icanfly From Australia, joined Aug 2011, 76 posts, RR: 0 Posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2710 times:
Like most A-netters, when on an aircraft I love looking out the window, watching the planet unravel thousands of feet beneath - the best IFE in the sky! But looking at the seat plans of aircraft with a herringbone business class layout, it seems like the seat-backs block the views of the windows. Can you still look out the window? Does having to turn your head for an extended period become difficult? Interested to hear thoughts from those who've flown on this type of seating.
I'm considering booking Air New Zealand's business class on its B777-300ER but am reluctant to because of this issue.
aklrno From United States of America, joined Dec 2010, 693 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2695 times:
Quoting icanfly (Thread starter):
Like most A-netters, when on an aircraft I love looking out the window, watching the planet unravel thousands of feet beneath - the best IFE in the sky! But looking at the seat plans of aircraft with a herringbone business class layout, it seems like the seat-backs block the views of the windows. Can you still look out the window? Does having to turn your head for an extended period become difficult? Interested to hear thoughts from those who've flown on this type of seating.
I'm considering booking Air New Zealand's business class on its B777-300ER but am reluctant to because of this issue.
Yes you can see out. Yes it is uncomfortable after a few minutes. But if you are flying AKL-LAX or return it tends to be either very dark outside or there is nothing but ocean. When approaching AKL or LAX I do stare out the window, but it's only for 10-15 minutes. If you are flying the Tasman it is also just ocean. IIRC HKG flights are also in the dark. HKG-LHR does offer some views, but the best part of NZ business class to me is sleeping. I really only look out at takeoff and approach.
Roseflyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 8754 posts, RR: 52 Reply 2, posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2692 times:
Quoting icanfly (Thread starter): I'm considering booking Air New Zealand's business class on its B777-300ER but am reluctant to because of this issue.
Unless you are flying LHR-LAX, every one of NZ’s 777-300ER flights is overnight. There’s not much to see between AKL and LAX unless you enjoy looking at a strobe light.
Quoting icanfly (Thread starter): Can you still look out the window? Does having to turn your head for an extended period become difficult? Interested to hear thoughts from those who've flown on this type of seating.
You can see out the window. It is an uncomfortable twist, but you can still see out. Also, you can have your seat reclined during approach/landing so that helps.
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
PI4EVER From United States of America, joined May 2009, 599 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2692 times:
I flew the 77L on DL in this layout to SYD last year. You do have to twist to your left or right to look more over your shoulder than a normal straight-on view out a window. I did spend more time looking out on the return as it was daylight for several hours whereas LAX-SYD was all evening/dark until landing in SYD at sunrise. That said, I did not get a stiff neck but it does take a bit of adjustment to adapt to the "away" view when seated at a window. Although I was in row 7 on the DL layout, I was not fond of looking more "on to" other seats and occupants...particularly their feet...than a conventional layout. My seat was quiet and private which was not the case with other seats so select wisely. Also if traveling with someone it is not easy to conduct a conversation, but traveling alone is a more private and quiet experience as the layout does not invite casual conversation with anyone seated around you.
I would pick this A/C and layout again as long as I get good choice of seat because it is important to consider such on a long haul 15+ hour flight. I've not flown the "reverse" herringbone as yet, but have read of complaints because crew and other passengers "look down" onto you seated so no happy compromise there either.
I am sure you know NZ service is awesome, so pick a window seat in lieu of center aisle and "look over and out" as you need to. Consider aisle traffic to/from galley's and lav's for long late evening/nighttime flying when you pick a seat as you don't want high traffic areas with crew or passengers talking or bumping your seat area as they move about the cabin.
On a recent DL flight to LHR, I heard a lot more conversation than I wanted to (at 1AM) from the seated F/A's eating their dinner and chatting about bids, hot pilots, a bitchy F/A with too much botox and the merits of British men with a big penis........
Enjoy your ride on NZ,
Thomas
StarAC17 From Canada, joined Aug 2003, 3226 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 2471 times:
Quoting Roseflyer (Reply 2): Unless you are flying LHR-LAX, every one of NZ’s 777-300ER flights is overnight. There’s not much to see between AKL and LAX unless you enjoy looking at a strobe light.
Been on J in NZ's 772ER, its 77W and AC's 77W (all have that config) and it wasn't an issue for me. Yes you are tilting your head a bit more but its not that big of a deal. The biggest thing I miss about it is when you are in Y you can be behind the wing and see the flaps and spoilers in action. I think J should be at the back of the plane
Also you are too far in front of the plane to see the strobe lights .
planeguy727 From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1067 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 2449 times:
On TG the seats were angled away from the window and it was a bit challenging; however, on the new US Envoy product they were toward the window and it was quite nice.
zkeoj From New Zealand, joined Feb 2005, 924 posts, RR: 7 Reply 6, posted (10 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 2392 times:
As others said: You can see, and it does take a bit of neck twisting. The amazing service on NZ makes up for it, and the bed is the most comfortable I have experienced in business class. Once you tried it, you don;t want to fly long haul in Y again, but ecocnomic realities tell you (me...) it ain't be possible to always fly in business.
AirAfreak From United States of America, joined Apr 2012, 244 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (10 months 1 week 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 2310 times:
I have flown only with DL in Businesselite Herringbone Configuration on the 77L and can tell you I much prefer the seat facing away from the window. I feel this way because there is only so much you can stand to look at before the boredom catches up to you. After so many miles, the mountains, the oceans, and the little tiny fishing boats all look the same. I happen to love the IFE on Delta so I am quite content each and every time.
And yes, having to turn your body towards the window is quite bothersome after a half hour or so... I only do this during take-off and climb and again before landing. =]
Another helpful tip, choose Row 7D. There is a coat closet next to you so you have greater privacy. I've also flown in Row 11D which is a bulkhead in the aft Businesselite Cabin. I enjoyed this seat very much as well!
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