My personal preference is always row 2, but it seems that my flight NRT-FRA in May already has 2A/K assigned.
As per this thread, 1A/K are shown as open on EF but presumably only because EF retrieves the seatmap with full F booking code. On the online assignment system, they are blacked out.
At least I take comfort that 1A/K remain unoccupied at the moment which gives me some chance at grabbing them, whereas the LHR/CDG flights on the same day both seem to have 1A/K assigned already. Which means VIPs or those paying full F - quite crazy in case of the latter, looking at the prices.
Question: Do 1A/K open up during online check-in, or only at the airport? If only at the airport, can an upline connection airport (ICN, in my case) also access them, or do I need to do this at NRT?