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American Airlines trying to improve sleep for the expensive seats

Just saw this about American Airlines improving bedtime on long flights (not for the cheap seats of course.) Looks pretty awesome, but of course I never fly American since I'm in Canada. But this could be an answer to those of you asking "which airline should I fly?" Once this rolls out, I'd love to hear a report.

Posted by
7049 posts

Could foot rubs and shoulder and scalp massages be far behind?

I ask...what about the un-pampered, neglected masses in the back seats trying to twist their bodies into pretzel shapes to fit into the ever shrinking seats? I wish Casper Labs would do some pro bono work to figure out how to make their flights less miserable :-)

Well, it's crystal clear that airlines will continue to compete fiercely on business class comfort and that's where the focus and money will go.

Posted by
3514 posts

Still won't fly them even in the expensive seats. Too many bad experiences. Well, maybe if the flight was for free.

It is an add for Casper, a bedding company. United has done something similar with Sacks Fifth Avenue.

Posted by
1174 posts

We've flown American airlines for years, Dallas to Heathrow, and will again mid-December. What used to be an ordinary aisle seat now costs an extra $93 to $171. Extra (6 inches) of leg room is also $164 - $171. We had to get two seats side by side which cost more than the taxes on our frequent flier miles. Improved bedtime in those seats is not ever discussed. However, at those prices for ordinary seats, the plane so far looks about half empty. That means we might be able to stretch out across the middle four-seat row. We've learned to just roll with the problems, extra charges for little or nothing, and just endure a long flight in cramped seats.

Posted by
50 posts

They mention pajamas as being provided and I've seen that item listed for business class before but seriously--do people actually change into pajamas to sleep on a plane? Where would you undress--in the toilet??? Are they having pajama parties up there in business class??

Posted by
3985 posts

Pajama parties? No, they haven't regressed into childhood. People do change into pajamas or more comfortable sleeping clothes in the small toilet area in all cabins.

Posted by
5239 posts

I never change into the pajamas as they never really fit me plus I don't like the thought of changing in the toilet and standing barefooted on the floor!

I find generally that most people don't wear the pajamas and those that do always get changed in the toilet.

Posted by
50 posts

JC, that's what I was thinking--that changing in the toilet and standing barefoot on the toilet floor just doesn't work for me. It's been many years since we flew a redeye to Europe and we were always in coach, but I just didn't notice people changing into PJs or more comfy clothes. It seems nowadays nearly everyone dresses for comfort on a plane anyway. I'm looking forward to my "someday" in business class though.

Posted by
7049 posts

Slippers are included (see photo), so no need to stand barefoot.

Posted by
5239 posts

Slippers are included (see photo), so no need to stand barefoot.

Not for my size. Besides I'm 6'3" and just as broad, undressing in a airplane toilet is not an option for me!

Posted by
7049 posts

undressing in a airplane toilet is not an option for me

I wonder how babies get changed on a plane. A parent actually does it in the tiny bathroom with another tiny person and a bunch of stuff. Or a parent accompanies their small child to do their business. So physically it must be possible and people "make do" for the sake of comfort. Aren't bathrooms in 1st class twice as big? LOL:-) Many people taking red eye flights already show up in borderline pajama gear.

Posted by
2744 posts

Delta already had announced their improvements. Westin bedding etc....

And to the poster above assuming the seat map is telling them they will have room to stretch out, don't count on it. All that tells you is that lots of people are waiting until Check in for free seat assignments.

I have changed in an airplane toilet without standing barefoot on the floor, it's actually not that hard.

Posted by
5239 posts

Aren't bathrooms in 1st class twice as big?

Same size although the ones on many of the Gulf carriers are larger than the economy ones.

Posted by
3514 posts

Aren't bathrooms in 1st class twice as big?

It really depends on the plane and what configuration they have for that stuff. I have been on several United 777 where the 1st class toilets are located in the center of the plane away from the outside and they are roomier. Several have handicapped toilets in 1st which are large enough to wheel in a wheel chair and still allow enough space to turn around which makes then very roomy. But in general, the toilets are shrinking right along with the seat size. I would not be able to change clothes in an average one.

Hmm I don't know :/ It looks kinda cool but I'm wondering if it's still worth forking out for the expensive seats! I feel like I'd rather save up for a private jet if I'm going to pay that much :D If you look at this, the prices don't seem as much as I initially thought. Plus, I'm trusting commercial airlines less and less these days :(