Has anyone else repeatedly been asked to sit upright instead of the prefixed recline position for takeoff and landing? Happened to me from Hawaii and then today to Vancouver. When I asked why, the CSM said that the recline position was only cleared for domestic not international routes….? I remember when it was first launched on the a330 that it was a ‘feature’ and now despite that we aren’t allowed to utilise it.
On the Qantas website it does state the following when you go to the Travel Classes page, and click International and Business:
Fly in contemporary comfort in our Business Suite on all A330 and B787-9 aircraft. Combining functionality with privacy, space and surrounds you'd expect to find in First. The innovative seats mean you can recline your seat from take-off through to landing maximising the opportunity to rest in your fully-flat bed.
In all seats you'll enjoy a 100% cotton duvet and mattress plus a European style pillow or make use of your table to continue working.
I think its just the FAs not knowing what the correct rules are potentially?
I have been in your position before - flying LAX-SYD i was told it was ok to be in partial recline, and then recently SIN-SYD it wasn't...
Just a thought and I may be wrong because I’ve never been told this before. Could it just be on flights leaving North America that they don’t have permission? Just based on people commenting about Yvr, lax and hnl. Might be Americans and Canadians not letting them.
Talked to crew from AKL to MEL about this. They said they check the LED in the aisle (close to the ground). If it's illuminated the seat is ok. Unfortunately it only turned green once fully upright. The other position with the plane Symbol next to it does not turn on the LED. Not sure if this is specific to the A330 or maybe even this attendant, but I learned about the existence of this LED
I think the reason why the FA still asked you to go to the upright position is because, in my experience, the 'recline' pre-set option for departure/landing is a bit tricky - you need to keep on pressing the button for a good few seconds after you stop feeling any movement on the chair, just to make sure that the LED is set properly. So far so good for me, though my travel with Qantas is mostly around Asia/Australia.
SydneyTravels
SydneyTravels
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 May 2015
Total posts 33
Has anyone else repeatedly been asked to sit upright instead of the prefixed recline position for takeoff and landing? Happened to me from Hawaii and then today to Vancouver. When I asked why, the CSM said that the recline position was only cleared for domestic not international routes….? I remember when it was first launched on the a330 that it was a ‘feature’ and now despite that we aren’t allowed to utilise it.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
Whatever the rules I believe it is safer to be upright in the event of sudden deceleration.
Husko
Husko
Member since 11 Mar 2017
Total posts 22
I thought it was the other way around - not on domestic but OK for international. I used it both ways on a flight to BKK in November 2022
pab2025
pab2025
Member since 25 Jun 2012
Total posts 127
On the Qantas website it does state the following when you go to the Travel Classes page, and click International and Business:
Fly in contemporary comfort in our Business Suite on all A330 and B787-9 aircraft. Combining functionality with privacy, space and surrounds you'd expect to find in First. The innovative seats mean you can recline your seat from take-off through to landing maximising the opportunity to rest in your fully-flat bed.
In all seats you'll enjoy a 100% cotton duvet and mattress plus a European style pillow or make use of your table to continue working.
I think its just the FAs not knowing what the correct rules are potentially?
I have been in your position before - flying LAX-SYD i was told it was ok to be in partial recline, and then recently SIN-SYD it wasn't...
MrT
MrT
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Aug 2015
Total posts 78
It's very inconsistent- but of course there's nothing stopping you hitting the recline button once the FAs are seated for take off
vhojm
vhojm
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Oct 2019
Total posts 72
Just a thought and I may be wrong because I’ve never been told this before. Could it just be on flights leaving North America that they don’t have permission? Just based on people commenting about Yvr, lax and hnl. Might be Americans and Canadians not letting them.
dnoble
dnoble
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 27 Jun 2013
Total posts 14
I've had the same thing on QF out of Auckland. Seems to be inconsistent as mentioned, some times yes - sometimes no :)
TripTrap
TripTrap
Member since 06 Oct 2021
Total posts 6
Talked to crew from AKL to MEL about this. They said they check the LED in the aisle (close to the ground). If it's illuminated the seat is ok. Unfortunately it only turned green once fully upright. The other position with the plane Symbol next to it does not turn on the LED. Not sure if this is specific to the A330 or maybe even this attendant, but I learned about the existence of this LED
dm12
dm12
Member since 08 Feb 2018
Total posts 200
How innovative
quantumreality
quantumreality
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 16 Jan 2018
Total posts 62
Yup, you can see the LED light yourself.
I think the reason why the FA still asked you to go to the upright position is because, in my experience, the 'recline' pre-set option for departure/landing is a bit tricky - you need to keep on pressing the button for a good few seconds after you stop feeling any movement on the chair, just to make sure that the LED is set properly. So far so good for me, though my travel with Qantas is mostly around Asia/Australia.
TripTrap
TripTrap
Member since 06 Oct 2021
Total posts 6
Good to know that you have to press it for longer. I will try that next time.