The Airbus A320 is one of the most popular aircraft of our time. Russian aviation has about 60 units of this model in its fleet.
There are currently two identical cabin configurations on flights, so both will be discussed using one of them as an example. Until recently there was only one configuration, but now the difference is the number of seats in business class and therefore in economy class.
Let's take as an example configuration 1, which is used on the majority of Aeroflot's A320 Airbus aircraft. For your convenience, similar locations in Configuration 2 are shown in parentheses next to each other.
Airplane seat layout
The cabin design of the Airbus A320 offers several possibilities. Both do not affect passenger comfort. The following options are available:
- Four seats (business class);
- Five seats;
- Six places.
The photo shows the position of the seats and the width of the aisles.
Like all other aircraft, business class seats are inserted into the head of the aircraft. The step between the rows is small, but enough to make passengers feel comfortable. It is necessary to take into account some features of the first row:
- There is a crib holder on the wall in front of the passenger;
- A front-row passenger doesn't have to worry about the front seatback tilting backwards;
- The front rows do not have footrests, nor do the subsequent rows.
Design features of the Airbus A320: what to consider
The aircraft is a low-wing aircraft - in such models the wing passes through the lower part of the fuselage. For an aircraft produced in the 80s, it was equipped with technical innovations:
- Cathode-ray screens were installed in the cockpit instead of mechanical dial instruments. These were later replaced by LCD variants.
- Instead of standard steering wheels, pilots use sidesticks. Their actions are processed by computers. Then they transmit commands to hydraulic drives, which carry out the necessary movements. The technology is called Fly by wire. Thanks to this feature, the number of pilots was reduced to 2.
- Passengers will appreciate the comfortable cabin, equipped with shelves for oversized hand luggage. The peculiarities of the liners include the width of the hatches through which luggage is loaded.
- The aircraft is equipped with V250 engines, so during takeoff the noise level does not exceed 82 dB. Silence during operation and power are the distinctive features of such engines.
In the 2000s. The designers have introduced improvements:
- interior cladding panels were replaced;
- the volume of shelves where you can put luggage was increased by 11%;
- an information panel with a touch screen appeared;
- Additional lighting was installed above the places where passengers sit.
The manufacturer also updated computers and improved data processing efficiency.
The percentage of composite materials used in construction has also been increased. It makes up more than 20%, and plastic reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber is used. As a result, take-off weight and fuel consumption are reduced, which affects the price of tickets.
The best seats on the Airbus A320
Airlines use the Airbus A320 with a special cabin design that allows the rows and seats to be repositioned. When choosing the most comfortable seats, it is important to study in detail the layout of the aircraft cabin used by a particular airline.
We propose to study the features of passenger seats in the cabin of the Airbus A320 with two classes of service for 150 seats, flights of the most popular Russian airline.
Features of seats in the cabin and passenger seats of the A320 aircraft:
- Rows 1-2 - business class cabin. There are soft and comfortable seats of greater width. The seats are arranged in two rows measuring 2x2. Passenger capacity is 8 people. There is plenty of legroom between rows of seats. In front of the first row seats there is a partition equipped with special elements for attaching a crib.
- From the 6th to the 30th row - economy class service. The chairs are installed in two rows in a 3x3 pattern. The hall is designed for 142 passengers.
- Seats in the sixth row have an increased aisle length. There are no other seats in front of the cabin; there is a partition separating economy class from business class. This partition has a hook for a cot and is therefore recommended for passengers with small children.
- Between rows 12, 13 and 14 there are evacuation hatches; in rows 12 and 13, the seats have a locking mechanism that does not allow the seat back to be adjusted during the flight.
- In row 14, the seats are functional, with ample legroom between them, creating the best conditions for a comfortable flight.
- From the 12th to the 18th row - poor visibility due to the wings.
- Rows 28-29-30 - seats equipped for people with disabilities and seriously ill people.
- The most uncomfortable seats are in the last two rows of the aircraft cabin (29, 30). In particular, it is not recommended to place yourself near the aisle. Passengers in all economy classes regularly visit the restroom, directly behind the last row. Noisy queues may occur, causing significant inconvenience for passengers in the last rows of the cabin. The disadvantages of these seats are also the blocking of the seat backs and the annoying slamming of doors in the toilet.
On Aeroflot's A320 economy class aircraft, the best seats in row 13 are located next to the emergency hatches.
Increased seat spacing is also available in the 11th and 12th rows, but due to the proximity of the emergency exits, the backrest does not fall into those seats.
If a passenger wants to have more space between seats in a row, they can also select a row to fly. But, as you know, these seats have one drawback - the folding table is equipped with armrests for the seats, which makes them immovable.
The worst seats on the 180-seat Aerobús 320 are in the last 30 rows. The big drawback of these seats is the restriction on how the backrest can be lowered and the proximity to the restroom.
Passengers wishing to enjoy panoramic views during the flight should not occupy seats in rows 11-18. The beautiful view from the windows is obscured by the wings of the airplane.
Other airlines' A320s offer different seating options. Be sure to check out the plane's cabin layout and choose the best seats for your flight!
Other Features
As we noticed, the Airbus Industrie A320 Jet has positive and negative sides. Chairs located near the window are, of course, good - many people like to look at the clouds. But it is worth remembering that this is only possible in daylight and sunny weather outside. If you travel at night, you won't be able to see anything through the window.
An important advantage is that there is no need to let neighbors through. But the negative side of such places lies in the inability to leave the chair without disturbing other people. For people who plan to sleep the entire flight, these seats are suitable.
When choosing economy class seats, try to avoid the last row
The chairs that are located near the aisle are good for the convenience of leaving the place on your own. But there are also negative aspects - if your neighbor needs to go to the toilet, he will ask you to let him through. In addition, passing board workers often touch passengers occupying the seats on the outermost aisle. However, if a person is flying with a child or there is a need to visit the toilet frequently, these seats will be a good solution to the problem.
Numbering of seats on Airbus A320 Aeroflot aircraft
Aeroflot uses two types of cabins for Airbus A320 passenger aircraft, differing only in the number of seats for business class passengers.
In the vast majority of business class Airbuses, there are 5 rows of seats in the aircraft cabin, less often - 2 rows, and the rest are reserved for economy class:
Airbus A320-214:
- Business - 20 places;
- Economy - 120 seats.
Airbus A320:
- Business - 8 seats;
- Economy - 150 seats.
The first type of aircraft consists of 25 rows, of which the first 5 are business class, while the second type of aircraft has only 2 rows of 30 rows for business clients, and first class is not provided on board the aircraft.
Business Class
In each row, regardless of aircraft configuration, there are four (2 on each side of the aisle) wide and comfortable seats, equipped with a reclining system and legs that allow you to place your legs in a comfortable position.
Passengers in the first row will have to contend with inconveniences such as a wall, missing footrests and neighbors with children, as the front wall is equipped with a special bracket that makes traveling with a child easier.
Economy class
The best seats in Economy Class are in the fourth row. This is due to their distance from noisy surroundings and a little more space for passengers. The seats at the back of the plane (row 27) are not the best seats for economy class passengers. The disadvantage is the proximity of toilets and service areas, which can cause a lot of inconvenience. This is not what you might have dreamed of when booking your tickets.
New interior layout
This liner is capable of transporting passengers over the longest distances – up to 6,150 kilometers. Initially, two series of Airbus A320 were designed: 100–200 Sharklets. The interior layout of the aircraft of both series is almost identical. But today there is only one model in operation, the one listed first. The builders refused to move forward with the second design option. Today, most people prefer to fly on board this series. Aeroflot Group offers 68 such aircraft for passengers.
Airbus Industrie A320 Jet is a very popular and spacious aircraft
The first airliner was created in 1987 and very quickly gained popularity among passengers. The plane can accommodate up to 200 people. The airline, part of the Aeroflot group, has several aircraft with a capacity of 168 seats . Initially, this aircraft included a sufficient number of positive aspects: convenient storage of luggage thanks to large shelves, spacious hatches for loading luggage and a fairly spacious interior.
At the beginning of the 21st century, developers improved the model and added some useful functions for passengers. The luggage racks have become larger, the brightness of the lighting has increased - today each passenger independently controls the level of light in the cabin - and the interior has changed. The computer network system was also completely updated, and the monitors in the cabin were replaced with LCD displays. Nowadays, this airliner is very popular among passengers due to the comfortable conditions and minimal cost of the flight.
This aircraft is one of the most comfortable Airbus aircraft. Manufacturers have taken good care of the convenience of flight, quality of service and savings on tickets. But in order to choose the most comfortable seats for a comfortable flight, you should know the location of the seats on the Airbus 320 aircraft. We will look at a model that belongs to Aeroflot in order to evaluate the positive aspects and identify the shortcomings of the cabin of this airliner.
How to buy cheap air tickets for an upcoming flight?
Today, it is much less difficult to find the cheapest plane ticket. All you need is to have the Internet at hand.
However, you should be careful. Fraudsters very often deceive people on the Internet. Therefore, it is better to buy tickets only from trusted companies.
You should definitely read the reviews and check if this organization has a website. Don’t forget about promotions, because, just like in a regular store, they often happen here too.
And in order to protect your travel, you should inquire about travel insurance when purchasing.
Which airlines operate the A320?
The new generation narrow-body aircraft A320 is operated by more than 100 air carriers around the world. Many companies have entered into agreements and contracts with the manufacturer for the supply of new models to replenish the aircraft fleet.
Well-known airlines operating comfortable Airbus 320:
- Aeroflot - 79 units with a 2-class cabin for 140 and 158 passenger seats;
- Russia – operates 5 A320-200 aircraft with 168 seats (2 classes of service);
- S7 – the company’s fleet includes 18 Airbuses 320-200 with 158 seats;
- Ural Airlines - operates 24 aircraft on its flights with a cabin in two classes of service, accommodating 158 passengers;
- Yamal – the carrier operates 8 airliners with a passenger capacity of 164 people;
- Vladivostok Air – the carrier has 8 Airbus A320s used on international flights;
- Turkish Airlines - the airline has 22 aircraft in its fleet, the number of seats is 153;
- Air Berlin – in operation 58 Airbus A320 with 174 seats in two classes of service (3 more units are expected to be delivered);
- Lufthansa – the company operates 70 aircraft (+2 on order), number of seats – 168 and 180.
Travel insurance
This type of insurance is required when flying. Most often, you can purchase such insurance from the carrier company, where the ticket was purchased.
You can also buy insurance from an insurance company by contacting the office.
What does this insurance provide?
- Firstly , the possibility of emergency hospitalization or treatment if necessary.
- Secondly , protection when playing amateur sports. Transporting patients to their country.
- Thirdly , the return of the insured or his minor children home in case of an emergency.
- Fourthly , in the event of hospitalization of the insured, reimbursement of travel expenses for relatives. All options can be adjusted and the cost of insurance will also change.
When planning your flight, you need to be aware of all the nuances, exercise caution and take into account your own interests and safety.
Advantages and disadvantages
As of the end of June 2022, the total number of Airbus A320 aircraft built reached 8,977.
Qatar Airways Airbus A320
Such an impressive “circulation” testifies to the enormous popularity of this aircraft, due to its following advantages:
- Engine efficiency, low fuel consumption;
- Convenient controls that facilitate the work of the crew;
- Low noise level both during takeoff and landing and at altitude;
- Stability when exposed to upward or downward air currents.
Like any other complex aircraft, the A320 aircraft is not without certain disadvantages. In particular, not all passengers are delighted with the conditions in the cabin. A number of reviews express complaints related to cramped conditions.
Some aviation experts believe that the aircraft's total lifting surface area is too small for its weight, making it difficult to control at low altitudes and at low flight speeds. In addition, there are certain difficulties when making changes to the software.
On the Red Wings and Yamal
uses the A321 models - the embodiment of new developments in the A320 family:
- There are 7 rows allocated for business class.
- The 8th will please you with the presence of space that allows you to stretch your legs. There are no problems with choosing a hot dish.
- If you are lucky enough to buy tickets for seats in the 20th, there will be no complaints about convenience.
There are also airliners of the A320 type in the fleet of the Yamal carrier: 2 rows are occupied by business class, and the best budget seats are in the 11th row.
Photos of A320neo S7
Board VQ-BCH - Airbus A320NEO S7 Airlines at Tenerife South Airport
I can fit my palm between my knees and the seat! Usually my knees rest against the backrest, or 1-2 fingers fit (3 fingers I consider a good result). And here the whole palm is not tight!!!
Place 8A, height - 190 cm.
Economy class in the A320neo S7
Economy class in the A320neo S7
These are Extra Space seats in the 3rd row, there is even more space there:
Extra Space
The pocket is tucked into the upper part of the chair, and there is also a holder for mobile devices - you can attach a smartphone or tablet. And for long-term operation of devices, there is a universal socket and a USB charger - 2 pieces per block of seats.
Seat back in A320neo
Flight data
The performance characteristics of the A320 can be summarized in a simple table:
Maximum speed | 890 km/h |
Cruising speed | 840 km/h |
Flight range (under load) | Up to 6100 km |
Service ceiling | 11,900 m |
Takeoff run length | 2,090 m |
Landing distance | 1,530 m |
During its flight, the airliner consumes 2,600 kilograms of fuel per hour (with the cabin fully loaded). That is, in order to transport one passenger over a distance of one kilometer, this plane consumes only 19.1 grams of kerosene.
Performance characteristics (design features)
At first glance, the Airbus A320 may seem very similar to its main “rival” - the American Boeing 737. A vertical fin, a swept wing with two engines located under it, a “lower” version of the elevator layout - all this is typical for many other modern aircraft . We are, of course, not talking about plagiarism or copying; it’s just that over the years of development of civil aviation, the designers managed to come to the most optimal design.
Pilots control the flight of the A320 using so-called sidesticks - side sticks. The once familiar steering wheels are missing from the cockpit. Both vertical and horizontal rudders, as well as wing mechanization elements, are driven by hydraulics; there are no manual drives. The entire control system is as computerized as possible. Thanks to this, two pilots are enough for full piloting and navigation.
A Boeing 737 (above) and an A320 belonging to the same airline. External differences - sloping landing gear on the A320, overhang in front of the fin on Boeing
The tactical and technical characteristics of the airliner are as follows:
Length | 37.57 meters |
Height | 11.8 meters |
Wingspan | 34.1 meters |
Commercial load weight (maximum permissible) | 17.9 tons |
Fuel volume in tanks | Up to 29,840 liters |
Empty weight | 40.3 tons |
Takeoff weight | From 64 to 75.5 tons |
Landing weight | From 61 to 62.5 tons |
Number of passengers | 150 (standard layout), 180 (without business class) |
To ensure quick evacuation in the event of dangerous situations, there are four emergency exits in the aircraft cabin.