An Introduction to Sleeper Seats

When airlines first started service, sleeper compartments folded out, making two single beds, bunkbed style, for the traveler to sleep on. It was done away with, as it was too bulky for the airlines to maintain. Sleepers are nothing new; but it is something whose time has come. You can now sit up in bed, watch the news or a movie, and not be aware that you are 35,000 feet up in the sky. This is now a reality on most transoceanic and long-haul flights in either Business or First Class.

In recognition of the need for comfort on long hauls is critical to the traveler, most airlines have gone to extraordinary lengths to find new ways to let those in business and first class on long-haul flights eat, sleep and even work as never before. Most major airlines now offer "sleeper seats" in first class, and some have them in business or in a combination of both.

American Airlines
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class and Flagship Suites.

A new standard of comfort in international First Class in the revolutionary Flagship Suite available on select Boeing 777 aircraft. Designed for working, dining, relaxation or sleep, the Flagship Suite features privacy dividers, powerports, leather headrests and a host of other comforts to enhance the travel experience. The trademark of the Flagship Suite is the specially designed swivel seat, something no other airline offers. Every Flagship Suite allows you to turn your seat and hold seated face-to-face conversations and business meetings. Ready to sleep? Settle in for a comfortable night's rest, as each Flagship Suite transforms into a fully flat, six-foot six-inch bed. Sleeper seats are also available on First Class in the B777 aircraft operating across the Pacific and the international B767-300 fleet.

British Airways
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class and Club World (Business Class).

The British Airways First Class Cabin, a private universe created for efficiency and comfort. Each cabin seat features individual access, personal lighting, in-seat phones and laptop ports. The First class seat features an innovative ergonomically designed sleeper seat that reclines into a fully flat 6'6" bed at the touch of a button; with an inflatable lumbar support, an adjustable headrest with ears for neck support and a leg rest translation to support back of legs and features a 'buddy seat' as well. With its new "lounge in the sky" cabin and the first fully flat bed in business class, new Club World offers levels of privacy and comfort that have set new industry standards in business class. The new Club World seat converts to a unique 6ft (183cm) flat bed, giving the best night's sleep on board.

United Airlines
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class.

Now available on all international three-cabin 747 and 777 aircraft, United’s First Suite is the first word in onboard luxury. The fully equipped reclining electronic seat features a Backcycler Motion System for lumbar support and back stimulation, and fully adjustable leg and head rests. Best of all, First Suite reclines to 180 degrees, transforming into a soft, warm bed. Tuck in with a larger, fluffier pillow, a cozy mattress pad and comforter, and a privacy screen, and enjoy the sweetest dreams in the sky. Featured also is an individual audio/video system that lets you choose from a host of movies and audio channels. Work to do? THe well-appointed private workspace features a personal phone for worldwide calls and fax/email access, a handy flex lamp and a laptop power source with modem connection.

Cathay Pacific
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class and Business Class.

Cathay Pacific's First Class and Business Class passengers enjoy exceptionally high standards of service and comfort on board all flights. The in-flight ambiance offers an oasis of calm. From the first moment of check-in at the airport, all needs are anticipated and met. The First Class cabins are exclusive; seats are configured to allow generous personal space with a seat pitch that ranges up to 88 inches on long haul routes. The new Business Class also offers sleeper seats on select routes. When fully reclined, the reclining seat allows even tall passengers to stretch out and sleep. Pure wool blankets, oversized pillows and amenity kits are provided for full comfort. Meals and drinks are served in elegant custom-designed glassware and crockery. The configuration and style of seating may vary by aircraft type and route.

Air France
Sleeper Seats are available in L'Espace Première (First Class).

The L'Espace Première first class offers outstanding comfort, a memorable moment of exclusive and exceptional service. Luxurious without being ostentatious, L'Espace Première offers a modern and traditional blend "à la française". The first class amenities include an ambience of total peacefulness: a quiet atmosphere, the charm and calmness of a spacious dedicated cabin. Relax as you fly in wide ergonomic seats convertible into real beds. A removable screen ensures your privacy. To really feel at home, ask for any of our many accessories: pillows, quilts, relaxation wear. The picture is complete with High-tech individual equipment: telephones, videos, noise-compensating headsets, optical fiber lamps.

All Nippon Airways
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class.

Travel the skies in a cabin that offers unprecedented comfort and amenities. Enjoy the in-flight luxury, comfort and fine dining of the First Class service. The First Class cabin offers the most spacious, luxurious seats possible and so comfortable, that passengers often ask if they can take it home with them. Even the longest flight is turned into a restful interlude with a seat that reclines a full 180 degrees and the most generous seat pitch. Sleep as if at home. This is ANA First Class, the ultimate in hospitality and comfort. Other amenities include a Personal five-inch liquid-crystal in-seat TV monitor that lets you enjoy four TV channels as well as seven game-mode channels, Headrest Separator, Personal light and an Electronically controlled leg rest.

Iberia Airlines
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class.

Iberia's new First Class, now on board the Boeing 747 and Airbus 340 fleets flying intercontinental routes. The First Class boasts of a recently designed new seating, complete with new upholstery, for the most comfort during flight. The seats, with leg-rests, recline to a nearly horizontal position, offering the comfort of a bed. Seats are 20" wide, with leg room of 62", ensuring ample personal space. An adjustable, individual light is integrated into the seat for greater comfort when reading. Each seat comes complete with its own personal video screen allowing one to watch whichever film choosen from the selection offered. Have a more enjoyable flight by watching the video Walkman, which is also on offer during your flight.

Japan Airlines
Sleeper Seats are available in First Class.

Welcome to the ultimate experience in the sky and unparalleled in-flight comfort. JAL First Class now offers world's most premium airline seat, The SkySleeper Solo. Upholstered in leather by Poltrona Frau of Italy, the seat offers a range of relaxing positions that allow you to enjoy even the longest flights. In the sleeping position, the seats form wraps around you comfortably, while simultaneously providing some privacy, while the soft, warm under-pad and feather comforter ensure a restful sleep. Adjust the seat without moving, and stay completely comfortable. The in-flight entertainment system called 'magic' offers 12 channels of the latest movies and videos, 8 to 10 games and 18 channels of audio entertainment which can be viewed on a video system featuring a 6.4-inch LCD display that is easy on the eyes.