Hi,
I am a new EK flyer and am in the process of booking flights for my partner and I for a XMAS/New Years trip.
Need some friendly seat advice and any other guidence you can provide.

Unfortunatly, the two of us be stuck in Y, -eek (because J is too expensive for our budget).

Flying out 22/12/09 either LAX-DXB or SFO-DXB.
27/12/09 DXB-JNB
6/1/10 CPT-DXB-LAX (or CPT-DXB-SFO). (we do have a 3 hour layover to stretch, is there a smoking lounge DXB?).

777’s thoughout entire trip. Any thoughts on which seats best for viewing upon landing, and MORE IMPORTANTLY--not getting stuck with a 3rd flyer next to us? Any thoughts on services from LAX vs. SFO?

I just registered for Skyward Blue, so I will be reserving seats—hopefully.

THOUGHTS? SUGGESTIONS?