Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - What's so special about seat 11J on the 747?

On my last couple of long hauls, I've said I'll pay for the standby upgrade if the agent can get me a decent aisle seat (i.e. didn't want to stuck up against the wall downstairs...). Both times, the first thing the agents in LHR and BKK said was "let me see if I can release 11J for you?", and then made a big thing about calling up their manager/flight dispatch to see if they could work miracles for me

In one case, I managed to snag the emergency exit downstairs instead and 11J was unoccupied. In the other, there were only two free seats, and 11J was one of them, so I took it. The guy in 11K was definitely a frequent traveller (and also bit strange/grumpy/constantly pinging the call bell, etc), but he didn't seem to be a CIP or ROP elite, although he did complain that he didn't have a free seat next to him (I pointed out that business class was pretty much full...)

Anyway, I just wondered why 11J seems to be the last to be sold - it's right at the front of the upper deck - limited stowage, but more legroom/footspace than most other seats, so seems like quite a plum choice to me...

The exit (row 16 and 22) and bassinets rows (row 11 and 23 EF) are blocked and can be only assigned at airport check in. Until it is sure that these seats are not needed for people travelling with their little offspring they are blocked.

Row 11 is usually blocked for bassinet.

Actually the seat I like would be 11A and 11K. Good leg room. Easy to get in and out. Plus, very good privacy. 11A is better than 11K since it's not as close to the lav.

I've had 11k and with no one next to me it was like being on my own room.
Maybe 11j gets used as crew rest, being immediately behind the cockpit. It's right by the toilets which may be a good or bad thing..

Hi Barry,

In the UD just straight across the lav doors are two crew rest bunks for cockpit. When you head the cockpit lavs to your right, bunks to the left. Did you notice the little door between the galley and the stairs? There are the bunks for F/As.

On the main deck seats 53HJK (and ABC I think) are blocked for crew rest.

In the very back of the cabin behind door 5R is an entrance to a staircase that leads into the belly. Here are more bunks.

Thanks, I never realised that!