Air France and KLM to cram them in the back

Most airlines flying Boeing 777s equip them in economy class in a 9 abreast configuration, either 3-3-3 or 2-5-2. A handful put in 3-4-3 10 abreast configurations, obviously compromising aisle width and seat width to cram in some more seats.



Business Traveller reports that Air France/KLM has announced its configuration for its new fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs (a common type for replacing older Boeing 747s) and it includes a 10 abreast configuration, not something likely to please economy class travellers. However, airlines well know that most economy class travellers are driven by price - very few know about the aircraft they will fly on and the seating arrangements. Sadly this means that airlines that sacrifice space for seats will still win by selling more seats at lower prices. As Business Traveller reports:

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"This new configuration for the B777 is controversial, because although the B747 and the Airbus A380 also feature ten-across seating, they have wider cabins. A B777 has a width of 5.86 metres, whereas the B747 is 6.10 metres wide. On that basis, the A380’s cabin is positively luxurious, with a width of 6.58 metres."

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Nevertheless, I believe that airline passengers should inform themselves about what is on offer, so I have done a survey, simply using the Seatguru website, as to the width and pitch of airlines with Boeing 777s. Some are willing to reduce width and increase pitch, such as Emirates, although this seems to defeat the purpose somewhat.



9 abreast

BA, Continental, Delta, United - 31" pitch, Thai - 31-33", Air Canada, Air France (except 300ER series), Air New Zealand, Alitalia, American, Cathay Pacific, KLM (200 series only) - 32" pitch, Singapore Airlines - 32", 34" (200ER only), EVA - 33" pitch, Korean - 33-35" pitch, ANA, 34" (200 series) 31" (300 series)
Asiana, Malaysian 34"

10 abreast

BA (some 777s) 31", Austrian 32", Emirates 33-34"