I can’t comment on whether you can get assigned row 1 prior to check-in, but the 6 or so times I’ve been on the A330 in the last year row 1 was blocked (and empty) until check-in so I got it each time. It’s worth noting that if it’s a DOH-XXX leg, you can obviously get seated on row 1 when you check in at your point of origin.
I spoke with someone helpful (finally!) at Qatar Doha today who explained to me how it works:
- First row of Business class is always blocked, and even the highest Privilege Club tier cannot pre-book that row.
- If, prior to the opening of the check-in counter, the business class cabin is fully booked with the exception of the first row, then the first row seats are released on the online booking system.
- Otherwise, the first row seats are unblocked at the time the check-in counter opens, which they said is usually 3 to 3-1/2 hours before departure
(UPDATE: I just spoke to a different agent: Seems every time I speak with someone there, I get a different story. This person told me that it depends of the booking class, Elite and Comfort CAN book the first row. On the Qatar site, I get the Elite class, but the seats show as Occupied - When I check on Expert Flyer, they show as Blocked - I no longer know who to believe.)
In regards to the footwells, all of the row 1 seats have the same larger footwells which are substantially larger than the rows behind. The seats are really narrow and the aisle seats have no privacy so I would try get either of the window seats.
Good suggestion to go for the window seats. Thank you!