More comfortable economy seats in *older* aircraft?

Recently went transatlantic on VS's new Airbus A350-1000, and whilst it was an excellent plane, found the Economy seats a little lacking in padding, legroom in short supply, and the aisles rather tight. Nothing out of the ordinary, it's simply the way new planes are laid out these days. We survived, but can't help wonder: are the seats on older planes better/ wider/ more padded?

Anyone got advice on which generation of VS aircraft to look for and get an extra inch or two?!

(sadly just in Economy. I'm lifetime AU and travel solo in business often enough, but for a family it has to be back of the plane...)

[mitchja]

I would say yes and it’s industry-wide these days as it’s down to seat weight. All airlines are wanting things to be as light as possible now. Less weight = better fuel efficiency.

You only have to look at the noticeable difference between the Premium seat in the A333‘s compared to the B789’s. The newer B789 version of the seat is thinner with less padding and no head-rest ears.

Not sure about Economy seats but there about 3 different generations of Premium seats in use at VS now.

I’ve not seen what any of the seats are like on the A350’s though I’ll find out in a few weeks.

I would think the oldest seats in use at VS now are those on the 346’s.

I remember my first Virgin flight to Hong Kong in 1995. We went Premium and the seats were like armchairs - so comfortable. The loo was big too - with a black and white chequered tiled floor with plenty of room to change clothes. I thought it was wonderful. Shame things are not like that now.

I'm afraid that's what happens when airlines are constantly looking to "enhance" their offering. Ultimately we are all to blame as it is purely a race to the bottom to be able to give the cheapest possible flights and that means cutting weight/waste wherever they can.

I personally upgrade as often as possible, at 6'4" and of rugby player proportions I am not willing to subject myself to economy in long haul so its PE at a minimum. It's a price I am happy to pay but unfortunately for a lot of people (and businesses these days) it's all about the price and not the comfort.

Oh for the old red and blue PE armchairs in the bubble of the 747's.

Absolutely, but it's airlines not Virgin. I think generally with newer planes Business gets better, Premium has wins and losses, and economy almost all losses, except maybe for IFE.