Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - 74A seat 81A (upper deck J) undersirable?

I've searched the forum for best seating in J for a couple on the 74A, and 81AK is one of the recommendations (by kchika). However, when I went to book it I found that CX marks 81A as undesirable on its GDS seat map. I looked at seatexpert, but it's a bit of a mess, with text descriptions not matching the color scheme.

If anyone has more BIS recommendations they would be greatly appreciated; flight is a night LAX-HKG one. Being able to see out of the window, which I understand requires some contortions, is important to us.

81A is fine. In fact, I don't think that CX would mark undesirable seats on GDS. It is a matter of subjectivity, I don't think it is not possible to do so anyways on the GDS.

The best views for a window seat is during take off and landing, which requires the seat to be in the upright position. In the upright position, it is very difficult to see through the window, especially on the upper deck, due to angle of the seat.

The best way to see the window is with the seat completely reclined and you go belly-down. But from a night flight from LAX-HKG (they all are now), there really is NOTHING interesting to see outside at all, except 13 hours of pitch black and maybe the sunrise, but that gets boring soon. My recommendation for this flight: eat at the lounge and skip the first meal service because 1) Lounge food is quite good, 2) It is hard to sleep with a full stomach and 3) CX J main course are ... always disappointing.

I've searched the forum for best seating in J for a couple on the 74A, and 81AK is one of the recommendations (by kchika). However, when I went to book it I found that CX marks 81A as undesirable on its GDS seat map. I looked at seatexpert, but it's a bit of a mess, with text descriptions not matching the color scheme.

If anyone has more BIS recommendations they would be greatly appreciated; flight is a night LAX-HKG one. Being able to see out of the window, which I understand requires some contortions, is important to us.

There isn't really a window at 81A, you should not get that seat, go for 82A, which will serve your request, although the new J really is not the best cabin if you're a window fan. I was in 81A from AMS-HKG and I value being able to rest and relax (includes not being disturbed unless necessary) so I prefer 81A for that flight.

In fact, I don't think that CX would mark undesirable seats on GDS. It is a matter of subjectivity, I don't think it is not possible to do so anyways on the GDS. I've had GDS access for 16 years, and yes, airlines mark their seat maps with all sort of things, and CX has chosen to mark 81A as "LEAST PREF".
My recommendation for this flight: eat at the lounge and skip the first meal service. It is hard to sleep with a full stomach and CX J main course are ... always disappointing.Thanks!

I think that's because it is their most preferred Crew Rest seat (nearest the cockpit) not because of anything inherently bad about the seat.

When traveling with someone in the new J seats, it is better to sit on the same side, i.e. 82A and 83A. Because A and K are across each other seperate by the aisle.

I think that's because it is their most preferred Crew Rest seat (nearest the cockpit) not because of anything inherently bad about the seat.

That is the case for 744/74J long-haul, but I think they do away with that on 74A.

Please do avoid 81A transpacific. I like to be able to get it myself. Quietest seat upstairs for pax, extra storage in the duvet bin and fewest passers-by.

None of the fishbone J seats have a decent arrangement to see out of the window, sadly. Minor irritant on the apron at both ends when looking to see whether you have a near or remote gate or a queue to take-off and you lose the views on approach/departure but there you are.

And the crew seat is 80K not an 81.