Originally Posted by
skywardhunter
you generally have to pay for the better ones. On the 77W I like to sit in the forward cabin, row 19 usually, although when flights aren't 100% full it's worth monitoring the seat map in the app and changing around, you can get an empty seat next to you with pretty good certainty in many cases this way. Same on the A380, but my default seat choice there is the 2nd cabin, as the lights and movement from the forward lavatories annoy me. Generally mid-cabin so you're not too close to lavatories, galleys and babies
And to add that when you are on a Flex (or Flex+) fare, seat selection for 'standard' seats is free when booking.
On the A380, the seats in the 2nd cabin that
skywardhunter is referring to are 'standard' seats. His favourite on the 77W (19K) is only free at booking if you are EK Gold (or Plat).
At check in (with EK that is T-48 hours), all remaining seats (with exception of the 'extra legroom seats') can be selected free of charge. On the 77W there are 'twin seats' at the back which are quite popular for couples (just in case Mr pants is travelling with you). Twin seats are also available on the upper deck of the 2 class A380. If you manage to grab a window seat there, you have these nice big storage bins right next to you.