Avoiding the Qantas 787

[downgraded]

It’s a shame given they are using them on such (ultra) long haul flights they couldn’t either increase pitch or (preferably) make them 8 abreast.

These are not an either/or issue. Contrary to the recent posts, I've also found the QF 787 pitch notably better than their other planes (not surprising given how thin the seatbacks now are), but increased pitch can in no way compensate for the loss of shoulder width (not bum width). I disagree that "consumers in Y shop on price". Many do, not all. But when you fail to provide a compelling differentiation that warrants a higher price, then there is no point in paying a higher price for essentially the same product.

 

[docjames]

These are not an either/or issue. Contrary to the recent posts, I've also found the QF 787 pitch notably better than their other planes (not surprising given how thin the seatbacks now are), but increased pitch can in no way compensate for the loss of shoulder width (not bum width). I disagree that "consumers in Y shop on price". Many do, not all. But when you fail to provide a compelling differentiation that warrants a higher price, then there is no point in paying a higher price for essentially the same product.

Sure, not all (I agree there’s a segment of the market), but they have Y+ or Y exit row (as examples) to achieve some of the things they are looking for. But the volume sales are in a low advertised price, and to have otherwise means falling down the list of search options.

 

[moa999]

have done the Air Asia flight KUL-SYD on the A333 in exit row aisle and it was a little cramped but not as cramped as the 787 from a premium carrier felt.

Interesting.
The 333 is 23cm/9 in narrower than the 787 - so equivalent to 1in per seat width in a 3x3x3 config (and I don't think AirAsia armrests are any narrower) and exit rows narrower again due to the inbuilt tray table.

AirAsia does at least give a standard 31" pitch, but the Qantas 787 is 32"

 

[Pleb Status]

Interesting how this thread has aged...

In my OP, I noted that the A380 J refit was to commence in April 2018. It is now August 2019 and still nothing is in service.

The 'excitement' (and QF purchased hype) of the 787 arrival has certainly died but the dread will always remain.

I have avoided the QF 789 successfully so far however...

 

[marki]

Untill I watched the construction of the shell of a 787 I was puzzled as to why I couldn't make a phone call from 787 whereas I could in an A380. There's a fine meshwork of wire in the shell of a 787 to dissipate any electrical activity from a lightning strike, and as serfty says, creating a perfect Faraday cage.

I noticed this instantly I got onboard. So very hard to make phone calls or even message. Had no idea there was meshwork of wire in the shell. But that would explain the Faraday cage effect for sure.

 

[levelnine]

The 'excitement' (and QF purchased hype) of the 787 arrival has certainly died but the dread will always remain.

Sums up Qantas in a nutshell, really.

Short-lived hype, long-lived dread.

 

[BD1959]

Don't travel with a measure, just a measure of comfort.

Earlier this year flew LHR-PER-MEL in Y. The much publicised load factors on LHR-PER coupled with, what feels like, the most uncomfortable Y seat built provide an "experience" I vowed I'd never repeat. Give me a worn Y seat on EK's 777 (where there is an "industry leading" row density) anytime over QF's 787. Once the majority of passengers left at PER, the leg to MEL was far nicer given the roughly estimated 20% load in the Y cabin - at least (and at last) I could spread out over the previously occupied two seats alongside my own.

Regards,

BD

 

[Melburnian1]

They won't fix them. I'm surprised that there haven't more negative reviews on the 17 hour flight.

In respect of the latter, perhaps because most of the 'professionals' reviewing them received a free flight courtesy of QFi, even if only in Y, and know which side their bed is buttered on. A pleasing review may mean J, or on routes where offered, W or even F next time.

And some like the former 'Australian Business Traveller' (now changed to a pathetic looking, rubbishy new website with a different name) refuse to review Y seating despite many business travellers using that class.

 

[Kangol]

And some like the former 'Australian Business Traveller' (now changed to a pathetic looking, rubbishy new website with a different name) refuse to review Y seating despite many business travellers using that class.

They have said that?

 

[downgraded]

They have said that?

Yes.

 

[Pleb Status]

Yes.

I can confirm that as I asked David 'directly'...

 

[downgraded]

I can confirm that as I asked David 'directly'...

One example of the attitude:

Review: Cathay Pacific premium economy seats

Cathay Pacific’s new premium economy seats strike a near-perfect balance between economy and business class. Having travelled for 14 hours from Seattle to Hong Kong on a factory-fresh Boeing 777 fitted with CX premium economy (and also the new international economy seats), Australian Business...

www.executivetraveller.com

"And while I agree with you that 'most people who travel' will sit in economy, our site is for businesstravellers, and so for international routes we place more emphasis on business and premium economy than economy, in keeping with our target audience".

 

[jakeseven7]

VS 787 HKG-LHR. I found the shoulder width a much bigger issue than the seat in front which i expected to be near my nose at recline. I reclined my seat and it went to a “normal” Y pitch (ie. terrible).

The things described in much of this thread are Y issues and 787 width issues, none of which are QF specific.

Agreed, it’s a model thing. Should change thread title. I have a VS flight coming up will report back.

 

[Must...Fly!]

One example of the attitude:

Review: Cathay Pacific premium economy seats

Cathay Pacific’s new premium economy seats strike a near-perfect balance between economy and business class. Having travelled for 14 hours from Seattle to Hong Kong on a factory-fresh Boeing 777 fitted with CX premium economy (and also the new international economy seats), Australian Business...

www.executivetraveller.com

"And while I agree with you that 'most people who travel' will sit in economy, our site is for businesstravellers, and so for international routes we place more emphasis on business and premium economy than economy, in keeping with our target audience".

All business travelers can afford business or Y+ for their family holiday then presumably...

Short sighted move but hey, it's their website

 

[Kangol]

Woah.
Changing the name to "Executive" implies flying private. Not taking public transport.

 

[mitti]

One example of the attitude:

Review: Cathay Pacific premium economy seats

Cathay Pacific’s new premium economy seats strike a near-perfect balance between economy and business class. Having travelled for 14 hours from Seattle to Hong Kong on a factory-fresh Boeing 777 fitted with CX premium economy (and also the new international economy seats), Australian Business...

www.executivetraveller.com

"And while I agree with you that 'most people who travel' will sit in economy, our site is for businesstravellers, and so for international routes we place more emphasis on business and premium economy than economy, in keeping with our target audience".

The wankery of this site is extreme. It is a shame it is one of the only available sources (other than forums such as this) for news and reviews of airline products in Aus.

 

[PineappleSkip]

The wankery of this site is extreme. It is a shame it is one of the only available sources (other than forums such as this) for news and reviews of airline products in Aus.

Seems a bit harsh! They were reviewing Y+, not F, and they also comment

You'd probably be interested in our report on Cathay's new long-haul economy class, which is also being rolled out alongside premium economy.

Cheers skip

 

[mitti]

Seems a bit harsh! They were reviewing Y+, not F, and they also comment


Cheers skip

Sure, but i guess I am talking more about the site generally as are the comments above.

 

[Flying Fox]

Slightly off topic but due to SYD storms I got offloaded from a QF A330 in J to a JQ B787 in Y (seat 11G).

At 175 cms tall I was expecting a horror flight. However, much to my surprise & amazement, I found the seat & leg room to be very comfortable for my 6 hour flight.

I'm yet to travel on a QF B787.

 

[Himeno]

I'm yet to travel on a QF B787.

Same. I've been on BA, JL and QR 787s. J on all 3 and Y+ on JL.