QF A380 - Exit Row vs Empty Adjacent Seat (SYD-LAX)

[reductionist]

Hi all.

I have my first A380 flight in a little over a week. I will soon be hitting the 7 day period where exit row seats are available for purchase.

Interestingly, Expert Flyer tells me that the seat next to me is currently vacant. I'm in 55G. I have a hunch the seat next to may remain empty if the plane doesn't fill up - QF has not seated me next to anyone for quite a few flights now.

So, my question is as follows: On an A380 (SYD-LAX), if you had to choose between sitting in an exit row or bulkhead seat versus sitting near the front with an empty adjacent seat, which would you favour?

Based on my current long-haul experience I'm leaning towards trying for an exit row seat. I'm 6' tall so I'd probably appreciate the extra room.

Unfortunately the coveted 80A and 71D are long gone.

Expert Flyer seat map attached for those interested. Haven't yet cracked PS but will be WP by the time I return from this trip. :shock:

 

[dfcatch]

IME I wouldn't count on the adjacent seat remaining empty.

Even as a WP if the seat is blocked, it's no guarantee that they won't allocate it at some point.

 

[TonyHancock]

IME I wouldn't count on the adjacent seat remaining empty.

Even as a WP if the seat is blocked, it's no guarantee that they won't allocate it at some point.

I'd agree with that.