I. Basic layout and zoning of the cabin
1. Cabin Class The cabins of most civil airliners are divided into different levels to meet the needs of different passengers. The common cabins are from advanced to ordinary in order:
· First Class: usually located at the front of the cabin. Provide the most spacious seats (can lie completely flat), the highest quality service, the most exquisite meals and the most private space. The seat layout is usually 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 to ensure that every passenger can lean directly on the aisle.
· Business Class: located after first class, before economy class. The seats are also very spacious, which can be tilted or flat, providing services and meals higher than economy class. The layout is commonly used as 2-2-2 or 1-2-1.
· Premium Economy Class: Between business class and economy class, it is a popular class in recent years. It offers wider seats, more legroom, more front seats and enhanced services than economy class.
· Economy Class: The main part of the cabin has the largest number of seats. The seat spacing and width are relatively compact, providing standardized services, which is the most cost-effective choice.
2. Functional Areas (Functional Areas)
· Entry Doors: usually located at the front, middle and rear of the aircraft, which is the passage for passengers to get on and off the plane.
· Kitchen (Galley): The "kitchen" on the plane is used to prepare meals, store drinks and food trucks. It is usually located in the front, middle and rear of the cabin.
· Bathroom (Lavatory): located in the front, middle and back of the cabin. The bathrooms in first class and business class are usually more spacious, and sometimes equipped with dressing tables and other facilities.
· Crew Rest Compartments: On long-haul flights, a hidden rest area for pilots and crew members, usually located in the sealed cabin above or behind the cabin.
II. Facilities and equipment inside the cabin
1. Passenger Seat (Passenger Seat)
· First-class/command class seats: complex functions, usually including seat adjustment controllers (adjustable lumbar support, leg support, tilt, etc.), reading lights, personal storage space, power sockets and USB interfaces.
· Economy class seats: basic functions, including adjustable backrest, folding dining table, magazine bag, seat belt. More and more flights are also equipped with personal power sockets and USB interfaces in economy class.
2. In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
· Personal display: usually installed at the back of each seat or hidden in the armrest (can be ejected). The high-end cabin has a larger screen and higher resolution.
· Content: Provide a variety of content such as movies, TV series, music, games, flight maps (displaying real-time location, altitude, speed, remaining time, etc.).
· Control mode: can be operated by touch screen or handheld remote control.
· Wireless network (Wi-Fi): More and more aircraft provide paid or free in-flight Wi-Fi services, allowing passengers to use their devices to surf the Internet, send and receive messages or connect to entertainment portals on board.
3. Other important facilities
· Overhead Bin: used to store passengers' carry-on luggage.
· Passenger Service Unit (PSU): Located above the seat, including:
· Reading Light: can be switched on and off independently.
· Call Button: used to call flight attendants.
· Air Vent: You can adjust the air volume and direction by yourself.
· Oxygen Mask: It falls off automatically when the cabin loses pressure.
· Safety facilities: including life jackets (usually under the seat), safety instructions cards, emergency exits, etc.
III. Cabin characteristics of different aircraft models
· Airbus A380: double-decker cabin, the largest airliner in the world. The upper floor is usually all first class and business class, and the space is extremely spacious. Some airlines even have shower rooms, bars and lounges.
· Boeing 787 & Airbus A350: As the latest generation of long-range airliners, they are famous for their more comfortable cabin environment:
· Larger porthole: the window area is larger than that of traditional aircraft, and there is no sunshade, but the window color can be adjusted through electronic buttons.
· Higher cabin air pressure and humidity: The composite fuselage can set higher cabin air pressure and more humid air, which can effectively reduce the fatigue of passengers.
· Dynamic LED scene lighting: It can simulate natural light effects such as sunrise and sunset, helping passengers adjust the physiological rhythm and reduce the impact of jet lag.
· Boeing 737 & Airbus A320: the most common single-channel narrow-body passenger aircraft, mainly used for medium and short-haul routes. The cabin layout is usually only business class and economy class, and the facilities are relatively basic, but new models (such as 737 MAX, A320neo) are also equipped with larger luggage compartments and updated entertainment systems.
IV. Tips for riding
· Seat selection: You can check in online in advance according to your own preferences. If you like quiet, you can choose the front row (it may be noisy near the kitchen and bathroom). If you want to see the scenery, you can choose the window. If you want to move conveniently, you can choose the aisle. If you are afraid of bumps, you can choose the middle over-wing seat.
· Comfort: It is recommended to wear loose clothes, drink more water, and walk in the cabin at the right time to promote blood circulation.
· Etiquette: When getting up, try not to affect the next seat. It's best to look at the back before adjusting the back of the seat (to avoid touching other people's knees or spipping the drink), and keep it clean after using the bathroom.