Qantas A380 - Upper deck economy

[bismarck]

As far as economy goes QF's A388 is pretty darn good. Flew upper deck in the middle block LHR-SYD in January and even without the side bins I was as comfortable as you feasibly can be in Y.

Best part about the upper deck for me is that it's usually pretty quiet (in terms of both pax noise and engines)

 

[Kendall Roy]

I sat in 33K on my first trip in the upper deck A380 and I would consider it to be one of the top seats in that cabin. the bulkhead in row 32 would not provide enough leg room for me. The side storage bin is very useful and surprisingly spacious.

Interested in other people's views on this one.

On SYD-LAX, 32K was fine until I reclined / wanted to stretch out.

Is 33K worth the punt in terms of legroom when you factor in the pax in-front reclining? FWIW, I'm 6ft.

 

[bismarck]

I was not fussed about people in front reclining into me as I was also reclined. The seat slides forward during recline a little as well limiting the invasion around the face.

I'm 6'2 and appreciated being able to extend my legs under the seat.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Interested in other people's views on this one.

On SYD-LAX, 32K was fine until I reclined / wanted to stretch out.

Is 33K worth the punt in terms of legroom when you factor in the pax in-front reclining? FWIW, I'm 6ft.

I'm 6ft too, but with long legs and I had plenty of stretch room under the seat in front.

I didn't have to put up with a recliner in front of me so can't comment on that, but it generally doesn't bother me since I'll recline too. Also, since there is nobody behind you, there is no restriction on your hours of recline.

 

[vicsta]

For my flight, the upper deck was almost full and the lower deck had a lot more space... which I found out when it was too late!! (everyone in the lower deck had stretched out and taken three seats each)
As far as I could tell there wasn't really much difference, other than the economy cabin being smaller (behind business class)

 

[madrooster]

Interested in other people's views on this one.

On SYD-LAX, 32K was fine until I reclined / wanted to stretch out.

Is 33K worth the punt in terms of legroom when you factor in the pax in-front reclining? FWIW, I'm 6ft.

The nice bit about row 33 on the sides is that you can remain reclined for all except take off and landing. That means you can remain reclined during meals etc. It is great for those needing to stretch out due to height. Row 32 is only really good for those who are 175cm or shorter.

 

[CaviAck]

I'm 6ft too, but with long legs and I had plenty of stretch room under the seat in front.

I didn't have to put up with a recliner in front of me so can't comment on that, but it generally doesn't bother me since I'll recline too. Also, since there is nobody behind you, there is no restriction on your hours of recline.

Don't forget gate to gate AVOD in non-bulkhead seats!

The nice bit about row 33 on the sides is that you can remain reclined for all except take off and landing. That means you can remain reclined during meals etc. It is great for those needing to stretch out due to height. Row 32 is only really good for those who are 175cm or shorter.

Well there's no one behind you and the FA's can't see you as they'll be sitting right behind you behind the divider, so you could sneak recline from FA seated to FA standing at destination. I wonder if there are any downside to you with reclining during take off and landing.

 

[markis10]

Row 32 is only really good for those who are 175cm or shorter.

Having a shadow helps a lot in the 32A and k seats as the armrest lifts up, not so for the middle.

 

[dfcatch]

I just travelled on the upper deck in 32A LAX - SYD. Was absolutely superb. The service was very personal and pleasant. The side bins for extra storage was great. And even though the bulkhead was directly in front, there's still plenty of legroom. I ended up resting my feet on top of the side bin and slept like a log. It's also great as there's only two seats on the side versus there being three downstairs. I'd recommend it to anyone who has the option

No - they're horrible seats - I encourage everyone to absolutely stay away from them (especially on my flights ).

You really shouldn't pick those seats

 

[blackcat20]

No - they're horrible seats - I encourage everyone to absolutely stay away from them (especially on my flights ).

You really shouldn't pick those seats

Too late!

 

[mannej]

No - they're horrible seats - I encourage everyone to absolutely stay away from them (especially on my flights ).

You really shouldn't pick those seats

I totally concur - how could anyone seriously consider selecting such a terrible seat...

 

[Mr_Orange]

I totally concur - how could anyone seriously consider selecting such a terrible seat...

To each their own. Of all the bulkhead seats I have tried to date, I consider them all to be cough from a stretch out, legroom point of view. I always go 1 row back from a bulkhead or further if there are bassinets lurking.

 

[mannej]

To each their own. Of all the bulkhead seats I have tried to date, I consider them all to be cough from a stretch out, legroom point of view. I always go 1 row back from a bulkhead or further if there are bassinets lurking.

Is row 32 a bassinet position? I didn't think it was.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Is row 32 a bassinet position? I didn't think it was.

It's not, no and I didn't mean to imply that it was. I was merely saying that a bulkhead combined with a bassinet sends me scurrying back down the rows .

 

[CaptJCool]

thanks for the tips folks - im booked in 32K on A380 flights in mid-March on which Im going.... I'll report back afterwards - having sat in a number of bulkhead seats before I do think some of this depends on your leg length as well as improvisation, i rather liked the leg stretch - could stick a wheelie bag on the floor and stretch out over it resting my legs on it and my socked feet on the bulkhead - what i dont like about those seats is the fixed armrests that contain the meal table - but that said, appears from the above this curse doesn't occur on those seats - nextly, depending on the company, the flight attendants and the wine, I always found you can make your own little luxuries - often a "can i get you anything?" request is the openinng for a request of a Bus Class champagne - take the attitude on board that you are going to enjoy it and have a good time regardless of the seat, and sure enough that can be the end result - of course there's been times of disappointment - upgrades not provided and then you see all the free seats - gah, but grab a nice wine, an enchanting book or doco and its all great!

 

[Maggs]

I have traveled in 36F and was very happy with it. I like to recline without annoying the person behind of which there is none Toilet issues didn't seem to be a problem as it seemed to only persons using the loo were in this section. Ironically, when I booked a rtn trip recently the only seat available was 36F both ways, so I grabbed them, but kinda weird, when all the 'best' seats below were available ie 80A 80K.

I like the upstairs economy, it is very quiet and private. Plus being able to board and disembark thru business class is quicker than being downstairs, even being at the back.

 

[Flying mermaid]

If you have a look at 36F on seat guru, it has a comment that there is reduced leg space due to an entertainment box - perhaps that puts people off? I selected it for my son for a trip to LAX yesterday, as it was the only aisle seat in the mini cabin that was available. I haven't had any feedback from him as yet, but glad to hear you liked it.

 

[Maggs]

@ Flying Mermaid. I am short, so it didn't worry me, I used it as a foot rest.

 

[Flying mermaid]

@ Flying Mermaid. I am short, so it didn't worry me, I used it as a foot rest.

Ah - useful to know. Master FM unfortunately is over 6ft so he might have a different perspective - we will see

 

[Mr_Orange]

A photo of the side storage bins for those who have not seen them before....