Qantas A380 Seat 71D vs Premium Economy

[warpspeed]

I was lucky enough as a QP NB (I don't fly enough to get any reasonable status) to score 80A MEL-LAX and 71D LAX-MEL last year. They're both great seats, however I found 71D a better seat for sleeping. I found that I got a bit cold in 80A and there was also lots of light and noise from the galley.

71D, I was lucky not to have anyone sitting next to me, and I found that I slept really well in that seat (maybe that's also coupled with my upgraded QC15's, the time of the flight and having no one next to me).

The other cool thing about 71D is that you've got 2 screens to play with. So the one on the seat back, I turned to the air map or the tail cam, and the fold out one to the movie I wanted to watch.

The only missing thing for me was a foot rest.

 

[PineappleSkip]

I must be a wierdo. My seat preference is rear of cabin (usually better view out of window). Easy to get! Rarely have to wait more than 7-8 minutes longer than people up the front. Advantage is that there is a much better strike rate for empty middle seats.

cheers skip

 

[blu]

thanks TH & Serfty, just trying to finalise bookings for 6 various sectors.

 

[Lynnelanne]

I just dealt with exactly what the OP was asking. I had requested an upgrade to Premium Economy or Business, but when I checked in online (not even advance status) two hours after check in opened what was waiting for me but the 71D fairy! First time ever. So I cancelled my request for Premium economy but if I get business I'll still take it. I'll try to remember to let you know if it was a worthwhile gamble.

 

[cmon0005]

I've booked 70E & wife in 70F on my next trip in a few weeks time (71D was already taken) but at least it will be easy to get out of my seat and not have anyone bumping into me walking down the aisle!

Needless to say we'll be chilling out in the QF Int Business lounge a few hours before hand, (we're both QP NB's, not far from Silver).

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Given the very positive feedback about seat 71D and its status as possibly the best economy seat, I have this question: Is it better than a Premium Economy middle seat?

I have 71D booked but was considering requesting an upgrade on points. I'm wondering if I should just stick with 71D, in case I end up wedged in between other passengers in Y+ and paying 60,000 points for the privilege. Obviously the overall experience in Y+ is a bit better, but in terms of general comfort and legroom is the 71D seat a better option?

Thanks for your help!

I'd definitely stick with 71D over the possibility/probability of a middle seat in PE. Save the points for a separate ticket somewhere else. FWIW 60,000 ff points (plus cash) was the cost of a JASA HNL/xSYD/BNE per person just to get things in perspective.

 

[Lynnelanne]

I just remembered to get back to this. I did end up flying MEL-SIN in 71D. Yes it was better and yes I would go for it again. I certainly wouldn't gamble on PE if you had the chance for 71D. However don't, as I did, kid yourself that you are going to sleep, but you might not have swollen ankles which is a major plus.