If you are like me who enjoys travel and like numbers in comparisons, here’s a recent summary (June 2016) on survey of economy class (including premium economy) seats in various aircrafts by different airlines. Such numbers are important to me as I’ve long legs, and of course, I’m a miser too and want to get the best value for money when comparing options :). For those who value more comfort, here are links to similar surveys on First Class Seat Survey | Business Class Seat Survey
Economy class seat pitch in either Boeing or Airbus aircraft hovers in the 31 to 34-inch range, with a few of the economy ‘plus’ ranges offering a half-way-to-business-class 38 inches. It is, however, a fallacy to assume that a fat B747 will offer more legroom than a smaller A330. Space depends on the airline’s configuration. A couple of airlines stand out from the crowd.
E.g. I tried the Emirates A380 with 32-33″ pitch and like it a lot, similarly Singaporean Airline’s A380 has 32″ pitch. I also like the new Cathay’s A330-300 and their B777-300ER, the seats are new and comfortable and I’ve no problem with their leg room (pitch 32″). The availability of personal TV (and its size -in inches below) is also important if you’re in for a flight more than a couple of hours.
Of course, there’re much personal preferences in airline selection, even in the way how one perceives comfort from their flight journey. For me, I’m contended with a 31″ and above pitch, width is never a problem for me, and the more limited the seat recline the better as I never recline my seat so long there’s someone sitting behind me.
Looking ahead, look out for the A350 which Cathay has started to run from June 2016 on their HKG/TPE and HKG/MNL routes, and HKG/Manchester from Sept 2016. Cathay’s NextGen Airbus A350 aircraft (280 seaters) offers WiFi connectivity (shortly over Mainland China too) at just under US$20 on its longest route with unlimited data. The aircraft also serves up high definition in-flight television. Expect mood lighting, controlled humidity and cabin pressure set at a comfortable 6,000ft. Now there’re reasons why CX seems to be able to command higher than the peer fares!
For the whole long survey write up by Smart Travel, click here.
Credit: Most of the above information has been extracted from the detailed survey article.