Cabins will get true lie-flat models

Continental Airlines said it will replace existing BusinessFirst seats, which still have a slight angle when fully reclined, with true lie-flat seats starting net year. The airline will begin the refit with BusinessFirst cabins on its transatlantic and transpacific 777 fleet, where passengers should start seeing the new seats in the fall of 2009. Continental’s international 757-200s will get the seats in 2010, and its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will come with the new seats as they are delivered. The airline said its new business seats will recline a full 180 degrees, and extend to 6-1/2 feet on its widebody aircraft in the recline position. The new seats are 25 inches wide and come with one-touch electronic controls to adjust the seat back, lumbar support and foot rest. They’re equipped with iPod connectivity so passengers can use their personal audio and video playlists while the unit is charging. The entertainment system provides on-demand movies, music and games with a 15.4 inch video monitor on 777s and 787s, and a 10.6 inch monitor on 757s. Seats offer laptop power plugs as well as headset and USB plugs, and they give flyers extra personal storage space on a shelf under the monitor and under the ottoman.