HKG – MEL in CX with companion in J.

HKG – MEL in CX with companion in J.

Herringbone configuration is very private and appealing for solo travelers, but absolutely horrible for pairs. Two centre seats are not appealing to me, so I seek advise what is better to choose for a companion. If one have say window 17K seat then what would be best choice for other one? It could be either 16K (in front), 17G (across an aisle and a bit forward) or 18G (across an aisle and a bit back)?

I disagree that the centre seats in the middle are horrible. You can slide your seat forward a little to see the other person and slide it back for privacy.

If you don't want the centre seats there isn't really a good option. The window seats are designed for privacy. If they are in front of you, you won't be able to talk to them unless you stand up and lean over the partition. If they are across and behind you, they will be able to see your legs but you will have to lean around the partition to see them. And vice versa if they are across and in front of you. 

Here's a PR pic showing the business class cabin – you can get an idea of how separated the middle seats are. They're not really 'couples' seats as much as some other airlines offer, but then, they're designed more for privacy and your own space.

Now here's another PR shot showing the couples scenario: you do need to lean forward and pivot around, and bring the seat forward a bit. So it's okay for a little chit-chat but that's really the limit.

The window seats are all angled towards the window...

... so putting yourself into a window and your companion into an aisle (or vice versa) won't work that well either.

Hi David, thanks for replay. Though I read those article and seen those pics. We flying BKK-HKG few days before with CX and because it day flight I choose middle pair. HKG-MEL however is night flight and I opt for two window seats for better sleep. Cheers.

We always avoid the centre seats and sit one behind another by the window. Quite happy not to hold hands or talk to each other for a few hours!!

Yes, it's very much a thing for some couples – my parents flew Sydney-London a few years back and although I rate Cathay's business class as a better seat than Qantas', they chose Qantas because they could set right next to each other, compared to the CX layout. Matters a lot less to me, as I like to 'escape' into my little cocoon during a flight!

Not disaster for me – after 30+ years I hope that I can survive few hours being “separate” :-)

Is it really that much to ask to be a few inches further away from someone you're travelling with?  #FirstWorldCoupleProblems

You absolutely right – this “dilemma” is really first world one. However considering that I have a choice and can choose whatever I want why not choose the best if I can?

I travelled EWR-HKG-PER in J with my daughter (8) and either option across the aisle was fine and provided easier access to assist her when being in the centre pair.

I'm travelling PER-HKG-EWR in J with my son next Jan and he wants to sit where he can't de supervised !  Unlimited Coke and no sleep.

Coke or…. errr…. scotch? Sorry, could not resist. :-)

,,,and back to back movies which they are not allowed to watch at home!!

He talking about plane, hot hotel :-)