Which routes to the U.S. does Qantas use the A380 on currently?

Read our AFF credit card guides and start earning more points now.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

It's because Boeing designed it for 8 across and made their default recommended config with 8 across.
JAL and ANA both fitted out their 787s in that way when they first got them. Then United came along and wanted to cram more seats in, so made the seats narrower with narrower aisles then the design intended.

Since then, every other airline followed United and went with 9 across and ANA later refit theirs to 9 across.
The 787 cabin width is 23cms bigger then the A330. Boeing marketed it as allowing wider seats and a better passenger experience compared to the A330 (which would then, in theory, lead to increased demand for the type and more likelihood of selling all the seats, even if the airline charged extra for a wider seat).
Instead, the airlines saw it as a chance to squeeze in an extra seat per row.
Trust United to create a better cattle truck!
Post automatically merged:

Sounds like the travel to the U.S. experience is becoming a race to the bottom...
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top