Which Aircraft Offers More Spacious Economy Seats?

TPG reader Chris sent me a message on Facebook to ask about airline seating:
“Which has more room in economy: the Airbus A380 or the Boeing 777-300ER?”
As airlines have worked to improve profit margins over the years, the average space allotted to each seat has steadily declined. New and more compact designs (like reconfigurable bench seating and rear-facing seats) are helping carriers maximize capacity at the expense of comfort, leaving passengers (and their elected representatives) to scrap for every inch.
It helps to know what to expect before you fly, so you can select a seat that suits your needs (or at least prepare yourself for a tight ride). To that end, it’s good to be familiar with the idiosyncracies of different aircraft. However, seat configurations vary not only from one model to another, but also on the same model operated by different airlines.
For example, consider the Boeing 777-300ER (also known as the 77W). American Airlines operates the 77W with 220 seats in economy in a 3-4-3 configuration, giving each seat 17 inches of width and 31 inches of pitch. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific operates two different versions of the 77W, both of which use a more spacious 3-3-3 configuration in economy, offering 18.5 inches of width and 32 inches of pitch.
The story is the same aboard the A380. Lufthansa operates two versions of the A380-800, with economy seats that offer 18.2 inches of width and 31 inches of pitch. On the other hand, Korean Air’s configuration has seats that are slightly narrower at 18 inches wide, but offer substantially more legroom with a pitch of 33-34 inches. That extra space can make a big difference on a long-haul flight.

Korean Air offers more legroom in economy than Lufthansa aboard the A380.

If you’re looking for help choosing a seat, check out SeatGuru. This site offers detailed layouts of just about every aircraft operated by major airlines, including seat information like pitch, width and amenities. SeatGuru also identifies potential problems like limited recline or storage space, and offers reports from other flyers that can give you some additional insight. It’s free to use, but note that the information provided isn’t 100% accurate, especially on newer aircraft; you might want to cross-check with the airline if you have a lot riding on your seat selection.
Of course, the best laid plans often go awry, so it also helps to have a strategy for dealing with unexpected circumstances like a broken seat or a last-minute equipment change. As airlines continue to pack more and more passengers into economy cabins, knowing where to sit (and where not to sit) on a given aircraft can make your flight experience much more enjoyable.
For more on your best options in economy and premium economy, check out these posts:

• Best Airlines to Fly Coach Domestically
• Best Airlines to Fly Premium Economy Domestically
• Top Airlines to Fly International Economy Class
• Top Airlines to Fly International Premium Economy

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

Read more: http://thepointsguy.com/2016/04/aircraft-space-economy-seats/#ixzz466SY4Q00

Air Malta Launches First Ever Spa Experience Onboard

Air Malta has yesterday launched – The Sky Spa - the first ever free in-flight spa experience onboard a commercial short-haul flight.

Flights KM 116/7 to/from Gatwick were chosen to introduce the innovative exclusive onboard service of spa treatments which no other airline offers free of charge to passengers travelling in Economy.

This initiative was made possible by teaming up with Myoka Spas, well known in the spa and beauty industry in Malta. It will be available on selected flights.

Two professional therapists welcomed passengers with various beauty product samples and later pampered them with complimentary and luxurious treatments including hand, feet and neck massages whilst listening to relaxing music.

Air Malta’s lucky customers were also presented with a 20€ voucher for use at any Myoka Spa in Malta, making it a truly unforgettable surprise.

The initiative was a huge success and created a lot of interest on Air Malta’s social media especially Facebook facebook.com/AirMalta with hundreds of likes and shares.

This experience is just the beginning and part of a series of similar projects that Air Malta will be launching in the near future aimed at enhancing customers experience and showing that the airline Cares More.

Economy Class Is Getting The Luxury Treatment

While economy class isn't as cozy as business or first, airlines are starting to offer more luxe amenities to the everyday traveler (probably to help us forget outrageous luggage fees or the fact our pretzels are no longer free, but I digress). In many instances, economy class is becoming a lifestyle experience in the sky.

For example, take Etihad Airways new couture uniforms launched in late December, designed by Milan-based couturier Ettore Bilotta. Featuring tones of chocolate brown, deep purple and burnt orange, the uniforms are made from 100% Italian wool and are meant to give a nod to a time when flying was glamorous.

Photo courtesy of Virgin America

If poorly poured well drinks and cheap wine in plastic cups aren't your thing, Virgin America is now offering craft bottle cocktails from Austin Cocktails. As the airline is a San Francisco company, it always focuses on showcasing local businesses through its food and beverage program, featuring the likes of Philz Coffee, 479° Popcorn, Krave Jerky, and 21st Amendment and Anchor Steam Breweries.

On Air France, everyone gets a taste of first class. Even economy passengers get a glass of bubbly (Lombard & Cie Brut Reference brut, to be exact), from the airline’s wine and Champagne list, which is hand-curated by Paolo Basso, named the world’s top sommelier in 2013.

Aeroflot brings the usually first-class amenity travel kits — including eyes masks, slippers and do-not-disturb stickers — to economy on flights longer than 8 hours.

Photo courtesy of EL AL Israel Airlines

And while it’s nothing new for airlines to incorporate chef-created menus into their dining programs, it’s typically reserved for higher-class passengers. However, on EL AL Israel Airlines all passengers are served dishes by celebrity chef Moshe Segev, who owns three Israeli restaurants and hosts a television cooking show, Segev Comes to Cook. Think meals like truffled sweet potato soup or a healthy salmon fillet with steamed rice and green beans served with boutique Israeli wines.

“Mai Tais” in economy provide a sip of Hawaiian culture. Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines also features a chef-led program for economy class, with Chef Chai Chaowasaree’s pan-Asian menu featuring dishes like Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken with fresh mango salsa and fried rice.

Contributed by Jessica Festa ,http://roadwarriorvoices.com/

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