BA has a funny 4 seat in the middle layout too, though this means you can sleep in a 'double bed' if you're travelling with a partner. If you've got a high status in OneWorld or can pay the steep reservation fees, then these seats are easy to obtain or avoid depending on your preference as long as you book a week or more out.

If you're flying overnight before work, then I don't think there's a better service than BA on this route once the sleeper service resumes. It's not glamorous or exciting, but being able to get more sleep than on rival airlines is fantastic.

I do worry that the lounge catering which failed for us in the days of 747/777s will struggle with the A380 loads, even with the lounge extension. BA are not known for going beyond the bare minimum at the moment, but I do hope I'm pleasantly surprised

Do let us know how you get on (if you get time - love your FT 'handle').