BA 15/16 in Y - best seat for solo traveller

[knasty]

Hi,

I'm looking at whether to pre-assign my seat LHR-SYD BA15. $55 to choose any seat or $68ish to choose one of the twin seats at the back of the 777-300. I like a window seat so I'm thinking the first twin 49A may be the best option - does anyone have feedback on these seats for a solo traveller? I hate the idea of paying to pre-assign seats but I also hate the idea of being stuck in the middle E seats for 24 hours if I chance it at T-24hrs (I hate the idea of Y for 24 hours full stop but could only afford WT+ one way).

Thanks in advance.

 

[TonyHancock]

Man Alive you know how to torture yourself!

Seatguru is not negative but I have to say I'm not so keen on sitting that far back on any aircraft. (Last to get served etc - I know you may not want to eat but you'll have the trolley et al their when you probably least want it.)

If it was me I'd probably pay for seat selection but try and get an aisle or window as near to the front as I could.

I would also be as close to slaughtered before boarding and be in possession of multiple mini whiskies to get through. Comotose is the only way.

 

[markis10]

I though BA serves from the rear on alternate basis?

 

[knasty]

Man Alive you know how to torture yourself!

My outbound in WT+ was only $500 more than Y and gets me AA Platinum via the challenge rather than waiting to qualify on the return flight (CX PE codeshare to HK then BA 380 WT+). I'm hoping the miles post within my 3 day stay otherwise no lounge for me to use on the way back either so getting comatose will cost extra $$$. This way I also avoid $160 extra APD - it's bad enough paying it when flying J let alone PE ex-UK. The only thing keeping me going will be the thought of my next AA redemption in J care of the miles.

 

[TonyHancock]

I though BA serves from the rear on alternate basis?

So if you know, why wouldn't you try and help the poster?

 

[markis10]

So if you know, why wouldn't you try and help the poster?

Its a question, I thought they do start the service from the rear on an alternate basis like many airlines, however I dont have any recent experience to confirm I am pleased to say!

 

[TonyHancock]

Its a question, I thought they do start the service from the rear on an alternate basis like many airlines, however I dont have any recent experience to confirm I am pleased to say!

Thank you for your contribution.

 

[markis10]

Thank you for your contribution.

Do you know if they serve from the front or back or is your post suggesting meals are last a guess?

 

[TonyHancock]

Do you know if they serve from the front or back or is your post suggesting meals are last a guess?

Again, thank you for your contribution.

Personally I would like to help the OP. My experience with BA is more than 10 years old now so I may well be out of touch. I bow to your knowledge.

OP Please ignore everything I have written I am but an occasional traveller when compared to Markis10. He knows everything there is to know...well...about everything so best to follow his advice.

 

[nlagalle]

My last 4 flights they served front to rear... I am on BA in May so can advise then too..

 

[markis10]

My last 4 flights they served front to rear... I am on BA in May so can advise then too..

Thanks nlagelle, good to have some recent experience, your braver than me.

 

[TonyHancock]

Thanks nlagelle, good to have some recent experience, your braver than me.

...and apparently more accurate!

 

[knasty]

My last 4 flights they served front to rear... I am on BA in May so can advise then too..

nlagalle thanks - what do you think about the seating? If I am content with less meal choice is 49 too close to the toilets or worth it to only have one body to climb over?

 

[knasty]

My outbound in WT+ was only $500 more than Y and gets me AA Platinum via the challenge rather than waiting to qualify on the return flight (CX PE codeshare to HK then BA 380 WT+). I'm hoping the miles post within my 3 day stay otherwise no lounge for me to use on the way back either so getting comatose will cost extra $$$. This way I also avoid $160 extra APD - it's bad enough paying it when flying J let alone PE ex-UK. The only thing keeping me going will be the thought of my next AA redemption in J care of the miles.

The AA Platinum Challenge seems to have dropped in price. The wiki said $240 but I just did it now ans was charged $200 with immediate gold status.

 

[Awesom Andy]

They served from the front on my recent flights, although a few years ago, there was once when it was self-serve. They asked me to hold on to the box of snacks and headed off to the galley. :shock: We took it upon ourselves, and basically had the "take one and pass it on" system until the FA eventually came back.

 

[blu]

with the couples seats up the back, would there be more chance of having an empty middle row to claim overnight (& do the armrests raise)?

 

[knasty]

They served front to back LHR-SIN, back to front SIN-SYD. Breakfast in arrival in SIN was full English and very good. Lounge staff gave me 3 seats block in the middle as both flights were about 50%...WT+ was full and I was much happier being where I was. Armrests raise but only to about 60 degrees so you have to lie at the front if the seats - first time I've seen them not go vertical.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Lounge staff gave me 3 seats block in the middle as both flights were about 50%...WT+ was full

That's interesting. Not that I go on this flight very often, but it's usually the other way around on my flights. WT is packed, and WT+ is hall full after op-ups.

 

[knasty]

WTP full, CW full with op ups to F. Clearly they are doing something right tithe premium end. There is a world of difference between the 77W and 747/772. I am thinking if doing it again in August but maybe that's the jetlag talking.

 

[Formal Hall]

The AA Platinum Challenge seems to have dropped in price. The wiki said $240 but I just did it now ans was charged $200 with immediate gold status.

If you have AA gold status (OW Ruby) you will be able to select seats on BA for free from 7 days before departure, which should be time enough to claim a decent seat. If your AA number is not in your BA booking, ring to add it or add it online via qatar.com manage my booking (does not seem to stick when changing it at ba.com).