Cathay V. Singapore : Advantage To Cathay's Shells Seat

Sherman Oaks, California Are shell seats in economy the next weapon in the war for long-haul passengers? People who routinely takes flights of longer than eight hours sitting aft of the blue curtains hope so. Over the last two years, Cathay Pacific has improved the quality of many of its seats under an internal initiative codenamed "Olympus." The results of the makeover in First and Business are breathtaking, with seats as individuals pods, sometimes in a herringbone configuration. The English firm of Design Q did the creative work, and you can see their handiwork here. The Economy Cabin seats (pictured) were also upgraded into "shell seats," seats which recline within a fixed space. So, if the person in front of you reclines, you don't get her chair in your face, you don't even notice. This may be an advantage for Cathay over its trans-Pacific rival Singapore Airlines, which does not have shell seats in economy on its routes from the western United States. Plus, I love adjustable headrests. More info on the seats is here and here. Click here for passenger reviews, which are mixed because some people with lower back issues don't like the shell seat's more limited angle of recline.