Send to a friend
Print this tip
Email Sign Up (Free)
Add to del.icio.us |
US Airways has announced that in January 2008 they will begin installing new "near lie-flat seats" in international Business Class cabins on B767 aircraft which currently cover many European routes. That news will certainly be met with enthusiasm among frequent US Airways travelers crossing the pond in the vintage Business Class furniture now in place.
According to our sources, the new seat offers adjustable head- and footrests, a pulldown privacy divider, and a wide array of on-demand entertainment options delivered through individual foldaway flat screens. Seat pitch is 62 inches and recline is 170 degrees.
If you're not already a First Class Flyer subscriber, click here to receive a FREE TRIAL ISSUE
Those numbers aren't exactly stunning, and even with a 170 degree recline, the seat angle looks steep. In general, though, the B767's specs are favorable to those on the A330 which currently shares duty on US Airways' European routes.
Any equipment upgrade to US Airways Business Class is guaranteed to be an improvement -- there's no issue there. Whenever a Mass Market Carrier makes the effort to revamp a cabin, there’s hope they'll turn an eye to exceeding the standards of that class. A look at the specs suggests US Airways has made a firm commitment to the middle ground, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Until we can take a test flight we'll remain cautiously optimistic.
Any upgrade to the USAirways ancient 767 fleet is welcome! Even though this upgrade is less than dramatic, the success of the decision will depend on whether or not USAirways commits to a significant upgrade to the quality of service at every level. Condescending gate agents, under-trained and uninformed customer service representatives and surly flight crews make this airline among not only the worst airline experiences, but the worst business experiences.
The photo makes the seat look like the ones currently being used by NorthWest. The seats may recline but they look very narrow and it looks like there is not much personal space between you and the person next to you. I find that needed more then anything else on long flights. As much as these seats cost. They should not have more then 5 across on a 767... does anyone know the config?
I agree with DO'Malley. Unless USAir greatly improves their customer service, you could put in the best seat in the industry and it won't make a difference.
I simply don't get it ! What's with the US airlines. Haven't they heard of 180 degrees ?!?!? Anything less, may be called flat, but it's not. When i stand up straight, i am also flat !!! The airlines are spending millions. I'm sure for the same money or very close to that, they can get 180 degrees. Only United and Delta, seem to have gone for the 180 degrees. By the way, i don't think UA & DL deserve any special accolades for this. it will take a while until their aging fleets are upgraded. Many of their Asian & European counterparts, have already installed their second generation flat bed and are already breaking their heads what to come up with next, while the US airliners are trailing behind. It's soo sad. The service on the American carriers is horrendous compared to what some of their European & Asian carriers are offering. What's happened to us ??
My husband and I flew first class (with 120000 US Air miles each) on Asiana Airlines this Fall to China. From easy checking in, to fast tracking through security to their lounge we were escorted by a gracious soft spoken Korean lady. The first class cabin was just lovely and the service impeccable. The flat beds were the best we have ever slept on--lush down bed pad and cover. Our airline service people should be made to flew foreign carriers to find out what real service is--eapecially US Air and Delta personel.
Recently flew Envoy Class to Glasgow from Philadelphia, Boeing 757. Very disappointing to say the least. For several months I have read about the new Envoy Class with upgraded cabins, improved cuisine, premmium wines, etc. Don't think this has taken effect yet on US Air, even though we left on May 23 and the new improvements were to e in place by May 1, 2008. To me it was no different than a U S Air flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas. Same old dilapidated seats, etc. The seats are small, not first class. The seats do not even come close to reclining. The seats are inferior to any seats that international airlines were using ten years ago. We flew back from Glasgow on an Airbus 330. I think there had been some improvements in that aircraft, but would not swear to it. Going to fly to London from Charlotte next week, and then return from Frankfurt in July. Hopefully by that time the improvements will have been made. Funny thing was on the PHL to Glasgow flight, there was a U S Air newsletter celebrating the new Envoy class and the 19000 hours of rigourous customer service training the Envoy Cabin crews had undertaken. I am not sure what the big deal was about the new Envoy Class. Please U S Air, go look at Qatar, Singapore, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Asiana, ANA, Thai, or any of the Asian airlines and learn what flat seats are, what customer service is, what excellent airplane cuisine is. The domestic airlines have yet to figure out that when people buy first class, they really do want to receive first class, not a class that most international airlines would scoff at.
Have something to say?
Add your insider tip! Your personal experiences are an important part of the FlightBliss knowledge base on flight ratings, the quality of airlines, seats, schedules, mileage programs and fares. Post your comment on this FlightBliss Tip below.