British Airways (BA) SIN-LHR A380 Economy Upper Deck Exit Twin Seats - Pics & Info

[scoobs214]

Hi friendly flyers!
On a recent trip earlier in the year I flew BA SYD-SIN-LHR in economy world traveler on the 777-300ER to SIN and then switched to the A380 onto LHR. I can't highly recommend enough for people travelling to London from Australia to do this as the B777 BA uses, while being fairly comfortable, is getting on a bit now and the A380 is so much more relaxing to fly on.
Plus, you can fly on the upper deck in economy if you're happy to pay quite a lot for seat selection.

I wasn't going to do a review on these seats so took minimal photos at the time, but hopefully what I did take will give you one idea of what they are like.

This quick review is of the twin exit seats in row 80. At present they are AUD$188.00pp to reserve each sector, and even though they are quite pricey, I do recommend if the flight is full as the legroom is amazing. Seats are fairly comfy - 7/10. There is no window (only a tiny one in the exit door) but doesn't really matter being a night flight. There is a small magazine pocket next to 80A which you can cram a few essentials in there for your flight, but no access to the lockers besides like the other twin seats. There is a tiny shelf where the lockers start that you can rest your drink on, but that's about it. The overhead lockers are very small and hard for large cabin bags to fit. Downstairs has larger overhead lockers.

It's easy to get to the toilet too as its right in front of you, but because it's a smaller cabin upstairs, there was never anyone waiting or standing in the exit.
Personal TV screens fold out from the seat and are okay but becoming quite dated and sluggish - although the content is good. Remote control is beside you in the armrest and the tray table opens out from the other armrest. TV's have to be down during taxi, takeoff and landing - so that's the only downside. A lot of people say these seats can be cold from the air con - I personally didn't notice that and found the supplied blanket was adequate.

I also noticed a huge difference in the crew - SIN-LHR-SIN A380 was definitely more friendly and professional. The crew were of an older generation and really knew what they were doing and showed care and professionalism. On the way back to Oz I had gone to the toilet and my seat mate had spilt some coffee on my seat. By the time I got back, one of the crew had fixed it for me and put down a cover and everything. Lovely service.
The crew on the SYD-SIN-SYD B777 sectors seemed rushed, disorganised and stressed and were less friendly.

All in all I highly recommend the upper deck twin economy seats on BA's A380, and if you are happy to splash out, go for the exit seats.

 

[Spongbob]

Given BA has a poor reputation with its meals (both quality and quantity), what was the experience on A380?

 

[scoobs214]

Given BA has a poor reputation with its meals (both quality and quantity), what was the experience on A380?

Hi @Spongebob, I'm glad you brought up the subject of meals. On the SIn-LHR A380 sector the meals were okay, hot meal just after takeoff, I got gluten free and it came early and was quite good. Honestly don't remember what it was but I was happy with it. And a hot breakfast upon arriving into Heathrow - again it was not too bad. Rating 6/10. Quantity seemed okay too. The staff were not hugely present thoughout the flight, mostly sitting in the galley, which is fine by me. So I usually get up and walk there and ask for a cuppa tea and they were really nice about it and helpful and delivered it to me.

However on the SYD-SIN vv sector you got a hot meal on departure, again 6/10 but nearing the end of the flight they gave you a near frozen sandwich which consisted of butter and bacon. It was basically thrown at you, freezing cold and was badly wrapped in some cling wrap. Like something you'd make at home and take to work in a lunchbox. -10/10 for presentation - not even a BA branded sticker and 1/10 for flavour. And to make it even worse on the way back I ordered a gluten free meal and they just threw me a normal frozen sandwich.

I've always had a soft spot for BA, as a kid me and my family used to fly from the UK to Australia on BA via Bahrain and Singapore in the late 80/90s back and forth so it's my first airline and 747 experience. And I do love the boarding music, very relaxing. But I have to say the 777 on the SYD-SIN-SYD sector isn't that great overall. I think in the future I'll fly to SIN ex BNE on QF A330 and then jump on the BA A380 to LHR.

Hope that answers your question

 

[Spongbob]

Thanks for your detailed comments.
I agree with your sandwich evaluation: -10/10 for presentation - not even a BA branded sticker and 1/10 for flavour.

The one advantage BA has over QF (in addition to price if there is a sale) is the ease of getting beverages.

 

[scoobs214]

Thanks for your detailed comments.
I agree with your sandwich evaluation: -10/10 for presentation - not even a BA branded sticker and 1/10 for flavour.

The one advantage BA has over QF (in addition to price if there is a sale) is the ease of getting beverages.

@Spongebob I do agree that BA are quite generous with the drinks, especially alcohol. On another note I was looking at BA fares ex SIN to LHR in late November (assuming international travel will even be allowed then) and Premium economy can be got for under AUD$3200. Thought that was a good deal. Have you ever flown BA premium economy? Is it worth it? Or would rate QF as much better?

 

[Spongbob]

It has been a few years since I flew Y+ on BA, but I would rate it as OK: not as good as QF or CX but can be much better value for money than the others