I can understand the OP's disappointment with missing his/her first 744 flight. I don't entirely understand the hesitation about KQ. The KQ 787 is nicely configured and the service equals or beats what is provided on KL or AF. I don't fully understand the relationship between AF/KL and KQ, but it was my understanding that AF/KL exerts significant influence on KQ's operations and training. I would def fly KQ longhaul again.