You can soon pre-reserve a trio of economy class seats on Thomas Cook that transform (to use the word loosely) into a lie-flat bed.
Thomas Cook, the British-based leisure airline, is adding “Sleeper Seats” to its A330 fleet.
“Sleeper Seats” will come with a mattress pad, pillow, blanket, and amenity kit. Seatbelts will need to remain on, but seat belt extenders will be provided so you do not feel constrained.
Henry Sunley, the Commercial Director at Thomas Cook Airlines, stated:
We always look for ways to innovate for our customers and sleeper seat is a UK first that we are really proud of. It is a fantastic way to transform your flying experience and enjoy some extra comfort when flying in economy. It’s flexible too, as while only one person can use sleeper seat at a time, you can swap with other people in your group during the flight… but it’s entirely up to you if you want to share.
The seats will cost £199 way and only three will be available per flight. That £199 will be quite a bit cheaper than purchasing three economy class seats on most routes. Think of it as a smart way of filling seats that would have otherwise gone empty. The beds will be 57 inches by 22 inches (148cm by 67cm). 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches) is certainly shorter than the average height…you’ll need to sleep in a somewhat fetal position.
A few additional notes. First, the seat is only for passengers aged 12 or older. Second, the crew will not serve you breakfast (or lunch or dinner) in bed. Meal service (still buy-on-board) is only permitted when you are sitting up. Finally, these new amenities are already available on flights out of San Francisco, New York, and Orlando. Soon, they will be available on all flights except to Havana. #communist #equally_miserable
CONCLUSION
Thomas Cook already offers a “Premium Cabin” onboard its A330 fleet, akin to Norweigan Premium. No doubt, this new arrangement will compete with its own front-cabin product. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have “poor man’s business class” (i.e. three economy class seats) than a real premium economy seat. I’m surprised more airlines have not copied Air New Zealand (though note, unlike Air New Zealand, these are not special seats).
Are you more likely to fly Thomas Cook with “Sleeper Seats” available?
Well, for one thing, I think having your head so close to the aisle (as they have pictured) is asking for trouble, lol. I am 6-3 and a drink cart moving by you could spell disaster. They should provide helmets! On the reverse I am sure feet dangling over would be fairly unpleasant for others.
This is great even if you’re taller than Yoda, and not going to be lying down. Having an entire row to yourself is a godsend!
Seems like an OK idea and a money maker on flights that aren’t full for sure. I wonder if they will roll this over to Condor as well. Condor PE seating isn’t too bad but I agree laying flat would be much better on some of those long USA routes to Frankfurt, etc.
Assuming these seats are not blocked for take off / landing, I wonder what will happen when people invariably move to take one of the spare seats. Queue awkward conversations.
Well I assume the mattress pads will only be brought out when seats have been paid for, and those rows will easily be blocked.
If a flight goes out with empty rows and no one has paid, it’ll be first come for the empty rows just like on any other empty flight.
‘#communist #equally_miserable’ haha love the hidden message, got a good laugh
Hey, at least an airline is trying to do something to make flying in the back more comfortable!
Last autumn I flew Condor from Frankfurt to Halifax in Business Class. It was my first time flying with an airline operating under the Thomas Cook umbrella and I was HUGELY impressed.
Well done Thomas Cook!