Ask Captain Lim

Hello Capt Lim,

I frequently fly on United Airlines Boeing 777's and I have often wondered why the seat layout in economy class is 2 on the sides and 5 in the middle. Wouldn't it make more sense, and be more comfortable for the passengers in the middle rows, to have 3 sets of 3? Great job on the web site.

Chris

Hi Chris,

I am not so clear as to the rationale why the Airlines did not favor the three sets of 3 seats in the economy class. I suppose the reasons may be safety, convenience or uniformity. Remember the emergency exits are on either sides. With 2 seats, the obstruction problem may be considerably reduced. Convenience of service from either side may be another. Anyway, these are my opinion.

Check it out with the United Airlines or Boeing, they may be able to give you a better answer. Maybe your suggestion may earn you something the next time you travel with them!!

Updates: Below are the updates I manage to get from a representative of the Boeing Company:-

Seating configurations on the Boeing 777 are chosen by the specific customer. Typical arrangements offered are:

Boeing 777-200ER/200LR 301 passengers in three classes at seat pitches of 61/39/32 inches.

Boeing 777-300 368 passengers in three classes at seat pitches of 60/38/32 inches.

Boeing 777-300ER 365 passengers in three classes at seat pitches of 61/39/32 inches.

Optional configurations for economy class seating are:

9 abreast premium economy with 47 centimeter wide seats arranged with two 49 centimeter aisles arranged as follows 2-5-2 or 2-4-3 or 3-3-3.
10 abreast economy with 43 centimeter wide seats arranged with two 43 centimeter wide aisles arranged as follows 3-4-3.