So, Qatar Airways are now moving to a 3x4x3 configuration in economy.

So, Qatar Airways are now moving to a 3x4x3 configuration in economy. For those that travel economy, does this affect your decision to chose Qatar now?

Well out of SYD, the only operator with 3-3-3 abreast seating is CX all other carriers have 3-4-3, with QR to soon start. Yes it will sway my opinion towards CX and away from QR when travelling in Y, but if I had to route through the Middle East or choose one of the big Middle East Three it would be QR.

VA are still 3-3-3 in Y and their upcoming refurb won't change this either as far as I know, as it only touches J and W classes.

Air China, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta, Singapore Airlines, and United all operate 9 abreast seating on their B777's to SYD as well, although Air Canada are about to go 10 abreast, while United will soon bring their Dreamliner with 9 abreast seating. 

Still have a bit of time to enjoy 3x3x3 on QR.  They've announced which routes the 3x4x3 configured aircraft will be deployed on as they are progressively kitted out.

From 22MAR:  AMS/AMM/CGK/MNL/CDG

From 01JUL: DFW/MEL/MIA/IAH

So it looks like the only OZ route to have the cramped seating for a while will be MEL.

In fairness 3x4x3 isn't TOO bad if you are of normal stature and the decreased seat width is compensated with increased pitch.  But when you are cramped from all angles (as per the 9 abreast 787) it's jiust awful.

Tom - BA continue to operate 3x3x3 seating in Y on the 777-300 ex SYD also.  How long for who knows.  I can see them soon following the crowd and going ten abreast.  The bean counters won't be able to resist - especially when everyone else is doing it.

Knew I was missing one! Cheers

SQ?

SQ are still 3x3x3.

Didn't BA try to convert into 3-4-3 seating on their 777, but then went back to 3-3-3

Herd wanna save a dollar, so carriers deliver. As simple as this. Saying that I do not like travel via Middle East anyway, so it will not affect my pattern anyhow. AFAIK SQ, CX and BA are still 3-3-3 and all fine airlines that sitting on top of my list. AY also use 3-3-3 in 350 and 2-4-2 in 330 and 340 (that is also not that bad) in routes to Europe, though they not flying from Australia.

Except the carrier won't charge cheaper prices to the herd. Prices will remain the same and the carrier will pick up more revenue.

Then vote with your wallet and buy 3-3-3 over 3-4-3 for the same price.

Nearly 100% accurate statement... but then you included BA in your "fine airlines" statement :-p

It may surprise you, but I enjoy flying with BA more than with, say, Emirates. And yes, I flown both. In my list en route to Europe AY is first and BA is second. Have not tried CX yet and plan to do so next trip, love SQ, but they not OneWorld and I avoid gulf carriers like plague. YMMV greatly.