The best seats on the Airbus A320: make your flight comfortable

Development of the Airbus A320 aircraft

When Airbus began developing the A300 in the late 1960s and first half of the 1970s, it marked the beginning of a new family of aircraft. It was supposed to compete with Boeing and Douglas. The engineers set the task of maintaining the dimensions, but improving the ergonomics and varying the passenger capacity.

The projects that later formed the basis of the design were presented back in 1977. In February 1981, development continued. Airbus collaborated with Delta Air Lines: the carrier wanted to get an aircraft with 150 passenger seats. According to plans, for a distance of 3,440 km, the aircraft was supposed to consume only the fuel in the wing tanks. And since high-capacity airliners were in demand, models with 154 and 172 seats were initially taken into development. The plans were later abandoned and an aircraft capable of carrying 162 passengers was produced. The current A320-100 and A320-200 models (they accommodate up to 180 passengers) retain differences in tank capacity, take-off weight and wingtips, but for travelers there are no significant differences.

Final certification took place in 1988, and since then, based on the original version, the A318, A319 and A321 models have been released.

First flight of the A320

The new aircraft was first flown on February 22, 1987, under the name A320-100 ; only 21 aircraft were produced in the series of such airliners. The second version of the A320-200 became the main representative of the A320 ; an airworthiness certificate for this model was issued in November 1988. This aircraft differs from the A320-100 in having an increased maximum take-off weight, wingtips with delta-shaped winglets and an additional 8016 liter fuel tank in the center section.

Airbus A320

Airbus consortium is constantly working to modernize its aircraft; the New Engine Option to equip the A320 with new fuel-efficient power plants. Pratt & Whitney PW1000G , according to the company's management, will reduce operating costs by 20%, and the airliner itself will receive improved aerodynamics and a new passenger cabin design. The Russian company Transaero entered into a firm contract for the purchase of 8 A320neo , which began to enter service in 2015.

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.

Design features of the A320 airliner

According to its aerodynamic design, the A320 is a monoplane with a low-swept wing, under which engines are located on both sides and a single-fin tail.

a320 circuit

The airliner's wing is thin with high aerodynamic efficiency, all mechanization is made of composite materials, the fin and the leading edge of the stabilizer are also made of composite. Side winglets on the wing tips save fuel and reduce induced drag.

Airbus A320 cockpit

For those wishing to fly on an Airbus A320, photos of the interior will give them an idea of ​​its appearance. But the cabin is no less interesting, although you won’t see it during the flight.

All components are arranged ergonomically, so the layout has become the standard for Airbus airliners. If you compare the appearance and placement of instruments with solutions from a competitor, Boeing, the main difference will be orderliness.

In the photo you see the following:

• in the upper part there is a visor of the instrument panel;
• to the left and right there are instrument panels with which the captain and co-pilot operate;
• in the middle part there is a central panel, below it there is a central console.

Instead of a steering wheel, the captain and co-pilot of the Airbus A320 use sidesticks. In this case, the crew member, before taking control, warns: “I have controls,” and presses the orange button. After that, only his sidestick works.

What does the joystick look like on an Airbus A320

The pilot's seats are ergonomic; they are adjustable not only according to the “closer - further” principle. Pilots set the backrest position and height to ensure maximum seating comfort. The design of the chairs is thought out to the details: you will not see any sharp protruding corners. The cockpit also has a retractable table, oxygen masks for pilots, a fire extinguisher and even a glove compartment for documents.

Have you ever wondered whether it is convenient for a pilot to fly an airplane with his left hand? Aviation experts claim that it’s all a matter of habit.

Seat arrangement, seat numbering and cabin layout of the Airbus A320

Several variations are used in the interior layouts, but each is comfortable for passengers. 4-, 5- and 6-bed occupancy is possible, and it is determined by the selected class. You will see 4-seat rows in business class, and 6-seat rows in economy class.

Numbering starts at the head of the aircraft, with business class seats located at the front. According to passenger reviews, the distance between the seats is enough to place luggage and sit comfortably.

The Airbus A320 business class has plenty of legroom

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.

Airbus A320: the best seats and features of their choice

As comfortable as the Airbus A320 cabin is, there are pros and cons to different seats. For example, if you choose a window position, you will be able to admire the views. But you won’t be able to go to the toilet without disturbing your neighbors. But you won’t be disturbed by scurrying flight attendants.

If you choose an aisle seat, going to the toilet will not be difficult. But you will have to let your neighbors through when they want to go out. You won’t be able to look at the landscape through the window (if you are afraid of flying, this will be a plus).

Which row to choose seats in?

The comfort of your trip is also determined by the row you choose to sit in:

Airbus A320 diagram

• Passengers sitting in the 1st row receive food and drinks faster. You don't have to worry that the passenger sitting in front will recline his back and leave you no room. You will also be one of the first to leave the plane. But there are some drawbacks: not everyone likes to look at the wall in front of them during a flight. And the tables, usually attached to the back of the front seat, are located in the armrests. Because of this, they do not move, and the width of the space decreases. But the main disadvantage is that passengers with children fly here.
• The 12th and 13th rows of the Airbus A320 are located next to the emergency exits. As a result, passengers will have more legroom. True, the backrests of the 12th row seats recline less than standard ones, or are completely fixed.

The worst options include seats in the back: the proximity of the toilet and kitchen will not bring pleasure. The backrests most likely do not recline, like those of the seats that are located directly in front of the emergency exits.

The information is based on a 180-passenger model and a single-class cabin.

Don't forget that A320 aircraft may have different cabin layouts, so make allowances for the specifics of the carrier company. If you fly with Aeroflot, the situation is a little different! Pay attention to the nuances so as not to make a mistake.

Best places in

When flying on an Aeroflot airliner, the best seats are in business class. Compared to the layout of the A330, the seat spacing in the A320 is smaller, but you'll be seated comfortably. The interior diagram will help you determine the location in the A320.

Airbus A320 diagram at Aeroflot

If the cost of business class does not suit you, pay attention to the following nuances:

• The seats in row 6 are good, but they are behind a partition.
• The 8th row turns out to be worse than the standard seats, since the backrests do not recline due to the proximity of the emergency exits.
• The 9th row has both pros and cons. You won't be able to recline the backrest, but there is enough legroom. Not everyone likes places A and F, because they are close to emergency exits.
• 10A and 10F on the Airbus A320 will not cause complaints about lack of space or a fixed backrest. But they are located next to the emergency exit, so they do not have 1 armrest. The remaining seats in the 10th row are classified as superior comfort. But there are restrictions: you cannot place hand luggage under your feet and block the aisles. Tickets for these seats are not sold to passengers with animals or children, as well as people with disabilities. After all, the proximity of the emergency exit means that you will not prevent others from leaving the aircraft cabin.
• 24C and 24D are also not very comfortable. They are located at the end of the salon, near the aisle, so people will scurry past on their way to the toilet.

Before purchasing tickets, check the layout of the aircraft cabin. After all, Aeroflot uses 2 variants of the Airbus A320: the differences lie in the number of business class seats.

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.

On Ural Airlines

The airline reserves rows 1-3 for business class, where it is always convenient. Seats from the 4th row are standard economy class; The only difference is the 9th, where, due to the proximity of emergency exits, the backrests cannot be reclined. Check the details when purchasing a ticket!

Airbus A320 cabin diagram: Ural Airlines

In the 10th row, the movement of the backs is also limited, but there is enough legroom. And the best option would be the 11th row, although there is no armrest on A and F.

On S7 flights

S7 Airlines operates 18 aircraft of the model in question. There are 2 classes in the cabin: business for 8 seats and economy for 150. If you choose the latter option, then food service will start from the 3rd row. This means that passengers sitting at the back of the plane may not get the hot food they want.

Airbus A320 cabin layout on S7 flights

In business class they offer separate meals, often individual. It consists of 2 rows, the 3rd is already economy, located near the partition. The best seats are in the 11th, although there are restrictions: the passages to the emergency doors cannot be blocked with luggage.

Flight performance

• The length of the aircraft is 37.57 m.
• The height of the aircraft is 11 m.
• Wing span – 34.1 m.
• The cabin width is 3.7 m.
• Maximum take-off weight – 77 tons.
• Minimum take-off distance – 2090 m.
• Engines – 2 x IAE V2500-A5.
• Thrust – 2 x 104.5 kN.
• Cruising speed is 840 km/h.
• Number of passengers – from 140 to 180.
• Fuel consumption – 2700 l/hour.
• Range – 6150 km.
• Practical ceiling – 12 thousand m.
• Crew – 2 people.

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.

Other nuances: economy class cabin details

You should choose seats on the Airbus A320 taking into account your preferences and flight conditions. For example, a location near the toilet is considered uncomfortable. But you won’t have to stand in line if you need to visit the bathroom.

Those who are not afraid of flying and want to get likes for their Instagram photos choose window seats. But you will only be able to admire the views on a daytime flight in sunny weather. If you travel at night, there will be fewer advantages. In addition, in most salons you will not see a panorama from seats 15-20 rows away: it will be blocked by the wing. You just don't have to let your neighbors through when they want to use the restroom. But you won’t be able to get out without disturbing others.

Foreign airlines also offer economy plus tickets, where there is more legroom and access to power outlets.

Passengers who choose seats C and D will get up to use the toilet without having to ask their neighbors to let them through. This option is suitable for parents flying with children. The downside is that you will have to let other travelers through.

TRAVEL AIR TICKET

Airbus A320 of Aeroflot airline. Photo: Alexander Genscher | Travelaviabilet.ru Airbus A320 is the most popular type of aircraft in the Aeroflot airline fleet.
Liners of this type are capable of carrying up to 158 passengers and transporting them over a distance of up to 6,150 km. Aeroflot A320 interior layout

Amenities on the plane

The best seats in the A320 Aeroflot

What do they feed on A320 flights?

Airbus A320 interior diagram Aeroflot

Amenities in the cabin of the Airbus A320 Aeroflot

Personally, I like that all Aeroflot aircraft of this type are equipped with USB sockets that are installed in each seat. This is important, especially when flying with transfers. It is possible to recharge your phone, gadgets, and photographic equipment.

USB sockets are located in the seat in front of you, at the bottom. Look carefully.

By the way, Aeroflot also has a cool feature on the Airbus A320 - it distributes entertainment content via Wi-Fi. That is, if you haven’t downloaded movies and music with you on the road, then a whole set of films, cartoons and various audio has already been prepared for you. There are even video clips.

It works like this: connect to Aeroflot’s Wi-Fi network, and you will automatically be transferred to their application. There is no need to install anything. Personally, I most often use the page that displays flight data and the location of the aircraft.

The main thing is that your gadgets are charging (see above about USB sockets) and there is something to do during the flight. In this regard, Aeroflot is certainly cool in caring so much about passengers.

The best seats in the Airbus A320 Aeroflot

Of course, the best seats are in business class, there is more space and better service. But if you fly in economy, then there are many criteria and everyone has their own.

For me, the best seats on the A320 are near the window in front of the wing or further behind the wing. Moreover, if you want to have only one porthole, then choose odd-numbered seats (for example, 25A or 27F). If you choose even-numbered seats, you will have two windows, and, frankly, they are located inconveniently. See photo.

If you are shy and don’t like to disturb your neighbors by constantly running to the toilet, then choose seats near the aisle (C and D). However, then you will be deprived of beautiful views from the porthole.

If you are a long-legged beauty or just a two-meter tall guy, then of course choose the chairs near the emergency exit, where there is more room for your legs. However, remember that the backrests do not recline; pregnant women, disabled people, and passengers with children are prohibited from occupying these seats for safety reasons. Also, if you're flying on an Airbus A321 (which is slightly longer than an A320), these wonderful seats are located right next to the toilets, and the extra space is usually filled with passengers shuffling from foot to foot while waiting for their turn to use the restroom.

Use the cabin layout to figure out the best seats for you.

What do they feed on the Airbus A320 Aeroflot

On flights lasting up to 6 hours, passengers are offered light snacks, a sandwich, as well as hot and cold drinks. On flights over 6 hours, Aeroflot airline serves a hot lunch.

After takeoff, you will be fed a sandwich and offered drinks. To be honest, I like S7 Airlines’ sandwiches better. I hope that one day, after all, the time will return when economy class passengers will be given decent food. In the meantime, a full meal is a paid service.

By the way, for some time Aeroflot also pleased with the free choice of seats on the plane during online check-in. But now this service is paid.

In principle, I continue to choose this airline because I like the service on board (which I described above), the fact that the flight attendants are festively dressed and in the traditions of the airline there is a reverence for flights, which coincides with my feelings.

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Expert advice

Experts recommend buying tickets after first studying the layout of the Airbus A320 aircraft. Also contact the airline and clarify the details of accommodation on your flight.

If you're traveling with small children, ask for a seat immediately after business class. At Aeroflot they are usually reserved for those flying with a child. This option is not available for online check-in, so get to the airport early: they unlock almost immediately before your flight. Unable to get tickets? When looking for an alternative, do not choose seats near the wing, otherwise you will be disturbed by increased engine noise during the flight.

Are you flying for the first time and don’t understand the intricacies? Ask an airline employee for advice.