Flying "Backwards"

Old Aug 20th, 2016, 03:05 PM
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Flying "Backwards"

Greetings, Folks

My return flight from London is aboard a BA A380. When I checked the seat chart I noticed that my seat is facing the other way (or turned backwards). I'm trying to imagine what it's like to fly for eleven hours sitting backwards, and what it feels like during take off and landing. How comfortable is it flying this way? I'm trying to decide whether or not to request a different seat.

Thank you!
Cheers...
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Old Aug 20th, 2016, 06:08 PM
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I love the title of your thread, it sounds like your plane will be flying backwards.

I have used backwards facing seats a few times and I thought it was fine, really no different in terms of comfort. But if you think it will bother you then do try to change.
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Old Aug 20th, 2016, 07:09 PM
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Haha...I didn't realize how the title sounded until after I posted.
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Old Aug 20th, 2016, 08:23 PM
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Done it in biz class a few times and not an issue. The sensation taking off is different...backwards perhaps�� Once in the air, it doesn't feel any different. the seat was perfectly fine. I agree if you are concerned, change it.
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Old Aug 20th, 2016, 08:30 PM
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I agree with yes. I've flown a number of times in Biz with a rear-facing seat. It does feel a bit odd as you take off but in the air, it is no different.
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 05:46 AM
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The only issue with the window seats in business class (the ones facing aft) is that the great majority don't have easy aisle access, which becomes a problem when trying to get to the loo - likely to be necessary on a l-o-n-g flight (flying to LAX, right?). Note the forward-facing ones aren't exempt from awkward moments either - the window person has to step over your legs to get to the aisle if you're stretched out.

By any chance is this a ticket one you could change? American Airlines (BA joint venture partner) flies LHR-LAX on 777-300s, which have their business class set up 1-2-1, meaning everybody has aisle access. http://3qtu1m3ypm5t4vj8530cfjbq.wpen.../P61707081.jpg I also find AA's service to be comparable to BA's if not better sometimes.
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 06:24 AM
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Greetings, Folks

Thank you for your input. I'm glad the feeling is pretty much the same, it's just that the backward seats seem a little awkward, especially considering that you're facing the other person.

Gardyloo: Yes, it's my return flight to LAX. I'm actually taking a 777 (American #136) going and the BA is the code share flight returning. Initially, I was on a 777 (American flight #135) returning from London, but I changed it because I felt my flight from Orly Paris to London got me to Heathrow in too short of time for me to make the connection flight to LAX. So the person changed it so that I have a three hour layover in London, but now it's that A380 aircraft instead. That's the challenge with changing airline schedules..you fix one issue, but create another one. I need to ponder on this a little more...

Cheers...
Jones
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 07:56 AM
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When I realized I had a backward facing BusCl seat the first time, I was upset. But other than take off and landing, I didn't notice any difference.
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 12:12 PM
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My experience is same of others here; doesn't seem that different.

As an aside, when we traveled on military planes like the C-5, the seats, about 75 or so upstairs, with cargo downstairs, were all backward since that was apparently considered safer in a crash.

{Much better than the C-141s with net seats along the sides, no sound insulation, and trying to keep earplugs in 2 and 3 year olds! )
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 03:30 PM
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For some facing backwards while moving forward can trigger nausea though Inwould think it's more prominent on ships. We never book an aft cabin on a cruise ship as my wife is so affected. Just a thought to consider.
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Old Aug 21st, 2016, 03:30 PM
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I have flown only once in an airplane with some rows alternating backwards. I was facing forward, but what I disliked was looking at the other people facing me. It just felt weird. It was an over 11 hour flight. I'd rather look at seat back and back of heads. This is perhaps just me and some people might not take as much notice.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2016, 01:59 AM
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had "backwards facing seats" several times and had no problems. really the only time you feel any movement is during take-off and landing and that only lasts a few minutes. If you are traveling with a companion it makes it easier to converse. If flying solo seats are design in such a way that you can limit any interaction with the person facing you. Besides on long haul overseas flights most people convert the seats into bed so you never even see the other person.

All things considered backward seats are not an issue.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2016, 10:29 AM
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For some facing backwards while moving forward can trigger nausea though Inwould think it's more prominent on ships. We never book an aft cabin on a cruise ship as my wife is so affected. Just a thought to consider.

Eh? Sitting facing backwards has nothing to do with selecting a non-aft cabin on a ship.

Flying backwards on a plane is like facing away from the direction of travel on a train - which will affect 50% of people travelling.

If anything there'll be less problems in a plane as there's more apparent motion in a train.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2016, 11:51 AM
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This is a proven fact for some people which is why we as medical Professionals never push Patients head first when we are transporting them. I mentioneded this for The original poster to consider but if you really read what I said which apparently you did not or did not understand I did mention that this would be more prominent on a ship but I did want the poster to know. Hopefully you learned something from this too.
Regards, Larry.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2016, 12:22 PM
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http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HT...question/2783/

Again its for the OP to consider. Thats all.
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Old Aug 24th, 2016, 08:03 AM
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I get queasy facing backward on trains or subways, but I had no problem on the plane.
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Old Aug 24th, 2016, 05:46 PM
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My family and I have never had a problem with the rear facing business class seats on BA. Don't even notice any difference when in the air. Like you, we were a bit concerned the first time, now don't think anything about it.

Here's some info on "best" seats, as well as the ones on the A380 where one doesn't have to climb over someone else's feet (from https://theluxurytravelexpert.com/20...ass-lhr-lax/):

"What are the best Business Class seats on BA’s A380?
Row 53 (upper deck, front cabin): the window seats A & K are the single best seats on the plane since they offer direct aisle access without having to jump over the feet of other passengers. While the window seats on row 15 (lower deck) and row 59 (upper deck) also offer a clear exit route, they are less than desirable (see below).
The middle seat in the 2-3-2 upper deck configuration on rows 53 and 59 not only has an extra storage compartment, but also offers direct aisle access."

There is more interesting info in the article and I recommend you read it.

If you're checking bags at Orly, do make sure you check them all the way through to LAX.

I'd enjoy reading your comparisons of the two flights after you return.
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Old Aug 24th, 2016, 05:52 PM
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I much prefer facing backwards on a train . . . The scenery trailing out behind, not rushing at you. Much easier for my eyes to focus on the view IME.

Re facing backwards on a plane - really no difference except at takeoff.
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Old Aug 28th, 2016, 06:16 PM
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Greetings, Folks

Thanks everyone for your input, including the links for information. It sounds like it'll be a routine flight--not much difference sitting backwards in Business class. The only time I tend to get nauseous is during decent, so I'll probably avoid looking out the window, in fact, it'll most likely be dark when I land at LAX, which means I won't be able to see anything.

evercolordo: Sure, I'll let you guys know how the two flights go (I don't leave until November, but I'll come back to this thread). I've never flown out of Orly, but I have gone through Heathrow and know that it's good to have a longer connection time (2 hrs at least). That's why I chose this flight from London because the initial flight I was booked on departs too early for my comfort.

Happy flying!
Cheers...
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Old Aug 28th, 2016, 09:29 PM
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No problem. Enjoy your trip. .
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