Best seats for 2 on the A380 in Economy

[anat0l]

I'm planning on flying QF when I go to a conference in the UK in early May. Plan so far is:

• QF BNE-MEL
• QF9 MEL-LHR via SIN; then on the way back on
• QF10 LHR-MEL via SIN
• QF MEL-BNE

As a WP, that ought to net a nice cache of points.

As it turns out, on my flights on the way back, a colleague will be on the same flights as I plan to be. He is a NB and we won't be on the same booking, but I'm planning to call QF Premium and hopefully try and allocate two seats together in Y.

Now we all know very well that the best seats in the A380 Y cabin are obviously the exit rows (although chargeable); 80A, 80K and 71D (no seat in front). Very useful to know the latter three when travelling alone, but what are the best pair of adjacent seats in Y?

I was thinking of selecting seats in the bulkheads, although a couple of considerations:

• These are bassinet positions, so there will be natural competition for these with other passengers.
• Bulkhead may be a severe limit to legroom, especially if they are solid all the way down. Plus, the different recline of the new Y seats may assist or inhibit with comfort in the bulkhead seats.
• No power sockets in bulkhead seats - not sure about this one, but I thought that these were located on the "joins" between seats at the back of seats.

I guess the other considerations are 80A/B, 80J/K, 71D/E, 71D/70E.

Anyone who has travelled as a pair in A380 Y care to comment? Cheers....

 

[m_ratt]

Bulkhead seats have USB ports located in your armrest, immediately below headphone socket. No issue there.

I know that Row 51(hjk) has heaps of legroom - I'm 5'9" and could just reach the bulkhead with my toes when seated. Cushion behind my back meant I could put my legs out straight onto the bulkhead infront of me. I would recommend 51hj or jk to a pair. (only based on my personal experience though)

 

[anat0l]

Bulkhead seats have USB ports located in your armrest, immediately below headphone socket. No issue there.

Sorry, I said the wrong thing. I meant power sockets (e.g. for laptops), not USB ports... I've changed the first post accordingly.

I know that Row 51(hjk) has heaps of legroom - I'm 5'9" and could just reach the bulkhead with my toes when seated. Cushion behind my back meant I could put my legs out straight onto the bulkhead infront of me. I would recommend 51hj or jk to a pair. (only based on my personal experience though)

Sounds good.

I'm 175cm tall when measured in the new system which just about matches your height. Good to hear there is decent room in the bulkhead, so I'm keeping that thought in reserve.

 

[delfredo]

Sorry to side track a bit - I'm flying SIA A380 to Singapore in economy and would appreciate if someone can share with us the best window seat for this plane. I'm thinking of seating at the front so that I won't have my view blocked by the huge wing but I'm not sure if there are better seats elsewhere? I'm tall as well at 1.8m. Thanks.

 

[m_ratt]

Sorry, I said the wrong thing. I meant power sockets (e.g. for laptops), not USB ports... I've changed the first post accordingly.

Yes, power sockets I couldn't find - I didn't spend too much time looking however as I was reasonably sure that my laptop power supply would trip the circuit anyway (150W is more than the seat power allows).

Edit: found this post which says they do exist: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....a380-economy-seat-power-18158.html#post246324

 

[anat0l]

Yes, power sockets I couldn't find - I didn't spend too much time looking however as I was reasonably sure that my laptop power supply would trip the circuit anyway (150W is more than the seat power allows).

Edit: found this post which says they do exist: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....a380-economy-seat-power-18158.html#post246324

Thanks for that - seems like I have nothing to fear. Plenty of good seats...

Note: most laptop AC power supplies can have variable operating voltage, i.e. usu. 110-240V

 

[m_ratt]

Thanks for that - seems like I have nothing to fear. Plenty of good seats...

Note: most laptop AC power supplies can have variable operating voltage, i.e. usu. 110-240V

Understood - Qantas A380 provides 110V with max supply of 75w - exceeding that trips a breaker and it can't be reset until on the ground. My laptop power supply would trip the breaker quick smart. Would probably good to charge a mobile phone or netbook though.

 

[oz_mark]

Yes, power sockets I couldn't find - I didn't spend too much time looking however as I was reasonably sure that my laptop power supply would trip the circuit anyway (150W is more than the seat power allows).

Bit of a power hungry beast you have there :!::shock:

Mine says 90W and I thought that was high

 

[m_ratt]

Bit of a power hungry beast you have there :!::shock:

Mine says 90W and I thought that was high

Mine doesn't actually list power consumption, however Input 110-240V ~ 1.5A, Output 19V 4.7A leads me to my estimate. (Highest current draw at lowest input voltage, so P=110*1.5).

Not the most energy efficient laptop, especially at 5+ years old and relatively large. Not good for travelling really.

 

[MatF]

Most laptops will draw more power on startup than when running steady-state, so it's always a good idea on limited wattage outlets to start your laptop on battery, and then plug in the power.

 

[lsmi4126]

Not all the bulkhead seats on the QF A380 are bassinet positions -50,51, 52 and 81 are bassinet positions, 66 is NOT and is usually pre-allocated as preferred.

Personally, I'd recommend 80A+80B or 80J+80K (if you can swing them) - the rear cabin is the smallest and quietest in Y. Usually my pick (after doing almost monthly SYD-LAX-SYD trips for the last 2 years).

 

[foxtwo]

I've flown SIN-MEL on QF10 in 80K and I would recommend it. I'm 196cm using the new system and it was literally heaven.

I take it you are against paying for an emergency exit seat (like myself).