Cathay Pacific Seats Not Suitable for Passengers with Back or Neck Injuries
In order to escape the "big freeze" in Europe we were rerouted home to Melbourne directly from Amsterdam (originally scheduled from London) via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific. Both the 747 from Amsterdam to Hong Kong and the A330 from Hong Kong to Melbourne were equipped with Cathay's new interior featuring the now infamous non reclining seats. For those aware of the interior the seat backs do not recline in the conventional manner but rather the seat pan moves forward to give the impression of a semi recline. The seats are particularly bad for travellers with a disability especially for those with a back injury. The resulting "reclined" position gives no support to the back as it forces a slouched position with no lumbar support. The position gives very little lateral support either for anyone without trunk stability.
The seats themselves have little padding and are perhaps the hardest airline seats I have ever experienced which may lead to pressure related issues. If you bring your own seat cushion the angle created will make it difficult to keep it from sliding forward onto the floor and there will still be a pressure point around the upper back/shoulder area. When the seat pan is in the "reclined" position there is a gap between the pan and the seat back. The head rest with is support wings is fixed and again when the seat is "reclined" the headrest and head support is above normal height and dose not support the head of an "average height" passenger. I am 5 foot 10 and my head was well below the headrest.
The trade press have indicated that Cathay Pacific are going to replace those interiors but until such time as they do I would recommend anyone with a spinal injury avoid Cathay Pacific at all cost.
On another noted relating to food allergies, especially nut allergies, be advised the the airline serves to all passengers peanuts with the pre dinner drink. The smell in the cabin during this phase of the flight very heavy and I saw at least two passengers suffering from allergic reactions as a result. I am very surprised that Cathay Pacific are still serving nuts given the potential reactions. But again if you do suffer from a nut allergy find another airline