Hainan Airlines A330-200

The two-four-two layout gives each economy seat a bit more width than the standard 777 three-four-three configuration. The two-seat window sections are genuinely comfortable for a solo traveller or pair — one neighbour, wall access, and slightly wider seats. The A330-200 is not a Dreamliner in terms of cabin environment, but for medium-to-long haul routes it is a solid, conventional widebody that does the job without the extreme density of a ten-abreast 777.

The business class on this aircraft uses an angled-flat two-two-two layout. Seats recline to flat or near-flat, but the angled configuration means the sleeping position is not completely horizontal. Not all window-seat passengers have direct aisle access without stepping past a neighbour. For a proper fully flat bed with direct aisle access, Hainan's newer 787-9 business product is the better option if the route is available.

The two-seat window sections on either side of the aircraft are the ideal pick for a pair — two seats together with just each other as neighbours and a wall on one side. In the centre block, the two outer-centre seats are adjacent and give aisle access on both sides, which is the practical alternative if the window sections are taken. The centre two seats of the four-seat block should be avoided if possible.