest of flights should pass relatively quickly!

There’s a pull-out table and in-seat laptop power should you wish to get some work done, as well as Aeromobile, allowing you to stay connected with texts, email and the internet.

With a pre-flight glass of Lanson Black Label Champagne in hand and a pair of pajamas provided for the journey should you wish (I don’t envy the flight attendants having to diplomatically ask passengers what size they would like, but they do it admirably!), your attention soon wanders to the dinner menu.

Forget your usual airline meals; here your table is neatly laid with designer linen and you get ‘proper’ cutlery, crockery and glassware. The choice is good and the quality of food excellent given the restraints associated with serving food at 40,000 feet. Choose from main dishes such as herb-crumbed fillet of British beef with potato rosti and carrot purée, free range grilled chicken breast with a mushroom gravy and celeriac colcannon mashed potatoes and herb tournée carrots, or Goan-style prawn curry with basmati rice and sautéed cabbage and red pepper.

To accompany your meal, there’s a selection of fine wine from Berry Bros. and Rudd, one of the UK’s most innovative wine merchants, boasting five Masters of Wine – or a choice of beers, spirits, etc. – as well as water from One whose profits fund amazing roundabout powered water pumps in Africa.

Need to stretch your legs after dinner? No problem. Upper Class passengers even have access to a futuristic on-board bar where they can sit and socialize with others over their tipple of choice.

To book a flight with Virgin Atlantic, log on to www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 20 92 770.

Contributed by Paul Johnson

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These Are The Best Airlines For 2015

Air New Zealand has won for the second successive year AirlineRatings Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand cabin crew

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

Air New Zealand Skycouch

Air New Zealand 787

Etihad First Class

Cathay Pacific Business Class

Qantas Lounge Canberra

Virgin Australia Business Class

Lufthansa First Class

Scott staff and management with 777

AirlineRatings.com the world’s only safety and product rating website has announced the selection of Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2015.

AirlineRatings.com celebrates and promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards. Winners include: Qantas, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, JetBlue, Kululu.com, Lufthansa, Lan Chile, Norwegian, Thai Airways, Scoot and Virgin Australia.

AirlineRatings.com also announced its Top Ten airlines for 2015.

Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand is being honored for the second consecutive year for its in-flight innovations, financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff that have cemented the airline an industry trendsetter.

The editorial team, one of the world’s most awarded and experienced, also praised Air New Zealand’s commitment to a young fleet and its continual focus on the environment. The airline also won Best Premium Economy Class.

AirlineRatings.com’s editorial team took special note of Air New Zealand’s comprehensive long haul offering which had two multi-award winning products in the Skycouch for economy and Spaceseat for premium economy passengers.

“Air New Zealand’s focus on its staff has resulted in exceptional performance across the airline in market position, customer service, financial performance, fiscal management and operational safety,” said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.

“Put simply Air New Zealand is a textbook case of what an airline should be today. Air New Zealand has catapulted to the top tier of the industry and while it may be 50th in size in global rankings it is one of the most awarded.”

“Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice and given the airline’s location and the country’s size, its performance is extraordinary,” said Mr Thomas.

“The editors of AirlineRatings.com also noted that the airline’s focus on delivering value to passengers has resulted in higher yields and better returns for staff and shareholders. Air New Zealand is unquestionably AirlineRatings.com Airline of the Year for 2015,” said Mr Thomas.

Read more about Air New Zealand’s offerings here 

Best First Class

This award was won by relative newcomer Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways which has shaken the industry with its new First Class offerings.

“Etihad’s commitment to excellence appears to know no bounds. The airline’s new First Class and Business Class offerings are breathtaking and have set a new benchmark in luxury travel,” said Mr Thomas.

“In just over eleven years Etihad Airways has stamped itself not only as a major force in the airline industry but a trendsetter – an incredible achievement.”

Read more about Etihad wins here.

Best Business Class

Cathay Pacific Airways has won Best Business Class and the award adds to a string of accolades the airline has won for its product offering.

According to Mr Thomas, Cathay Pacific’s new business class is exceptional. “It’s a magnificent blend of comfort, functionality and privacy,” said Mr Thomas. “The airline has listened to its customers and it shows.”

Read more about Cathay Pacific Business Class offerings here:

Best Premium Economy

Air New Zealand has won Best Premium Economy for the second year running for its innovation in designing its own premium economy seat.

The airline is continually innovating in all cabins and this has resulted in higher yields as passengers upgrade their travel experience with value propositions.

“Air New Zealand has proven conclusively that passengers will pay more if the product is right and priced accordingly,” said Mr Thomas.

Best Economy

Thai Airways picks up Best Economy Class for a product that delivers superb value for money and comfort.

“Thai Airways offers some of the best value in Economy Class not only in the Asian region but throughout the airline industry. Their service is perfect, meals filling and frequent and the in-flight entertainment of superior quality,” said Mr Thomas.

“Thai Airways has always offered exceptional service and the combination with cabin innovations of the Boeing 787 is a winning team,” said Mr Thomas

Read more on Thai Airways here: 

Best Lounges

Qantas has won this category for a feature that has become as important as in-flight product to many discerning travellers. And in this space Qantas’ lounges are a standout.

“The Qantas domestic lounge has become an Australian air travel institution and the airline’s international offerings are also exceptional with new lounges in Hong Kong and Los Angeles setting new standards,” said Mr Thomas.

Qantas Lounges not only provide complimentary food and beverages the airline was a leader in installing showers several decades ago. Importantly the airline’s lounges have robust broadband internet access that can handle demand – something lacking in many other airlines’ lounges.

Read more about Qantas's wins here.


Best Catering

Another win for Qantas for its commitment, not only to first class dining, but to economy travel which makes up 90 per cent of passengers.

The airline is rolling out four choices of main meal for economy passengers, a doubling in the size of meals, and the ability to order online ahead of the flight.

“Qantas’s catering commitment to both its domestic and international passengers is industry leading,” said Mr Thomas

“Our editors were extremely impressed by the airline’s new economy offering which makes Qantas a clear winner in this category.”


Best In-Flight Entertainment

Emirates, which was one of the pioneers of IFE, wins AirlineRatings.com Best IFE award for the second consecutive year. The airline has an IFE product that few airlines equal.

Airlineratings.com editors noted that Emirates was one of the first adopters, particularly for economy class. By 1993 all the airline’s seats were fitted with IFE.

Emirates ICE has almost endless features. It allows you to follow the progress of your flight, or take in the view from the aircraft’s external cameras.

You can keep in touch with live business, news and sport headlines. As a communication tool it provides phone, SMS or email capability. For entertainment there are 600 channels of premium entertainment.

Best Domestic Service

In an era where domestic offerings are becoming leaner and leaner Qantas’s domestic offering is a global standout and in many cases matches or exceeds others’ international product.

“There is no doubt Australian’s are the world’s most spoilt passengers with full meal service on all flights across its network,” said Mr Thomas.

The airline offers complimentary beer and wine offered between capital cities after 4pm on weekdays and between Perth and the East-Coast from lunch time daily. Next year the airline will also offer lie-flat beds on A330 flights which operate all transcontinental services.

Best New World Carrier

A new award for AirlineRatings.com the Best New World Carrier acknowledges airlines that are making game changing initiatives to redefine travel to meet rapidly changing passenger expectations.

The inaugural winner is Virgin Australia which has redefined what an airline can achieve by morphing from Australia’s low fare pioneer as Virgin Blue to an airline that blends low cost efficiencies with a first class product. A true New World Carrier.

“The airline has taken what really matters to passengers and given it a makeover and the result is spectacular,” said Mr Thomas.

Read more here.

Best Cabin Crew

Another inaugural award is Best Cabin Crew, again won by Virgin Australia. “The airline’s cabin crew treat every passenger whether in row 1 or 31 as a special guest,” said Mr Thomas.

“Their commitment to their passengers is outstanding and is a benchmark of what cabin service should be.”

Best Long Haul Airline

AirlineRatings.com Best Long Haul Airline awards have been won by: Etihad (Middle East/Africa), Eva Air (Asia/Pacific), Lufthansa (Europe) and Lan Chile (The Americas).

According to Mr Thomas, these four long haul airlines are clear leaders in their region and in fact well beyond. “Each defines long haul travel and can be counted on to deliver the best possible product.”

Lufthansa and Etihad in particular are standouts in long haul travel and have pioneered new aircraft and interior designs to enhance global travel,” said Mr Thomas. “EVA Air and Lan Chile also have rich histories in pioneering long haul travel and are deserving winners.”

Best Low Cost Airline

There is no question that the Low Cost Airline market is the most competitive and also the most rapidly growing. Thus competition to be the best is a challenge of balancing product with low prices.

AirlineRatings.com winners are: jetBlue (The Americas), Scoot (Asia/Pacific), Kulula (Middle-East/Africa) and Norwegian (Europe).

The four airlines are standouts in their respective markets with very clever innovations and they consistently delivery an excellent value proposition. “These airlines may not always offer the lowest fare but what they always do is deliver the best value,” said Mr Thomas. And these airlines open new routes and make travel fun for millions who could previously not afford to fly.

- See more at: http://www.airlineratings.com/news/400/air-new-zealand-wins-2015-airline-of-the-year#sthash.zBylhHGP.dpuf

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