My two bobs on CX Economy seats

[Bubbles]

Some of you might recall an earlier post of mine asking about S class economy on CX and the merits of the contentious CX Economy seats.

Thought I would offer my advice to those considering doing Economy on CX (although I acknowledge that this is just my opinion and others might disagree).I would counsel other passengers from doing economy on CX if there is another reasonable alternative merely because of the seats.

I found the slumping forward from the hips a little unbearable although CX was pleasant in all other aspects although I always ate in the F lounge and didn't eat much on board. Indeed, I really enjoy their J beds and would recommend CX J over just about any other carrier for the beds.

By a stroke more of un-luck than luck, my holiday has been interrupted for a work trip, with the 'lucky' bit being that I will be flown home in J for my troubles and don't have to face Y again - however, thought that I would want this information myself if I were back at the start of our holiday planning and weighing up airlines.

Happy to hear other's thoughts!

Bubbles

 

[FL360]

This is my decision logic for choosing whether to fly CX with their new Y seats, given there are better / worse alternatives available..

If your height is below 5'5, then it is OK, it is actually preferred because your personal space is guaranteed and the new AVOD is awesome.

If your height is over 5'5, then generally speaking it should be avoided if it is a night time flight over 5 hours... for daytime flight it is actually preferred because of the reason above, and you do not need to recline....

 

[docjames]

At 6'5" I can say the 8hr DXB-HKG was a nightmare in the new Y (shelled)seats. The angle that forms between the slid forward seat base and the (less reclined) backrest is very, very uncomfortable.

The 3h45m flight HKG-SIn with older style (hard upper, soft lower) seating was WAY more comfortable, a combo of better seat and shorter time.

I'm going to avoid where possible.

 

[browski]

Nearly a great idea......

When I first heard about these shell Y seats I was impressed for CX thinking outside-the-box.

Unfortunately, after using them on numerous long haul flights (JNB-HKG-MEL etc) I now totally hate them.

The joy of not having somebody recline their seat into your lap is shortlived due to the discomfort when trying to sleep in these things.

Unfortunately, I will now not fly Y in CX for flights over 4 hours. Shame though, because it promised a lot.

In-flight power in Y, great service, great IFE; poor seats.

 

[Alanslegal]

This is my decision logic for choosing whether to fly CX with their new Y seats, given there are better / worse alternatives available..

If your height is below 5'5, then it is OK, it is actually preferred because your personal space is guaranteed and the new AVOD is awesome.

Totally agree with this logic, I am a shorty pants ~165cm and I must say the CX new Y shell seats has to be my favourite Y seat

To me the scariest part when flying Y is worrying whether or not the person in front of me will recline all the way - but with the CX shell seats, they can recline how they want, when they want and as much as they want - and it won't affect me one bit!

 

[kamchatsky]

I did SYD-HKG-LHR and AMS-HKG-SYD on CX Y, all on new shell seats in August this year. Yes the fact that there are no recline is great for day flights, watching their excellent AVODs and have my meal without the front passenger slamming their seats!

I am 172cm and I have to say that I don't really get used to slumping down at night. Mrs Edison doesn't really like it. I am OK with it but I have to get my leg in such a position that won't hit the front chair. It can be awkward.

 

[nlagalle]

Great.. I am reading this as i am about to head of on an overnight flight to Hong Kong!!!!

 

[JohnK]

If your height is over 5'5, then generally speaking it should be avoided if it is a night time flight over 5 hours... for daytime flight it is actually preferred because of the reason above, and you do not need to recline....

I have not had a chance to try out these new seats. Not everyone wants an airline seat to recline. I am 5'9" and hardly ever recline (unless the person in front forces me to recline) and love my personal space in front of me as most of the time I am leaning forward to be comfortable in my seat.

It sounds like these new seats would be great for me. I have a few flights coming up in CX business class (regional) and may go and try out these new economy seats for a while if the aircraft I am on has the new configuration....

 

[kiwial]

Air Asia X introduced shell seats on their first A330 and after "customer feedback" (customers hated them) they removed them and have used standard economy seats in subsequent aircraft.

 

[Diesellife]

There are good and bad for the shell seats, and the comments are mixed.

Personally I like the shell better, as I always recline as soon as taken off and with the shell seat, I no longer need to bring the seat forward during the meal time.

Some people might feel uncomfortable in the new shell but then again, 2 pillows + blanket + exit seat, I feel like I'm in PE rather than Y.

Thats why I also get the exit row and it makes a big difference.