UC bed

What's the general opinion of the bed in the suite? I was really looking forward to trying it out and hopefully getting some quality sleep for once, and I was sorely disappointed. The bed bit itself felt fine, until I was lying on it, when it felt as if I were lying on a block of wood - really uncomfortable. The button to put it back to a seat wasn't working either - not griping about this, but I was surprised it didn't work - these suite things aren't very old, after all.

Sleep suits are much better though - I don't know if they did some re-sizing, but the smallest one is only a bit too large for me[^]

{mcuth: moved to "Ask A Guru" from "Flying Club"}

[preiffer]

I've had to have my bed hand-cranked on a few occasions now - so you're not alone in that aspect Claire.

Although I've "learnt" to be able to sleep for a bit in the UCS (I can't sleep at ALL, usually, on planes) I have noticed similar issues.

When it was first launched, I was very impressed. It was better than any of the competition's offerings, and was such an improvement over J2000 for sleeping that I was probably a little blinkered. Now having used it quite a lot, I agree it could be better.

1) The surface IS very hard. Granted, firm mattresses are a marmite issue - and I can sleep anywhere, but I do appreciate how many would struggle with its bench-like characteristics. This was one of the key reasons for offering a reversible bed (so they could alter the surface for sleeping on) - and I don't think they got it *quite* right.

2) Those damn heating vents by the windows. [n]
I'm 6'2, but while (and I love the way they do this) the VS claim for width at the "shoulder area" is accurate, the tiny triangle they force your head into at the top of the suite is made altogether less comfortable by the big metal grille to allow for ventalation.

3) Consistency of bed size.
I was on an A346 the other week, and the UCS was noticeably shorter than the upstairs beds on a 744 (where I normally sleep on the way home). Didn't like it at all, and felt squashed.
No different to the difference between upstairs and downstairs on a 744, but as a customer, I shouldn't HAVE to know what exact seat to book to get a bed that fits me better - they should be standard. [n]

4) The "join" across the shoulders.
One of the other reasons they stated the move away from traditional "collapsible" seats to a reversible solution was to remove the "joins" that other seats provide when flattened. Unfortunately, they leave 2 or 3 rather obvious ones there - not least the one that runs right across my shoulders! [n]

Much though I hate to say it - the UCS is good, but now's the time for VS to consider going back to the drawing board on quite a few aspects of it. The consistent length/width/comfort (and hence advertising of the same) of the UCS bed not being the least of these issues.

Seat is more comfy though! [:I]

[preiffer]

Originally posted by catsilversword
Seat is more comfy though! [:I]

Hmm. Have to disagree there, when comparing it to J2000.

I miss being able to "slouch" and watch a movie during a long day flight. I now have to sit in an altogether more upright position OR go to bed. There's no longer an "in-between" option.

Paul,

I agree with all of your points, although (1) and (4) can be alleviated by stealing a second duvet and using it as a sleeping pad.

BC

[preiffer]

Originally posted by BlackCat
...although (1) and (4) can be alleviated by stealing a second duvet and using it as a sleeping pad.

So it was YOU!? [:0][:(!]


Just kidding - good idea if there are a few spare seats. [y]

Originally posted by BlackCat
Paul,
........... although (1) and (4) can be alleviated by stealing a second duvet and using it as a sleeping pad.

I am glad I am not the only one that does that. Amazing how much fluffier it feels with the duvet underneath you. I go the extra pillow as well too. Just have to keep scanning the cabin pre-take off post-door closing as to where there might be an empty seat or two.

If there is no spare duvet, I tend to find that sleeping on the duvet by wearing the PJ still keeps me snugg for sleeping

I really like UCS bed down not keen on it as a seat especially on the airbus very narrow across the shoulders.I sleep in it fine but then again I slept 4 hours solid in WT+ bolt upright the other day. Maybe I can sleep just about anywhere( given enough booze).
To be honest I liked the J2000 seat, it always looked like someone had put a lot of thought into it and was superbly manufactured,never noticed the scuffs and scrapes. The UCS is a very clever idea but looks like a working prototype rather than the finished product.

I slept on the duvet and asked for one of those blankets from EC.

Though for me Upper class is a max once a year for me so I don't tend to sleep, just lay down and relax, funny thing is when I was a toddler I used to dread the thought of leaving a holiday destination to come home, school and all that.

Now I only get that feeling when we are landing at home and I get that "well thats that then" feeling because the flight over.

[mitchja]

The other way to avoid the metal vents is to go for a UCS seat in the middle of the cabin. I'm going to try this on my next UCS flight.

Regards

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by BlackCat
Paul,

I agree with all of your points, although (1) and (4) can be alleviated by stealing a second duvet and using it as a sleeping pad.

BC

BC,
Oooh, now there's an idea![y] Have to say I agree with Paul. I'm 6'4" and in the upright position the seat/ottoman combo is a bit short for me if I want to rest my feet on the ottoman (shoes off, of course!) and the bed is, yes, very firm. There should be no reason why the beds can't be a bit squishier. In the meantime Black Cat's idea to the rescue!

Chuck-

To be honest I liked the J2000 seat, it always looked like someone had put a lot of thought into it and was superbly manufactured,never noticed the scuffs and scrapes. The UCS is a very clever idea but looks like a working prototype rather than the finished product.

Agree with you there, on my last J2k flight, less than a year ago, the seat still looked smart, well constructed and in seat mode is very good. The UCS is infinitely better as a bed than J2k though and the space, access and privacy all fantastic. On my last UCS flight though it was looking scruffy. Perhaps a refresh is necessary to fix all those broken tables, TV arms and perhaps try out a replacement bed mattress?

I like my bed to be on the harder side of soft, and find sleep in the suite no problem at all. I managed about 13 hours sleep (no exageration) in total down to Sydney on an A346 in February!

A sleep suit with the duvet on top is fine for me - as long as the temperature in the cabin is not too hot (it was fine to SYD, but has been too hot on other occasions)

The pillows seem to be thicker than they were last year, which also helped me [y]

As for wear and tear, you do get occasional pen marks on the suites it seems, some passengers are so careless!

I mentioned this to mr cat - and he said he'd wondered why the guy behind him asked for a blanket and was lying on the duvet. I hadn't even noticed! [|)]

2) Those damn heating vents by the windows.
I'm 6'2, but while (and I love the way they do this) the VS claim for width at the "shoulder area" is accurate, the tiny triangle they force your head into at the top of the suite is made altogether less comfortable by the big metal grille to allow for ventalation

These are actually decompression grills and are required to equalize the pressure between the hold and cabin in a decompression to prevent the floor from collapsing!!

Ah yes... I LIKE features that prevent stuff like the floor collapsing!

Having only traveled UC a few times I agree that yes the bed is a bit hard but, coupled with the inebriations of the UC service I find it more than adequate!

Regards

John

[preiffer]

Originally posted by declansmith
2) Those damn heating vents by the windows.
I'm 6'2, but while (and I love the way they do this) the VS claim for width at the "shoulder area" is accurate, the tiny triangle they force your head into at the top of the suite is made altogether less comfortable by the big metal grille to allow for ventalation

These are actually decompression grills and are required to equalize the pressure between the hold and cabin in a decompression to prevent the floor from collapsing!!

Ah, fair enough - I'll let them off in that case.

Still, not great to wake up with a grid-pattern on your forehead after a few hours sleep... [:I][:0]

Better than being falling into the cargo hold though[|)];):D;)

Agree with you there, on my last J2k flight, less than a year ago, the seat still looked smart, well constructed and in seat mode is very good. The UCS is infinitely better as a bed than J2k though and the space, access and privacy all fantastic. On my last UCS flight though it was looking scruffy. Perhaps a refresh is necessary to fix all those broken tables, TV arms and perhaps try out a replacement bed mattress?

Yes, now that you've said that I've just realised that the J2000 seats never after many years of use (eg. A343s) got into the condition that the UCSs are in now?[:?]

VS.

Just got back from MCO today and I made full use of the bed.
Managed about 5hrs of sleep in between Dinner and Breakfast.
Could never manage to sleep in Y or W.
I'd recommend the UCS to anyone for a good nights sleep