I was pleasantly surprised to read about this idea of economy seats that fold down into beds, initiated by Air New Zealand for trans-Pacific flights. The article does not mention how much extra they may cost, but I sure hope the idea becomes catchy with trans-Atlantic airlines, too.
And it sounds like it'll still be less expensive than Business Class. Coulda used it coming back from the Far East to Boston or JFK many, many times. I think it will sell pretty well.
Actually, I remember in the old days (before every flight was fully booked like most are today) on red eyes from coast to coast, I could often find three empty seats across - just flipped up the arm rest and they'd let me sleep as long as the seat belt was on and visible outside the blanket. Did it a number of times.
Posts: 738 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 12 September 2006
Actually, I remember in the old days (before every flight was fully booked like most are today) on red eyes from coast to coast, I could often find three empty seats across - just flipped up the arm rest and they'd let me sleep as long as the seat belt was on and visible outside the blanket. Did it a number of times.
Ahhh, those were the days! I remember a Cincinnati to Munich flight, during that brief period of time years ago when Delta operated it nonstop. I'd been upgraded to business class, which, being Delta, was no big deal. Coach was almost empty (hence the short duration of this service) so I grabbed several pillows and blankets and made a bed of the center section of three.
I used to be able to sit fairly far back and have a shot at doing that on other flights, but those days are long gone.
But what if you're traveling alone?! Are two strangers; (and let's face it: we've all had to sit next to strange strangers!); going to put their seats down and lie that close? No thanks!
If they reserve this experiment for the first 12 rows, they'll have to sort out the singles, unless they wanna buy 2 1/2 seats and sleep alone - for me, it would depend on a pre-flight engagement period, a few dates including dinner and a show... and I'd want to meet their whole family, first.
Posts: 738 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 12 September 2006
From the arrangement I've seen on planes (as I walk out from the cheap seats!), they have a screen, like a fan, that you fold out that creates visual privacy -- and would make it difficult for a hand to accidentally wander in someone's sleep.
You might feel a little rude and awkward, saying "Well, nice talking to you, I'm going to make sure you can't see me for the rest of the flight!" but better than watching each other drool in your sleep -- or worse.
I can sleep anywhere, but I agree it would be very nice for taller, bigger and older people particularly, who just can't get comfortable and are more sucsceptible to DVT. And people with children, if they'd allow then to snuggle up together in flight.
