First time J - tips needed :)

[newformula]

Having said that, I just checked by booking on Qantas.com and I can now select seats...

What would you choose?

 

[dajop]

Not out of experience, but just looking at the seat map, out of the seats available I'd probably go for 4E or F given that there is no-one to climb over (if window) or need to climb over you (if aisle). But I am more of an aisle person anyway, don't really see the point of a window on a largely night flight (can always pop back and look out the windows at the exit doors anyway).

 

[djfuzz]

18B could be good too, since you get to go onto the upper deck - and might be lucky enough that no one sits in 18A either, which gives you a window as well (which helps you to get away from the activity from the galley / bathroom / stairs area at the back.

Always nice to be on the upper deck of a 747.

 

[newformula]

I'm liking the idea of 4E... nice to have noone climb over you, and it looks like that row is the only one in this layout that offers that. Going into a lot of detail here! I'll try and sneak upstairs to have a bit of a look at some point.

Thanks again to everyone's tips - I'll be sure to take a copious amount of pics and write up a report in due course.

 

[JohnK]

In economy my preference is aisle but in business class it is definitely window. Nothing better than to have a great view of city lights (if landing at night).

And also pyjamas in public is just so wrong in more ways than one....

 

[davidj-bell]

Having said that, I just checked by booking on Qantas.com and I can now select seats...

What would you choose?

first class seats if possible.

 

[Keith009]

first class seats if possible.

No First on QF5.

Re seating:
I usually go for the upper deck whenever possible but there was once I switched to the lower deck as I was carting too much shopping around (i was afraid i wouldn't make it up the stairs). But in this instance as others have said, turn left whenever possible. I like the upper deck because it's cozy and private - the nose of the 744 is also similarly rather small and comfy (yes I do realise this is J we're talking about ).

Aisle seat person here, prefer the aisle access and not being hemmed in, and it all looks the same outside the window anyway. OTOH I do like the side storage cabinets on the upper deck of a 744 and if I have a lot of stuff would gladly trade an aisle seat for a window seat for this reason. Handy not having to reach up.

Of course my favourite ones are the seats that are both aisle and window seats.

 

[newformula]

I went for 4E. I figured...
- Only aisle seat on this flight with noone needing to get past you to get out
- If there was an equipment change I *might* end up in F seats with J service? Unlikely, and complete speculation

Question... as I am booked on BA FRA-LCY 5 or 6 hours after arrival on QF5 (on a separate ticket), and there are other flights that depart sooner (to both LCY and LHR), what are the chances of getting on an earlier flight if arrival to FRA is as scheduled? Should I check my bags all the way through at SYD or not, in case BA will get me to London sooner on request at FRA?

 

[Gold Member]

I remember my first International flight in Business and must say I was quite excited about all the things you've asked and more. I wouldn't call myself a seasoned Biz traveller just yet, but some advice I would like to offer is relating to the biz seating on 744. Since you will be on skybed v1, there will be a 8 degree downward slope which in my case makes me slip down the 'bed'. I also find the design of the cushioning uncomfortable when trying to sleep on my side. My recommendation is to get two rugs; fold one long ways and evenly distribute along the bed to reduce the discomfort of the uneven hardness. With the other rug, fold it a little more and place on bed so that it can support just your waist and feet. With the second rug elevating the lower half of your body it will reduce the effect of the bed slope.

WRT to LD v UD, everyone's got a different opinion. For a first timer, the UD might feel more exclusive and give you that wow feel. But with seat 4E available on that seat map, I'd go with that for the same easons everyone else stated.

 

[albatross710]

Look at the timing of the flight and consider your activities on your first day after you land - then decide which leg you want to stay up, and which leg you want to sleep on. Often makes things easier getting more rest on one of the legs rather than splitting it. Also consider when is best to sleep based on the change in time zones, to avoid jetlag.

Good information djfuzz.

Added to this is the realisation that you may have to consider forgoing one or two of the food services. For instance, on the 8 hour leg from SIN-SYD, the first two hours will go on the first meal and 1.5 hours on the refreshment, leaving 4.5 hours for sleep. Considering you may not sleep perfectly for the whole 4.5 hours you may not get as much sleep on an overnight flight as you think.

On my last flight SIN-BNE I used my time in the Krisflyer lounge to have dinner and was then able to sleep sleep I did get on board.

I certainly do enjoy dining inflight but you aren't going to starve by missing a meal or two along the way when you consider you have two meal services per leg plus lounge access.

 

[davidj-bell]

No First on QF5.

Maybe I should have been clearer. Given that it looks like some first seats (but no F service), I'd pick those than the upper deck (which I'm doing on my MEL->LHR QF29 in a few week's time).

But normally I prefer the upper deck. Quieter (no passengers walking through all the time, especially on boarding) and I think you get more attentive service, as I think the ratios of FA to passengers is higher than on the main deck.

 

[ejb_nz]

Maybe I should have been clearer. Given that it looks like some first seats (but no F service), I'd pick those than the upper deck (which I'm doing on my MEL->LHR QF29 in a few week's time).

But normally I prefer the upper deck. Quieter (no passengers walking through all the time, especially on boarding) and I think you get more attentive service, as I think the ratios of FA to passengers is higher than on the main deck.

I think you will find that QF5 is operated by a 2 class 744 so as QF009 said

No first on QF5

 

[dajop]

there will be a 8 degree downward slope which in my case makes me slip down the 'bed'.

One thing I find that helps preventing slipping down the bed is to set the bed so it is fully flat (at an 8 degree slope), but then ever so slighty adjust by pressing the button to return it to upright, giving it an ever so slight kink (slight enough that it still feels flat) that stops you from slipping down.

For a first timer, the UD might feel more exclusive and give you that wow feel.

On a 3 or 4 class 744 I'm a big fan of the UD for that very reason - quieter, smaller cabin more exclusive feel than the downstairs business class in 2-3-2 configuration. However in the lower deck , in the nose of the 2 class 744 there's only 18 seats (compared to upstairs with 24), so I'm sure it's also a quiet cabin with an exclusive feel.

 

[davidj-bell]

I think you will find that QF5 is operated by a 2 class 744 so as QF009 said

My partner recently flew (2 weeks ago) on QF6 (FRA->SIN), and was in the first class section, although it was a J service. If it has changed, it is only recently.

Also, from looking at the seating allocations, it looked like the first 4 rows were F seats - but I could be mistaken.

 

[djfuzz]

My partner recently flew (2 weeks ago) on QF6 (FRA->SIN), and was in the first class section, although it was a J service. If it has changed, it is only recently.

Also, from looking at the seating allocations, it looked like the first 4 rows were F seats - but I could be mistaken.

Sounds like your partner got lucky! I don't believe this service has been affected by the recent changes - it's always usually been a 2 class (maybe 3 with W) 744.

The configuration posted above is consistent with that - the front section with only row 4 having the middle seats is a 2 class config. For a configuration with F, rows 2 and 3 would also have E/F seats and no B or J seats.

SeatGuru Seat Map Qantas Airways Boeing 747-438 Longreach 2-Class (744)

[Edit] ejb beat me to it.

 

[ejb_nz]

The configuration posted above is consistent with that - the front section with only row 4 having the middle seats is a 2 class config. For a configuration with F, rows 2 and 3 would also have E/F seats.

SeatGuru Seat Map Qantas Airways Boeing 747-438 Longreach 2-Class (744)

Also there would be no B or J and only 14 seats, so seat map does not show F.

ejb

 

[Flashback]

6 hours in FRA....

I would run the gauntlet and get a couple of new EU stamps in my passport...

Clear immigration, store my luggage at the airport storage - prices V reasonable, race downstairs and get the train into Frankfurt Main, out of the station and get a cab across the river to the Old Town, indulge in a great meal at one of the great restaurants available in the Old Town, get a cab back across the mine to the rail station, take your photo in the same spot as both Flashware and I have now done, out to the airport, get luggage, check onto flight, shower at the lounge and smile at the last 5 or so hours you have just had

thats what I would do....

Mr!
.

When I got to the platform, I went "Hey, this is where munitalP took his photo... D2, time for a photo!" :mrgreen:

 

[Flashback]

I'd stick with 4E but on check-in request a seat in row 16 which is the exit row upstairs. If you're told no, ask again once in the lounge as that is what I had to do on my recent MEL-SIN flight.