744 business class seat 1A

[Vinny]

I've made an award booking and while selecting seats on a QF 744 I immediately selected a seat in the upstairs cabin. I went back later on to see what was downstairs and found this..



I remember reading about this and have tried to find the correct thread, but as I'll be travelling alone on this leg seat 1A if available in business class might be good to avoid someone beside me.

The layout is the same as a first class cabin in one of the variations.

Does anyone know what kind of seat would be there and is it worth changing from upstairs? I'm aware of changes of equipment but it seems to be a good option.

The flight is SIN-BNE.

 

[juddles]

I've made an award booking and while selecting seats on a QF 744 I immediately selected a seat in the upstairs cabin. I went back later on to see what was downstairs and found this..

View attachment 4071

I remember reading about this and have tried to find the correct thread, but as I'll be travelling alone on this leg seat 1A if available in business class might be good to avoid someone beside me.

The layout is the same as a first class cabin in one of the variations.

Does anyone know what kind of seat would be there and is it worth changing from upstairs? I'm aware of changes of equipment but it seems to be a good option.

The flight is SIN-BNE.

I assume it is a 747 with First Class seats but only business service. Just flew in 1A the other day in similar circumstances. If they have the first seats it means ( I assume) that the plane has not been fitted with the new A380 style business seats, so it is actually a far better seat than the J seats on that plane (fully flat). But they are getting old and unloved as they are due for replacement. Effectively they are the equivalent to the new J seats.

I do love the 1A seats, as due to the curvature of the hull, you can actually see forward thru the window and watch the approach to airfields, something that just does it for me at night.

 

[Austman]

I did it recently. But in seat 1K. Here is a pic of 1K and a look from it over to 1A:



They are very good seats but the cupboard is annoying. Lots of activity at the cupboard by crew and passengers (for who knows what reason) throughout the whole flight. And you can see how close it is! That door swings against the seat. I'd consider row 2 next time.

 

[Vinny]

Thanks for that. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.

The best seating map I can find is here http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744-14P52J32PY255Y.pdf

I think I'll change to the lower deck and hope I don't get gazumped.

 

[Austman]

Thanks for that. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.

The best seating map I can find is here http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744-14P52J32PY255Y.pdf

I think I'll change to the lower deck and hope I don't get gazumped.

Yes - that's the seat map. It should perhaps show the front cupboard door swing . Still, they are all very nice F-class seats.

 

[Vinny]

Thanks again Austman. Much appreciated. Nice pics too. It really does look good. I thought I was the only one who took pics of my surroundings on a plane.

It will be an overnight flight so I think the cupboard should hardly be used. If it becomes annoying I'll let them know.

Looking forward to it as I have two trips to Asia before the end of the year and in Y class.

 

[simongr]

How far out is the flight? There is a remote possibility that these could be the new Skybed Mk2 retrofitted to the 744 when eliminating First class from the 744 fleet. If not that then it will be a very nice J flight

 

[serfty]

No, those have only 3 rows in Zone A.

More here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....yer-program/new-qantas-747-400-3-a-33263.html

 

[Vinny]

How far out is the flight? There is a remote possibility that these could be the new Skybed Mk2 retrofitted to the 744 when eliminating First class from the 744 fleet. If not that then it will be a very nice J flight

The award flight isn't until early May 2012, departing July but I'm really looking forward to it. There's something about spring time in Paris and Provençe that keeps me there year after year.

 

[Jobu]

FYI, row 1 doesn't have an overhead locker, which is why you'll need to use the cupboard to store your carry on. Problem is a lot of people tend to put their oversized carry-ons in there, and the crew generally store their bags in there too, so it fills up quick. People also hang up their clothes in there when they switch into their pjs which is why there can be a lot of activity.

 

[pm3207]

Flew 1A on OEH last week from LAX (complimentary upgrade from Business). The seat was looking rather tired but comfy - had 9h sleep.

Have to agree about the cupboard. Quite annoying for about the first hour or so while people change into their pyjamas and hang their clothes and then about an hour out of MEL, with people doing the reverse. (Same will happen if Zone A is being used for Business of course). Otherwise only one crew member had their bag in there, so not too much activity overnight.

In short, definitely worth hooking 1A or 1K if you can get it. Have fun.

 

[simongr]

I actually prefer 3 or 4A/K for the overhead locker space, lack of traffic to the locker and 4A/K especially for the extra space next to the seat.

 

[Vinny]

Ok, the idea of a cupboard in front of me with everyone's excess cabin luggage needing to be accessed continually is unappealing so I've changed to 2A. Thanks for the help.

Strangely, the QF site is no longer showing http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744-14P52J32PY255Y.pdf with zone A as business. It's all 1st class.

I was able to select a seat there. Any ideas why?

 

[serfty]

...

Strangely, the QF site is no longer showing http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744-14P52J32PY255Y.pdf with zone A as business. It's all 1st class.
...

That 'cause qantas don't a have a three class plane available on the day of your trip so they are using a four class aircraft and giving Business class passengers access to the first class seating - service will be business class.

2A's is worse than 1A as you still get the Closet traffic and little overhead locker space.

 

[Vinny]

2A's is worse than 1A as you still get the Closet traffic and little overhead locker space.

Thanks for that. Suggestions welcome on which seat to select.

Just saw reply from simongr. Think I'll change to 3A.