New 3 Class 744 J/W/Y Configuration

[serfty]

Reported on FT:

Strange 744 seating config - FlyerTalk Forums

QF6 SIN-SYD 27MAR11

Interestingly, it does not appear to have Skybed Mk II as there are too many in the nose and upstairs.

Thinking about this - methinks it's simply a current two class with row 26 to 37 having their Y seats stripped and replaced with PE seating.

Not the full reconfig at all.

 

[NM]

Interestingly, it does not appear to have Skybed Mk II as there are too many in the nose and upstairs.

Thinking about this - methinks it's simply a current two class with row 26 to 37 having their Y seats stripped and replaced with PE seating.

That is pretty much what I was expecting. The whole reason for the 2-class (now 3-class) config is to get as many J and Y seats into the aircraft as they can. So Skybed Mk II does not achieve that goal.

 

[docjames]

Out of interest, how does this fit with the fleet expansion/replacement plans?

I presume they've gone the simpler/cheaper option of keeping Skybed I's and just adding Y+ seats as arent these aircraft on the way out (it's only the 6ERs + 3 other 744s - havent seen which ones - that are staying), so no point refitting the whole lot with Skybed MkIIs). There was a press release / quote saying the F/J configs of the 744s would be updated to J only but Skybed IIs.

It may of course be neither and just preferentiall seating allocation of the existing 2 class seating (a la Y+ in J seats)



/Disclose conflict of interest/
I'm just praying the "new" version doesnt make an appearance on my upcoming legs BNE-LAX so I can keep the J seat with Y+ service.

 

[markis10]

Out of interest, how does this fit with the fleet expansion/replacement plans?.

Its got nothing to do with the 747 refit post F removal, the first body does not get worked on until Q3/2011.

 

[JohnK]

I know this may sound naive but what is the difference between Skybed MK I and Skybed MK II?

I have been in a skybed a number of times but can't tell the difference.

 

[mannej]

I know this may sound naive but what is the difference between Skybed MK I and Skybed MK II?

I have been in a skybed a number of times but can't tell the difference.

MKII is fully flat, whilst MKI isn't?

 

[serfty]

Skybed on 744 (Mk I) currently goes flat but with a slight slope so your feet tuck under the Skybed in front.

Skybed Mk II on 388's goes flat and parallel to the floor.

Pitch (being seat back to seat back measured distance) on Skybed MkI is 60", For Skybed MK II it is 80".

 

[JohnK]

Skybed on 744 (Mk I) currently goes flat but with a slight slope so your feet tuck under the Skybed in front.

Skybed Mk II on 388's goes flat and parallel to the floor.

Thanks. So I have only ever sampled Skybed MK I and I have never had any issue with it being on a slope.

 

[markis10]

Looks like the addition of PE to the 2 class fleet has happened pretty quickly, I note 4 of the two class aircraft have had a visit to AVV this month:

11/08/2010 VH-OJA 747-400 QF6191 Sydney Avalon
13/08/2010 VH-OJA 747-400 QF6196 Avalon Sydney
18/08/2010 VH-OJB 747-400 QF6196 Avalon Sydney
03/08/2010 VH-OJE 747-400 QF6195 Sydney Avalon
05/08/2010 VH-OJE 747-400 QF6196 Avalon Sydney
01/08/2010 VH-OJD 747-400 QF6195 Sydney Avalon
03/08/2010 VH-OJD 747-400 QF6196 Avalon Sydney

 

[serfty]

Have a 744 booking on QF22 next year. I Just checked it; We had been firmly ensconced in 26H/J - for 6 months; now we have been moved to 38B/C!

 

[docjames]

Have a 744 booking on QF22 next year. I Just checked it; We had been firmly ensconced in 26H/J - for 6 months; now we have been moved to 38B/C!

Argh, bummer.


I'm still showing row 23 for Qf15/16 in Sept 2010.

 

[serfty]

Argh, bummer.


I'm still showing row 23 for Qf15/16 in Sept 2010.

Row 23 on the 2 class 744 is a skybed!

 

[docjames]

Row 23 on the 2 class 744 is a skybed!

I know! That's why I booked Y+ on those legs..... :mrgreen::mrgreen:

Let's hope it stays that way and there's not a last minute aircraft sub.

 

[simongr]

Thanks. So I have only ever sampled Skybed MK I and I have never had any issue with it being on a slope.

There is considerably more legroom on the SKII as well. I personally avoid QF if it is SKI and go for CX for the lie flat option. At 185cm the slope can get a little cramped compared to a flat bed on BA or CX

 

[cosi]

There is considerably more legroom on the SKII as well. I personally avoid QF if it is SKI and go for CX for the lie flat option. At 185cm the slope can get a little cramped compared to a flat bed on BA or CX

I agree with your comments.

I prefer the CX lie flats even though I am very board in the shoulders and feel cramp when sitting up and trying to eat - no elbow room.

Looking forward to one day having the pleasure of trying the SKII

 

[MarcB]

Further to this post, Qantas have just announced the addition of PE to Japan and Frankfurt from October this year and February next year respectively. This would appear to explain the changes to the aircraft seat maps.

 

[serfty]

Further to this post, Qantas have just announced the addition of PE to Japan ...

Yup! See post #10 as a consequence of this.

 

[Harpoon]

Its got nothing to do with the 747 refit post F removal, the first body does not get worked on until Q3/2011.

I must have missed this news.

Qantas is removing First completely?? Or just some routes??

I'm saving some QFF points to use for First class reward trip.... would it be wise to use points for F class sooner rather than later? I was particularly hoping to use them on an A380 F-class MEL-LHR :/

 

[docjames]

I must have missed this news.

Qantas is removing First completely?? Or just some routes??

I'm saving some QFF points to use for First class reward trip.... would it be wise to use points for F class sooner rather than later? I was particularly hoping to use them on an A380 F-class MEL-LHR :/

F to stay in ~ 12 A380s, be removed from plans for remaining 380s (8) and all 744s. Only 9 744s to remain, the 6 ERs (which are the newest) plus 3 others (QF havent stated exactly which ones but most guessing those newest non-ERs or those in best condition mechanically).

Expect F in the intermediate term to be only to LHR and LAX.

Long term, many would think it's a bad move as F travel will come back.

Others feel it's appropriate as J has evolved to where F was ~ 10-15 years ago (before lie-flat beds in J).

Time will tell who's right. Note other major carriers have not announced the dumping of F (thinking SQ/EK etc).

 

[Princess Fiona]

There is considerably more legroom on the SKII as well. I personally avoid QF if it is SKI and go for CX for the lie flat option. At 185cm the slope can get a little cramped compared to a flat bed on BA or CX

The slope on SKI is also very annoying if you are shorter. At 168cm I frequently waken having slipped to the bottom of the seat