Reverse Herringbone

A reverse herringbone seat is a business class configuration that angles each seat away from the aisle toward the window or center of the cabin, giving every passenger direct aisle access. It reversed the earlier herringbone design, which angled seats toward the aisle and faced passengers across the walkway.

Most reverse herringbone cabins use a 1-2-1 layout with single seats along the windows and paired seats in the center, each angled 7 to 10 degrees away from the aisle. Every seat converts into a fully lie-flat bed around 78 inches long, and newer versions add sliding privacy doors.

Cathay Pacific uses a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone in its Aria Suite on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while EVA Air applies the same layout in Royal Laurel Class on 787-10 and 777 fleets. American Airlines offers it in Flagship Suite on select widebody routes, and Air France flies a comparable cabin from New York JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington Dulles into Paris.

Standard herringbone seats angle toward the aisle, so passengers face nearby travelers across the walkway with less privacy. Reverse herringbone flips this orientation so seats angle toward the window or center, giving each passenger direct aisle access without stepping over anyone.

Center-pair reverse herringbone seats work well for couples since a retractable divider lets them share the space, but solo travelers sit closer to a stranger in that position than in a single window seat. Window seats offer maximum privacy for solo passengers on airlines like Cathay Pacific and EVA Air.

Not all do — sliding privacy doors are increasingly common on newer versions like Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite, but older reverse herringbone cabins may only include a shell or partial divider. American Airlines' Flagship Suite and EVA Air's Royal Laurel Class vary by aircraft generation, so checking the specific tail number helps confirm door availability.

Reverse herringbone is generally considered a top-tier choice because every seat, including center pairs, has direct aisle access and a 78-inch lie-flat bed, unlike older 2-3-2 or staggered layouts that force some passengers to climb over seatmates. CEOFLIGHTS specialists can help find discounted business class fares — call (888) 851-6897.