Airbus А321 is the largest aircraft of the А320 family, which is an extended version of А320 and is distinguished by increased passenger capacity. The standard configuration of the Airbus A321 includes a two-class cabin for 185 passenger seats: of which 169 are economy class seats and 16 are business class seats. The flight range of the A321 is 5-5.5 thousand km.
There are about a dozen configurations of Airbus А321 designed for flights of different duration and for different number of passenger seats. For example, for low-cost or charter flights, the standard configuration is changed to increase the number of economy class passenger seats to 220. This configuration implies a one-class aircraft cabin.
Undoubtedly, in order to choose the most comfortable seats in Airbus, it is necessary to imagine the diagram of the model of the aircraft you are planning to fly. However, any configuration of the aircraft will do in order to understand the principle of the location of the passenger seats.
A very popular is the Airbus A321 cabin layout, which is preferred by the well-known Russian airline -.
A321 cabin layout taken from Aeroflot's official website.
Let's take a closer look at the location of the seats, note which are good / bad and tell you what is the difference between them.
1-7 rows. Business class seats, however, also have relatively inconvenient seats: in the first and seventh rows. This is due to the fact that a partition is installed in front of the 1st row and a bathroom is located quite close, and immediately behind the seventh row there is a noisy economy class, which can also cause discomfort. Therefore, when choosing a seat in business class, it is best to purchase tickets for seats from the second to sixth rows.
8 row. In the economy class of the liner, the passenger seats of this row are superior in convenience to the other rows, since there is additional free space due to the fact that there is an emergency exit in front of this row.
In addition, it makes it easier to move around the cabin: getting up from your seat, you do not cause inconvenience to your neighbors, and the neighbors do not disturb you. This deserves the title of the best economy class seats on board this aircraft, also because they are located at the front of the aircraft, and, as you know, drinks and food are usually served from the first row to the last. Therefore, you will have a more varied choice than other passengers.
9-17 rows. Standard seats, which differ little from each other.
Row 18. These places are also called standard places, however, due to the proximity of latrines, they can cause some inconvenience. The constant movement of passengers and the “queues” at the toilet create noise, which can not only be distracting, but also possibly annoying.
19 row. The location of this row is comparable to the seats in the eighth row. Since the 19th row is located behind the emergency exit, there is also a extra space for the legs, but close-located restrooms make these places not as comfortable as in the 8th row.
20 row. Without exception, all seats in the 20th row can be called comfortable and good. This row attracts passengers not only with free legroom, but also with the close position of the windows, which makes it possible to admire the panoramas of the Earth during the flight. Good places!
30 seat row (C and D)- here the inconvenience is due to the close proximity to the restrooms.
31 row. It is worth paying attention to the last 31st row: in addition to the fact that there are inconveniences here due to the close placement of toilets to the seats, the back of the chair in the last row cannot recline, since there is a wall behind the 31st row. These seats can be considered the most inconvenient places on the plane, so they are bought when there are no other options left.
- Before buying tickets, look at the diagram of the aircraft you intend to fly;
- If you are not entirely sure of your choice, you can get professional advice from an airline representative;
- Choose the most comfortable place for you, using the tips and recommendations given above;
- Places located near the kitchen, bathrooms, technical rooms or at the end of the salon should be chosen only if there are no other options;
- Try not to buy seats in front of which there is a partition or seats in which the back of the chair does not recline at all, especially if the flight is long.
Airbus, or as it is called in our homeland, Airbus, is today one of the main suppliers of aircrafts around the world. The world-renowned company has its own production facilities in several European countries: in Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. The aviation giant is headquartered in a small town called Blagnac, in the suburbs of Toulouse, France. The staff is about 50 thousand people. The aviation concern produces a full line of aircraft, including the Airbus A321 aircraft, the cabin layout of which can accommodate up to 220 seats (in an enlarged version), depending on the customer's wishes and configuration.
Family "A320"
In the eighties of the last century, this line of narrow-body aircraft in the Airbus model range was the most advanced in terms of technology. For the first time, the EDSU (fly-by-wire control system) was used on the series, and for the first time the cockpit was equipped with side control levers instead of conventional steering columns. The plumage of the aircraft, its wingtips on the wings were made of composite materials. The main competitors of the series, especially the extended version with the Airbus A321 index, were the American Boeings B737. The latest generations of the B737NG (New Generation) are equipped with electronic and automatic systems no worse than Airbus systems.
Increased demand
However, the demand for European aircraft is growing day by day. In February 2008, the plant was forced to open an additional assembly site for such aircraft in Hamburg (Germany) due to the sharply increased demand for the model. Up to this point, the production facilities of one plant in Toulouse were dispensed with, where, among other things, the Airbus A321 was assembled. The aircraft cabin layout was determined by the Airbus model. The smallest of this class - "A318", with its layout, one class (economic Y) could take on board a maximum of 138 people.
Long awaited release
In 1994, a lengthened version of the bestselling book was introduced. The airlines, the customers of the plant, wanted to get more, but for about the same money. Moving to another class would mean higher fuel costs, permits and certifications, higher airport taxes, etc. Therefore, the long-awaited release of the Airbus A321 model was greeted very warmly in the narrow circles of top managers from the world of aviation. Plants in Toulouse and Hamburg were filled with orders, production worked for 24 hours without interruption, workers went out in three, and sometimes in four shifts. The 321st entered direct competition with the Boeing B757, despite the fact that the latter has increased passenger capacity and flight range. Since 2005, the B757 was discontinued, and the number of orders for the Airbus A321 increased again, despite the low dollar exchange rate. For Airbus, this remains a rather serious problem, since it has historically happened that orders are paid in dollars, although all production sites of the concern are located in the eurozone.
More than A320
The increased length of the fuselage allows 170 passengers to be accommodated in two cabins of varying degrees of comfort, or up to 220 people with the maximum filling of the passenger compartment with boarding seats. Airbus also leaves the possibility for the future operator to choose the layout of the cabin from the proposed acceptable options for the Airbus A321. The layout of the seats and the distance between them can be changed to values from the range suggested by the manufacturer. In the most economical version of the cabin, 36 rows are installed with two built-in seats to the left and right of the aisle and one row, as a rule, at the third pair of emergency exits with double seats on opposite sides of the aisle. There is also a variant of the arrangement of seats in 35 rows of six seats in a row, 2 rows of four seats (at the second and third pair of emergency exits) and the last row of two seats installed in the stern of the fuselage. With such seating arrangements, the interior of the Airbus A321 has a minimum distance between adjacent seats of 28-30 centimeters (about 11 inches).
Where are the best places?
But even with such an aircraft layout, you can find places for yourself. superior comfort... The first rows of the passenger compartment are always distinguished by increased legroom. Even in those aircraft variations where a wall separates the economy salon from the business class, there will always be more space than in the aisle. An additional advantage is the fact that no one will tilt the chair in front of you into your lap, and in most cases, they start feeding from here. But airlines almost always charge extra for this seat reservation, as well as for emergency exit seats. Airbus A321 has four pairs of such exits, and at two of them, in the center of the cabin, you can try to book a seat for yourself. If you are not a child, not a pensioner, not a disabled person and not a pregnant woman, then you will be allowed to fly here, if not, they will be transplanted. These are the rules! Just behind the double seats is another comfortable place for the flight. Where there is no chair in front. They don't take payment for booking such a place, and you can stretch your legs far ahead. Here's a real chance to get your best seat on the plane, and for free. In addition, there are no restrictions on the categories of air passengers at these seats. Everyone has the right to sit here!
Business Class. Seat map
Airbus A321 can be assembled from several classes of passenger cabins. First class always and everywhere, in any airline, is distinguished by comfortable seats, super service and a special attitude towards those who chose it. But the business class can be deprived. For example, in the Airbus A321 of Aeroflot, the distance between the seats is not much greater than in the economy class. Of the seven rows of double seats, the first and last row, if possible, should not be chosen for the flight. Passengers in the first row will be disturbed by the close-located wardrobe partition and the presence of bathrooms, and the last, seventh, row is located quite close to the noisy economy class cabin.
The Russian airline Nord Wind is quite young and reliable. She is popular with passengers and performs international charter flights... The aircraft fleet is 14.5 years old on average. The airline operates on this moment 20 aircraft of various boeing and airbus models. Most of them are A321-200 airbuses. There are 8 of them in the park. Scheme of the Airbus cabin 321 200 Nordwind will help passengers choose the most comfortable and optimal seats for themselves before traveling.
Aircraft cabin overview
This aircraft model is the largest in the A320 family. Nord Wind uses a single-class aircraft. In this configuration, there are 220 economy class seats in the cabin. This type of airbus a321 200 is used for budget flights. The distance between the seats has been reduced for more seating capacity, so people with long legs on the standard row will feel uncomfortable.
1st row. There is enough free space in front of the seats to put your feet comfortably. You can also place your bag or backpack on the floor. Moreover, it is from this row that the distribution of drinks and food will begin, so you will receive it immediately. Of the minuses, it can be noted that there will be a wall in front of you throughout the flight and not everyone likes to look into it. In addition, the proximity of the kitchen will cause some inconvenience, such as constant noise, odors, etc. There is also a bathroom not far from these places.
9th. The position on the right side of the window may have restrictions in tilting, since there is an emergency hatch nearby.
10th. Due to the fact that there are emergency exits directly behind this row, the seat backs do not have a reclining function. For this reason, you will have to sit up straight for the entire flight, which can be painful for your back, especially if you have problems with it.
11th row. On the salon diagram Airbus aircraft 321,200 nordwind airlines these places are among the most convenient. There are emergency exits on both sides of this row, so there will be a long distance in front of you from the seats in front. This will give you the opportunity to sit comfortably, put your feet.
23rd. The standard row, however, the space near the window has the same restrictions as in the 9th row, the back does not recline.
24th. Right behind him are escape hatches so you have to fly the entire flight vertically. This is due to the fact that the backs of the seats here do not have the ability to recline so as not to obstruct the approach to the exits.
25th row. The seats here have the same advantages as in the 11th. There is quite a lot of space in front of them in order to put your feet.
36th. Unsuccessful places in this row are those that are located near the aisle. This is because the toilets are located at the rear of the cabin. Other passengers are more likely to wait in line at your seat, which can be annoying and disturbing.
37th. There will be a toilet wall directly behind the backrests. Therefore, they do not have a reclining function. You will have to sit straight all the way. In addition, there will be a constant movement of other passengers near you, flight attendants with carts who can push you, step on your feet, and they will also bang the door. And you will receive food last, since it will be distributed from the beginning of the salon.
The best places
The most preferred places, especially for long flight, are those located immediately after the emergency exits: in the 11th and 25th rows. However, it is worth remembering that not all passengers can fly here. According to the rules of most airlines, these seats do not sell tickets to the following categories:
- Women in "position"
- To old people
- Passengers with a child or pets
- To adolescents under the age of 16
- Disabled
This is due to the fact that in the event of a critical situation, passengers should sit here, who will not only not interfere, but will also help open the hatch and others to get out of the plane.
Ural Airlines owns 10 Airbus A321 (Airbus A321) aircraft. The liners are far from new: from 1998 to 2006. Aircraft side numbers: VQ-BOF, VQ-BKJ, VQ-BKH, VQ-BKG, VQ-BDA, VQ-BOC, VQ-BCX, VQ-BOB, VQ-BOZ, VP-BVP.
Absolutely all liners were purchased from operating airlines, that is, they were already "used". Former users include such companies as: MyTravel, Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY), Atlasjet, Aviation Capital Group (ACG), Solaris Airlines, Air Jamaica, Turkuaz Airlines, ILFC, Airworld, Flying Colors Airlines, Air Mediterranee and some others. Most of the planes, before being acquired by Ural Airlines, flew for at least three airlines.
All 10 aircraft have a single-class configuration with 220 economy-class seats. The company has a similar configuration Nordwind Airlines(the plane will also accommodate 220 passengers). The interior layout is available on the official website Ural airlines:
Let's try to study the scheme in more detail and highlight the best and worst places in the layout of this aircraft.
Row 1... These are good places. The front rows are always some of the best seats on the plane. Although the distance to the partition is small (you can't stretch your legs far), there is more room for knees than in standard rows. Also a plus is the fact that no one will recline the chair on you. This is a significant advantage in a tightly spaced economy class. In addition, there are practically no air conditioning problems in the forefront. That is not to say, for example, about the rows in the tail of the plane.
The disadvantages of the first row include the presence of a kitchen and toilets in the immediate vicinity. Excessive movement and odors can somewhat spoil the impression of the flight. Also, a septum will loom all the way before your eyes.
Row 10. There are some remarks to this series. The backs of the seats are limited in reclining here, since there is an emergency exit behind. It is not very convenient to fly in one back position.
Row 11. The best seats on this plane are in front of the emergency exit. The front row seats are locked so they won't lean back on you. There is also plenty of legroom as the emergency exit increases the distance to the front row. There are only 4 seats in a row, so it is convenient to fly as a couple or a family of 4 people.
There are also disadvantages, although not significant. Some passengers note that it can get a little colder here. Apparently from behind the door emergency exit... Also, for safety reasons, the aisles in the row must not be laid. hand luggage... Passengers with small children, elderly people, disabled people, pregnant women and passengers with animals will not be seated on row 11.
Row 12. Seats A and F... Due to the lack of seats in the front row, there is a lot of legroom here. For the same reasons, no one will lean back on you.
Note, however. According to passengers' reviews, some planes in the 11th row have additional seats A and F. In this case, these seats will no longer have all the higher listed advantages... Check the moment at the front desk.
Row 25. For the same reasons as in row 10, the backrests are locked and do not recline.
Row 26. Good flying seats have the same benefits as row 11. Only here are not four, but all six seats in a row. Seats A and F have characteristic disadvantages - there may be no armrests on the side of the plane wall. Also, those who like to gaze into the plane's window may be disappointed, since the window is either absent here, or it is not very conveniently located.
Row 37 Seat D... The seat is at the end of the aisle, and because of the close location of the toilets, passengers will constantly touch you here.
Row 37 and 38... One of worst places... The row rests against the wall of the toilet, so the backs of the chairs are limited in reclining. There are always a lot of people here, there are always queues and an unpleasant smell is felt. It is not uncommon for the last row to have problems with air conditioning - it can be either stuffy or cold.
The Airbus 321 is the largest aircraft in the 320 family, manufactured by Airbus. It made its first flight in 1992. Aircraft production continues to this day. By the latest information from the company, in 2018 it is planned to assemble up to 60 aircraft per month. According to their technical specifications and service does not differ much from the prototype - the 320th, but due to more powerful engines it is able to carry more passengers and luggage.
The aircraft is assembled for a specific order - the customer is offered a version of only economy class with a capacity of 220 people or business / economy with a capacity of 185 people.
History
The French company began to assemble the prototype of the 320th back in 1972. In the 90s, the 319th version first appeared, the main difference of which is the fuselage shortened by 7 meters. The rest of the parameters are the same as the 320th. The first "Airbus received a fuselage 7 meters longer than the prototype and in 1992 had the shortest flight range among the entire family of 320s. Then, with the modernization, the aircraft received reinforced brakes, more powerful engines and an additional tank located in the rear of the cabin. development was not planned, unlike plans for the 320th, to create competition for the Americans, but the appearance of the Boeing 757 on the market forced the company to reconsider its decision to release the 321, and the current model, the 321-200, is a worthy competitor to the 757 , slightly inferior in flight range, but having a more spacious fuselage.
The first customer for the aircraft of the new model was the German Lufthansa. Aircraft 321-100 flew to its hangars in early 1995. At the end of 1996, the first Airbus 321-200 took off.
Interior layout by the customer
As already mentioned, the customer receives one of two layout options at the factory. However, this is not all. During operation, the customer can change the number of seats himself and thus re-equip the aircraft to carry more or less passengers. The aircraft documentation indicates how the cabin can be rearranged. Airbus 321 has a wide range of layouts. From economy class, where there will be 6 seats in a row, three on each side of the aisle, to business class, where 4 seats will be installed in a row. Wide layouts are also allowed. There are only two restrictions - in any configuration, the aircraft will have 1 aisle with seats on either side of the aisle. The second limitation is inherent in the design: at the end of the aircraft there will be only 2 seats, one on each side of the aisle, and 2 rows opposite the emergency doors also have 4 seats in any configuration.
Seat selection on the plane
Even a short flight can be a burden if you sit down and find that, due to the design of the liner, the backs of your chairs do not recline, or people are constantly walking past you, heading to the bathroom. Therefore, when you go on a flight, you should ask yourself a number of questions. For example: "Do you like to watch the flight?" If you like, you need to choose places near the windows, keeping in mind that some of them will have wings, and all that you will see is the movement of the automatics during takeoff, landing, changing direction.
This disadvantage is possessed by ranks 15 to 22 in the Airbus 321 economy class. In addition, the 25th row, being located in front of the second emergency exit, does not have the ability to recline the seat. At the same time, these seats are considered ideal for traveling couples, since in this row, even in economy, there are only 4 chairs, 2 on each side of the aisle.
But if the plane is flying at night, choosing a seat near the windows will do nothing, but being in the rows in front of emergency exits can deliver many unpleasant minutes due to blocked backs. In addition to the 25th, the backs are also locked in the 10th row, but unlike the 25th, here the economy class includes 6 seats, three on each side of the aisle. The numbering is given for the economy class of the Airbus 321. The best seats, besides those already mentioned, are in the 11th row - two seats on each side of the aisle, and there is an opportunity to stretch your legs. These locations are located behind the first emergency exit. Passengers in row 26 will also be able to stretch their legs, with emergency exit number two in front of them. This is how the Ural Airlines planes are assembled.
At the same time, on the official website of Lufthansa it is indicated that in the 10th row of the 321st liner there are only 2 seats - on the right side. The left side of the row is free.
Plans and schemes
For a better understanding, we present a couple of aircraft diagrams in two use cases. Poles fly only economy class, Germans use planes both in economy version and in business / economy.
This is how the layout of "Airbus 321" (Poland) looks like; the layout of the cabin is also suitable for illustrating Ural Airlines aircraft. The company uses the 321st only in the economy version. The 11th and 26th rows are considered ideal. Porthole seating in row 26, due to the emergency exit directly in front of them, may have some changes. Since there are only 4 seats in the 11th row, those who like to stretch their legs can be advised the 12th row - two seats at the windows.
But for comparison, the diagram of the Airbus used by Lufthansa. The Germans use planes both economy and business / economy. However, only the first rows differ. The rest matches the descriptions above. The 10th row is shortened, due to which there are 4 best places in the 11th row. And due to the lack of one seat in the 25th row, the person who bought seat 27D will also have the opportunity to stretch their legs.
