Forget the fight over who gets the arm rests; middle seats on planes are now generating real fights over if they should be occupied at all. And airlines are fueling the flames with misleading marketing messaging.
economy class
The Weekly Wrap: Fighting for Middle Ground
This week’s episode is all about the middle seat. Should it be blocked? How would airlines approach that task? And one briefly tried to charge passengers for that luxury, though quickly backed down when politicians got angry.
IATA recommends against blocked middle seats, favors "layered" protections
How can airlines best ensure the safety of their passengers on board? Airline trade group IATA used its weekly briefing to highlight several factors that play into the reduction of potential virus transmission with blocking middle seats seen as a wholly unnecessary measure, so long as other practices are followed.
The Weekly Wrap: Cargo conversions and funky seating options
Looking to catch up on passenger experience news in recent days? I’ve got a fun new video series with Maryann Simson from APEX Media and we’re covering all the top headlines.
Introducing yin-yang seating for economy class
Just how much will passenger expectations shift in the post-COVID19 world? No one really knows yet, but at least one aircraft seating manufacturer is ready with some creative ideas for helping ensure passenger isolation, even without reducing seating density. Welcome to the “Janus” seat from Aviointeriors, a yin-yang option for economy class.
United brings in-seat IFE back to the high density 777s
United Airlines is bringing a new version of its highest capacity aircraft to the skies with a notable improvement for economy class passengers: in-seat entertainment screens. And how the company pulled it off is an interesting recycling lesson.
Vistara takes delivery of first 787-9, plans long-haul expansion
India’s Vistara took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 twin-aisle jet over the weekend, kicking off its expansion into long-haul service. The aircraft is the first of six Dreamliners expected to join the fleet through the end of 2021 as the carrier seeks new intercontinental destinations.
What we learned about Breeze in this week’s DOT filing
Breeze Airways is ready to take flight. Or at least it is very close. The new carrier hopes to launch service later this year. And we now know (a tiny bit) more about what the service will – and will not – be.
Air Canada launches A220 flights
Air Canada inaugurated service on its new A220-300 today, the latest carrier to bring the type to passengers.
ZIPAir brings a basic cabin configuration to life
Fully flat beds are coming to the Asian LCC market in mid-2020. But that’s about the only thing exciting in the new ZIPAir cabin configuration unveiled last week. And some of the finer details straddle the line between disappointing and concerning.