Qantas 747-400 PE Bulkhead or Standard Seat

[johndoe]

Hi guys

Flying Syd-Sin on QF5 in premium economy. Turns out the layout on this aircraft is pretty rubbish. Was just wondering if anyone had experience/recommendations/preferences as to whether a bulkhead seat or a standard seat so you can stretch under the seat in front would be better.

Thanks in advance

 

[jsoprano]

Not sure if that is your plane's config but I flew PE on QF5/6 SIN-FRA-SIN in February on what's called the "747-400RR 3-Class V2" on Seatguru, and I really liked row 35 which is the bulkhead of the smaller section of PE behind the galley. Note that in this row the middle block DEFG has probably 2-3 inches of legroom more than then seats JK. I am 180 cm tall and was able to stretch out completely without touching the wall. Would choose these seats again anytime. Was a very low load on my flights which made it a very pleasant journey.

I also flew QF9/10 MEL-SIN-MEL in PE on the same journey on the A380, sitting in a non-bulkhead seat and I definitely prefer the bulkhead seat.

 

[johndoe]

Thanks mate, yeah that's the right config. I'm about 185cm so leg room is pretty critical on a long flight. Got 35D coming back. Nothing, only 35K going there. or 32A.

 

[banger2]

I've got a return PE flight BNE - SIN in PE on 747 In Sept. I consulted Seatguru as the OP did, but it suggested the bulkhead seats had less room (I only ever sit on the window seats), so chose the last row as the alternate. Does this vary with the config of the 747, re the bulkhead legroom? How many different configs does QF still have in the 747 routes to SIN?

 

[jsoprano]

I knew I had a photo somewhere, here it is. Shows Row 35 DEFG with the wall in front. Seats JK (from where the photo is taken) have the wall in the same positon, but it goes straight down without the curved "cutout" at the bottom. Also in the background you can see the non-bulkhead seats for comparison.

 

[johndoe]

Thanks buddy!

 

[Wannabee]

Does anyone know if this configuration has the same bulkhead cutout as the photo above for row 36 DEFG?
http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744RR-58J36W270Y.pdf

We are flying SYD-DFW-SYD in November and this will be our first time in PE. Originally seated in 34 AB but I moved us to 37 JK due to reports of bassinet position and close to toilet. 36 JK is not available but 36 FG is. Not sure if to stay where we are (I have read that pitch is greater in AB and JK rows) or move to 36 FG. I am 184cm tall so like to be able to stretch my legs.

We have J upgrade request in so here's hoping.

Any recommendations?

 

[sumone]

Hi,


We're also flying PE on QF107 SYD-LAX-JFK which is this new reconfigured 747 with 58J/36W/270Y. I have the same question as Wannabee. We've been allocated 36 AB but 36FG is now available. I was concerned that there might be limited leg room due to the bulkhead in this front row of 4 (36 DEFG), unless the cut out is also present in this configuration? Can anyone advise?


Thanks!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi,


We're also flying PE on QF107 SYD-LAX-JFK which is this new reconfigured 747 with 58J/36W/270Y. I have the same question as Wannabee. We've been allocated 36 AB but 36FG is now available. I was concerned that there might be limited leg room due to the bulkhead in this front row of 4 (36 DEFG), unless the cut out is also present in this configuration? Can anyone advise?


Thanks!

for me, the big advantage of the bulkhead seat is the ability to place your hand luggage on the floor after take off and essentially get a flat surface to rest your legs. An international sized rolla-board is perfect and almost level with the seat pan.

Even is you have to bend your knees slightly, it's still much more comfortable than being limited to the sitting position. (it prevents sore legs too!)

 

[backseatdriver]

I like the bulkhead, as if you stuff a pillow into the magazine holder, you get a perfect footrest. I'm a little shorter, but have flown with taller company who used my trick to great success.

 

[JohnK]

Take the bulkhead if you have a choice.

I would not willingly sit behind anyone in an aircraft cabin more so premium economy.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Thought I would add, I was on an ex-SIN flight with the bulkhead seats on the right hand side right behind the galley. Because of the humidity in SIN (which is more or less a permanent thing), condensation from the air conditioning was dripping into the carpet, and it was so much water that the carpet at the seat was still wet when I arrived BNE. This might be a set of seats you would want to avoid ex-SIN.

 

[markis10]

Take the bulkhead if you have a choice.

I would not willingly sit behind anyone in an aircraft cabin more so premium economy.

DONT take row 29 in the non config - yuck!

 

[serfty]

DONT take row 29 in the non config - yuck!

Presumable you mean row 29 in the "old" three class configuration (with skybed mk 1 in J).

If so, 29A/B are about the worst PE seats, while 29J/K are the best!

 

[markis10]

Presumable you mean row 29 in the "old" three class configuration (with skybed mk 1 in J).

If so, 29A/B are about the worst PE seats, while 29J/K are the best!

Yep, 29A and B have close to y pitch!

 

[serfty]

Yep, 29A and B have close to y pitch!

It's the closet in front of the A/B seats. We found out the hard way after a points upgrade on QF22 a couple of years ago - I looked across and coveted the 29J/K seats.

Managed 29K last Easter on QF21.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yep, 29A and B have close to y pitch!

but according to the stated pitch it must still be at least 38' is that correct?

 

[markis10]

but according to the stated pitch it must still be at least 38' is that correct?

Its been a little while and did not have a ruler with me but i doubt there is 38'.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Its been a little while and did bot have a ruler with me but i doubt there is 38'.

hmmm... well in that case, and assuming no other seat was available, one would be entitled to a partial refund based on breach of contract. It MUST meet the minimum advertised pitch.

 

[JohnK]

DONT take row 29 in the non config - yuck!

Yep, 29A and B have close to y pitch!

What type of economy pitch? Similar to row 40/row 43 bulkhead? If so then not an issue at all.