Best J seats on EY 789

[Colrad]

Hi folks,

I've been a long time QF/OW flyer but have recently decided to give VA and its partners (predominantly EY and SQ) a try. I am flying solo MEL-PER-ZUR in EY J in September and was wondering if anyone could offer any advice as to the best seats. PER-AUH is the 789 two-class configuration, while AUH-ZUR is the three class 789.

The two-row mini-cabin on the three-class 789 looks good, but I am worried about proximity to lavs and galley. Anyone with knowledge of seat 6A on this version, would love to hear your thoughts.

Best wishes to all and thanks in advance.

 

[NZflygirl]

Flew the 2 class 789 on your PER-AUH leg. Some are backwards seating which I had. Was my first time flying backwards. Didn't mind it but you might want to take that into account.

Are you a window flyer? Do you like the table bit on your right side or left? Do you want to try flying backwards? Might help make seat choices.

Flew the 3 class 789 mini cabin J AUH-SIN and had no issues with galley noises etc. Woke up by turbulence more than anything else. Had the middle seats though travelling as a couple. I didn't mind either main or mini cabin to be honest.

I have read some mixed reviews when it comes to service but personally have had good service with EY. Food has been good. I don't have any issues on this front.

Make sure you get your VA FF # on the boarding pass (if you bought from EY). That's been an issue sometimes. The times I didn't have it on the boarding pass despite pleading and being told it's in the system it has actually credited to VA which was good.

Unfortunately out of Perth I think you're relegated to the QF lounge for EY.

VA plat = EY F lounge at AUH. Bit of a walk but just follow the signs. I think I lost the signs but there were people to ask. It's at the next set of shops. Not a massive fan of transiting security at AUH but it's a small part of the experience.

Not sure who you'll get at Zurich.


VA Plat recognition - had a hello chat etc when I flew Y but nothing in J but not fussed.

I think they're a good airline with possibly my favourite J layout on their 789 and A380.

 

[Colrad]

At the outset NZflygirl, can I thank you for your comprehensive, thoughtful response. The generosity off the AFF community never ceases to amaze.

I am indeed a window flyer - on long haul solo flights - especially with a 1-2-1 configuration. I have never flown in a rear facing seat, and would be happy to do so, but on my PER-AUH flight outbound flight, the furthest forward I could get was row 6, so i chose 6A.

The AUH-ZUR leg is the three-class 789 with the split J - I have chosen 6A (again) in the mini-cabin and am pleased at your assessment that the galley noises etc were not a problem.

I too have read some mixed reviews about EY service, hence my post, but equally have experienced everything from superb to downright rude and disinterested on EK J - so I guess you play the cards you are dealt. And the QF long-haul hard product is now so far behind its competitors, it's really not an option. CX generally manages to get both right.

Looking forward to the F Lounge in AUH - and not sure what to do in PER for the two hour transit (given the reviews of the QF lounge). May just head to the VA Domestic Lounge, seeing they are in the same terminal and I will be arriving via domestic. Might even luck a guest invite to the new Club lounge in Perth, if I can time it right.

Good tip about the VA FF on the boarding pass - will insist on it!

The Plat recognition on partners seems hit and miss across all alliances. As above, have been personally greeted by the Senior Purser on EK flights in J and completely ignored on other occasions so who knows?

All in all, i thank you for your advice and I look forward to trying it for myself.

 

[im.daniel]

When transiting via AUH, as you clear transit security, venture right - towards where non-transit pax clear security in AUH. The lounge is a 20 second walk from transit security, and right opposite of First/Business class security and passport control. It's an excellent lounge, but they're cutting back on the F&B options (Food especially) - with the removal of the Emirates Palace tasting menu last month.

Plat recognition is not bad on EY - especially in Y. I've had better Plat recog in Y than J TBH.

Good choice with 6A on the 2-class 789 - probably the most private seat on the plane, along with 6K.

 

[Colrad]

Thanks im.daniel, much appreciate the tips and the confirmation regarding ^a on the two class config. Do you have knowledge of the three-class and the mini-cabin in J?

 

[im.daniel]

Thanks im.daniel, much appreciate the tips and the confirmation regarding ^a on the two class config. Do you have knowledge of the three-class and the mini-cabin in J?

I've yet to fly J on the 3-class 789, so can't really help you much there sorry!

But I don't think you can go wrong with a window seat, regardless of plane!

 

[Colrad]

I've yet to fly J on the 3-class 789, so can't really help you much there sorry!

But I don't think you can go wrong with a window seat, regardless of plane!

Thanks again im.d. In that case, I'll report back - assuming there isn't an aircraft change.