747 - Stick with 1a or change?

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kpro

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Have a flight to YVR in December, solo traveler. Never been in the nose of a 747, although have flown upper deck multiple times. Given this may be my last flight on the 747, I've selected seat 1A. However as I'm traveling alone, I'm considering changing this to 2A. Want a window seat in the nose, which excludes seat 3E/F and 5B/J.

Wondering how restricted the first row is, I understand it may be more difficult to access the aisle? How does the cupboard in the front of the plane work, can I store my bag there, or does it need to go in the second row overhead bins?
 
I'd say if this is your last 747 flight 1A is worth it, the curvature of the fuselage gives a nice view of the runway on takeoff, although not as nice as it used to be in the old F cabin since they have now blocked the first window to make the new cupboard.
For you carry-on bag, usually there is enough space in row 2, if not the crew will put it in the front cupboard. No need to stress about that!
 
I don't like row 1 on the 747 (assuming "new" J config with Skybeds). Crew and passengers constantly use that closet during flight and as it has a light inside I find that it wakes me up every time. 1B and 1J are also very close together - the whole row is quite "intimate".

I'd take 5B/5J or any seat in row 14 upper deck over the nose any day of the week.

But yes, there's always something special about ticking off 1A on an aircraft type so if you want to - don't let me hold you back :)
 
5B and 5J (from memory) are good. No one next to you. Lots of extra storage.

Edit: Just noticed earlier row 5 comment, but good if solo traveller. Also, row 1 can be a bit too cosy
 
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I was going to suggest earplugs but it sounds like you'd be better off flying private and not taking public transport.

That's a strange attitude to express - why? I too have a low tolerance for ambient noise, bumps etc and have difficulty sleeping on any plane. Does that mean I need to 'fly private' as well? :rolleyes:
 
I was going to suggest earplugs but it sounds like you'd be better off flying private and not taking public transport.

Why the angst? I was merely pointing out downsides about certain seats.

If you read my post you’ll discover that I have a solution. That’s to sit in 5B/5J or row 14 upstairs.

I’m not going to take your bait and get into an argument. Goodnight.
 
I had 1a selected earlier in the year but was advised to take row 2 if available so I did.

No complaints whatsoever. I did have no one next to me so I guess that did improve the experience too for a 14 hr flight.
Row 1 looked similar but in hindsight I think row 2 or 3 may be preferable for me because from where I was seated in row 2 the whole cabin looked amazingly spacious and airy.

Row 1 could end being a little claustrophobic as others have indicated.

I really enjoyed the 747 J. Found nothing wanting in any area.
 
I have found 1A a great seat on flights where 1B was vacant - which is not too uncommon as I think these are blocked initially to any non-WP+

1B is certainly subject to much impact by use of the cupboard, but again that is a reason that most knowledgeable solo fliers would never select it, increasing the chance of it being vacant.

I am not a fan of upstairs anymore - as a solo traveller I always try for the "rock star" seats: 5B or 5J. They are certainly the most private and have by far the most "real estate". IMHO if I knew I was on my last 747 QF flight I would treasure more the memory of the rock star seats than 1A :)
 
I sat in 1A (and 1K previously too). The cupboard gets used on boarding and maybe a tiny bit in the first hour of flight. Otherwise really didn't bother me. No problem putting your bag in there if you want, but honestly, there is no shortage of overhead space in the cabin and its much easier to access. First row does not seem at all claustrophobic.

I really like the front zone on the 747. It's spacious and airy. Upstairs seems more cramped and the back section just doesn't seem as nice.

Here's the view from 1A prior to take-off.

165548
 
I've always gone 1A - or 1K in emergencies :p. I tried 5B on my last flight SYD-SCL just to see what @juddles was on about.

While the absence of a next seat is good, I still prefer 1A. I like my back to everyone...:p:p.

As someone I know says: "I'm not prejudiced, I hate everyone equally." :p:p:p

That said, to know that @Daver6 has sat in my seat is hard to swallow... - like one of his Vin Jaune wines :p:p:p:p
 
That's a strange attitude to express - why? I too have a low tolerance for ambient noise, bumps etc and have difficulty sleeping on any plane. Does that mean I need to 'fly private' as well? :rolleyes:
Who said anything about "need", besides you bringing it up?
 
My 'need' was an enquiry, to see what you thought. But in general, just wondering why you thought it necessary to get narky on such a benign thread?
Strange and unique way of making an enquiry.
If you asked: "Does it mean it sounds like I also would be better off flying...", that would be a proper enquiry.
Anyway, it was not narky - just because you believe it to be true, does not mean you are right.
You just misinterpreted it that way. Yeah, an incorrect interpretation. I said it. No judgement.
 
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