Flying backwards

[MotherBear]

Just hope it's nothing like as bad as travelling backwards in a mini bus or taxi. Those of you who suffer from motion sickness, like me, will know what I mean. I think I might just have to walk.

Backward-facing seats to end long-haul elbow wars
5:00AM Saturday April 14, 2007

Elbow wars over precious armrest space could become a thing of the past for flight passengers as airlines consider a new seating layout which would have some travellers facing the back of the plane.

British company the Premium Aircraft Interiors Group (PAIG) has developed a "yin-yang" seating pattern in which neighbouring seats face in opposite directions.

The new layout removes the need to leave a gap between seats for an armrest.

Instead, one person's shoulders would be in line with the neighbouring passenger's knees and each would have their own armrest.

PAIG development director Ben Bettell said the layout would increase economy-class seat pitch.

"It also ends the battle of elbows for that sweet spot on the armrest and you can use your laptop without people peering over your shoulder," Mr Bettell told the Times newspaper.

Passengers who dislike the thought of spending hours unable to avoid eye contact - and conversation - with their neighbour have also been considered. A privacy screen can be pulled out from the seat in front at eye level.

More here .

[Glenda]

What an interesting idea ... then they had to say this:-

By freeing up the extra space between seats, an extra passenger could be fitted into each row.

A Boeing 777 could add 21 more seats and a double-deck Airbus A380 could have an additional 50 seats, according to the Times.

Sorrrrry ... I know they think people will be suspicious of intentions but can one blame them?

:icon_neutral:

[selchie]

I wonder how people will be able to get in and out of their seats. Will they flip up like theater seats?

I also would not be able to tolerate facing backwards, especially during takeoff and landing. I have enough trouble with airplane motions when facing forward. I wonder if the airlines will have trouble getting people to take those back-facing seats.

[MotherBear]

It's difficult enough trying to clamber over people to get out to the toilet when they're all nicely lined up, but when they're facing in opposite directions, it doesn't bear thinking about. It'll be like an obstacle course unless, of course, they come up with some way around it.

It's a bit like that already in Business Class (or is it First Class?) where the seats almost face each other but you do have a modesty screen you can pull up between you. I think those are only in twos so you can probably get out on your own side without trampling your co-traveller in the process. The seats convert into beds as well. Not that I've had the chance to try one, of course. :'( but I've passed through many a time on my way from cattle class.

I hope you can choose back or front facing or I'll be in trouble.

[selchie]

One of my daydreams is to be wealthy enough to fly in business or first class rather than steerage, purely for the comfort. Then again, why not wish for my own private jet? Airline CEOs are on my curse list for the things they do to us "common" folk for the sake of a dollar.