Hainan Airlines A321neo

For four hours in a window or aisle seat it is reasonable — the neo's quieter cabin and modest improvements to air quality help. In the middle seat of a long Economy section, four hours feels longer than it should. The exit rows are the place to target if you have the flexibility.

Hainan's A321neo configuration as operated is a two-cabin aircraft — Business and Economy — with no separate premium Economy tier. The closest equivalent is selecting an exit row or front Economy seat for additional legroom.

The A321neo typically has rear lavatories serving Economy, sometimes with a mid-cabin lavatory as well depending on the operator's fit-out. On a full flight, rear lavatories can see queues — another reason the front Economy rows are a more comfortable base.