VA8 EconomyX vs PE on QF12? Thoughts?

[Swifty]

Merry Xmas all - I'd like some advice on any experiences in VA EconX vs QF PE. Specifically:

At the moment I've got 23A (EconomyX) on VA8 (LAX-SYD 777-300ER), 38" pitch, decent reviews on SeatGuru. It's a standalone one-way points booking, so I can cancel without any significant penalty.

There's a Premium Economy reward seat available on QF12 (A380-800), 38"-42" (not sure how to find the 42" seats?). Reviews are generally pretty poor, but as best I can read the conditions I could still put in for an upgrade from PE to Business/First, though they seem to be in short supply on that route.

Point cost is a minimal concern, but I've just had, heard and read disappointing experiences in QF PE. Is that just because people expect too much? I've never flown VA EconX so can't compare.

The upgrade to business/first would obviously be ideal, but all availability suggests I'd be dreaming to hope for that. The flight is in February 2019, I'm Gold/Gold QF/VA.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

 

[Daver6]

Suspect 42" is the bulkhead/first row of Y+.

Last time I looked, you can only upgrade to F from J, not Y+.

 

[Swifty]

Ah okay, that would make sense about the bulkhead. Being 6'4" it's the extra legroom/footroom I'm after so I avoid full-length bulkheads. So that effectively puts VAEconX on par with QF PE then, I guess?

Good to know my best case upgrade scenario is J too, thanks.

 

[Daver6]

I'm not that familiar with the A380 PE layout, but I think they could be exit rows, at least AB and JK...in which case it could be infinite legroom. Perhaps someone more familiar with that cabin can comment.

 

[jb747]

I've just booked some PE seats for my son and me. I've gone the other way...28A/B, because I don't want anyone behind me. I can handle a seat being reclined in front, but absolutely hate the way that some people pull on the seat back.

 

[bertflyer]

The front row of PE in the QF A380 gives unlimited leg room and definitely one of my favourites. I also like the privacy of the PE mini cabin. The side Bin on the widow seats is very handy too and will take a normal sized back pack plus pillow etc so you don’t have to get up to access your stuff during the flight.
I haven’t flown on the VA flight so can’t contribute there.

 

[Aus ATC]

While legroom might be comparable, I would have thought the extra width of the PE seat and armrest, and extra recline, would make it the winner over Economy X.