Sep 1, 2013, 4:03 am
Last edit by: Prospero
MMB/Expertflyer Aircraft Code: 388
Upper deck
Main deck
Summarizing based on comments thus far:
First
This post shows the seat map and individual seat ratings for First:
First Cabin A380 Seat Ratings
In order of rating:
Club World Upper deck
Club World Main Deck
World Traveller Plus Upper Deck
Photos: courtesy of PETER01
World Traveller Upper Deck
World Traveller Main Deck
Upper deck
Main deck
Summarizing based on comments thus far:
First
This post shows the seat map and individual seat ratings for First:
First Cabin A380 Seat Ratings
In order of rating:
- 2 A/K
- 1 A/K
- 3 A/K
- 2 E/F
- 3 E/F
- 4 E/F
- 4 A/K
Club World Upper deck
- 50AB and 50JK: the B and J seats don’t have anyone climbing over them. There’s nothing else ahead of these seats, so this area should be fairly quiet. However, the A and K seats ... would have to lean forward a long way to look out of the single window serving this row. Good if you like having a very private space and don’t mind stepping over someone to get out. Bad if you like looking out of the window.
- 50J for longest bed is the best. However, you only have a curtain between you and the stairs and right hand side forward loo. Should be okay but might be noisy. Partial barrier around feet.
- 51D and 51F: no half barrier either so very good for tall people and first row of CW cabin so good for food and ease of access to loo without any galley.
- 53AB and 53JK: the window seats have direct aisle access, so in theory these would be a lot like 64A and 64K on the 744. Unfortunately, potentially noisy.
- 56B has a bit of extra length but also a partial barrier.
- 59AB and 59JK: the window seats here also have direct aisle access. However, as others have mentioned, because the CW and WT+ cabins partly overlap at this point, these seats (and particularly the heads of the 59B and 59J passengers) are directly in line with the WT+ centre bulkhead bassinets, so possible noise concerns if baby behind. You can see the close proximity in the photo above for 60 DEF
- Middle seats: since there's only a single middle seat, it's rather nice and isolated and private, at least while the dividers are up. When dividers go down it's face to face with your seatmates to the left and right. Couples who are using a middle seat will probably be better off choosing EF rather than DE, because the extra space to the right hand side of the E seat means the E and F seats are closer together.
Club World Main Deck
- 10J definitely winner for the most length but partial barrier around feet and galley noise may be an issue. However, also first to get food!
- 10A and 10K for window seats only. The rest have absolutely NO view as the wing is massive and all you see is reflecting Silver and a lot of flex!
- There is a reported experience from 13AB of in-flight vibration and resonances which were enough to disturb sleep.
- Avoid 15AB and 15JK due to proximity to the two loos that are right beside and behind this seat. (CW loo behind 15B and 15J, WT loo beside these seats although behind a curtain, near continuous use!)
- General note: due to the curvature of the fuselage, the window seats on the main deck have a greater gap between the seat and cabin wall than the equivalent upper deck seats, thus providing more wiggle room for your legs and toes.
World Traveller Plus Upper Deck
Photos: courtesy of PETER01
- Bulkhead seats: The legroom in the bulkhead rows of 60DEF, 61AB and 61JK is fairly good, but I’m not sure that I would take these for a night flight as you can still get closer to horizontal in the rows behind. If that’s your favoured sleeping position, the absence of leg-rests in those rows won’t matter too much.
- Row 67: The quietness of the aircraft will mean that the toilets at the aft of the WT+ cabin are much more likely to be disturbing in this area (particularly to 67AB, 67DEF, 67JK and 68DEF) than, say, to 15AB on a mid-J 744.
World Traveller Upper Deck
- Centre block bulkheads 70DEFG and 80DEFG have tables in fixed armrests, as one would expect. This noticeably constricts the width of the seat. The armrest between D and E is a conventional lift-up armrest – so if choosing these rows, D and E are better than F and G. Another thing about these bulkhead rows, which are in line with the exits, and the adjacent exit rows (70AB, 70JK, 80AB and 80JK), is that there is a noticeable hissing noise from the slipstream.
- 80D and 80E are the same and could be great for space or for couples that want to lift the armrest during the flight to get closer or sleep.
- Rear cabin: any WT seat in rows 80 to 83 would be very nice indeed as long as: there is not a stag group pissing it up here when you want to sleep! Apparently, they may offer this cabin to groups so need to be a bit careful in selecting this exclusive cabin. Also, there is noticeable galley noise in this rear cabin, and it gets worse the further aft you get.
World Traveller Main Deck
- 25D is the throne seat on the Main Deck in WT. (no seat in front of them).
BA Airbus A380: Which are the best seats? Master discussion thread
Jan 6, 2019, 1:28 am
#1771
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HK
Programs: Qantas (Lifetime Gold), PAL (Elite), British Airways (now sadly blue), Cathay MPO DM
Posts: 647
I flew on the A380 to/from Hong Kong over Christmas. Outbound I was in 10D (first row, right next to the galley). Terrible seat. I could hear the crew chatting and laughing all night. On the way back I asked for the upper deck to avoid this problem and was in 59D for a while. This would have been a fine seat, but for the infant in just across the aisle which screamed for hours, so I asked if it was possible to move and they moved me downstairs to 22F. Which was obviously much noisier (engine noise, much more obvious having done a direct move you really notice it) but obviously better than the screaming infant.
If I had to fly on this again (and I won't because I will avoid BA in future because of how awful they were generally) I would choose a window seat in the upper deck and deal with the seat clambering stuff. The window seats had nice little side cabinets for stuff (most of those BA seats were absolutely useless for storage).
However, the best seat on BA is to avoid BA. Sorry - but even a recent Philippine Airlines flight had a better seat than BA! Surprised me too.
If I had to fly on this again (and I won't because I will avoid BA in future because of how awful they were generally) I would choose a window seat in the upper deck and deal with the seat clambering stuff. The window seats had nice little side cabinets for stuff (most of those BA seats were absolutely useless for storage).
However, the best seat on BA is to avoid BA. Sorry - but even a recent Philippine Airlines flight had a better seat than BA! Surprised me too.
Jan 9, 2019, 8:53 am
#1773
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,157
Personally, with that seat map probably 59 A/K (K westbound) as they have direct aisle access (otherwise 53/K then 51 A/K) which also have direct aisle access but reviews on both 53 and 59 can be subjective. (see previous posts for comments/views of which there are many)
The front UD cabin is definitely much quieter in my view but 59K has been peaceful when I've been in it but WTP is right behind and there is a bassinet there. The window bins are great for storing on the UD and I would always sway towards there.
ETA: If you've never been on the BA A380 there are pictures at posts 1630, 1644, 1649 and 1650. No doubt there are others going back further. Some folks even like 53E!
Pete
The front UD cabin is definitely much quieter in my view but 59K has been peaceful when I've been in it but WTP is right behind and there is a bassinet there. The window bins are great for storing on the UD and I would always sway towards there.
ETA: If you've never been on the BA A380 there are pictures at posts 1630, 1644, 1649 and 1650. No doubt there are others going back further. Some folks even like 53E!
Pete
Last edited by PETER01; Jan 9, 2019 at 9:01 am
Jan 26, 2019, 7:09 am
#1775
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,157
Not sure what your status is but on the upper deck rows 70 and 80 are exit seats and you have to be BA Gold or oneworld Emerald to pre-select them for free but I do believe they open up for payment at T-14 days (happy to be corrected) for payment otherwise. These seats do not have a window nor a side bin.
Otherwise the rest are basically all much the same and the IFE boxes are also at the windows. I have been in the mini cabin several times and it is quieter there with the downsides as follows:
Last off the aircraft
Last to be served
Overhead bins are much smaller compared to the main upper deck cabin.
If there again I'd choose row 70 AB or 70 JK but saying that I am in 25D in a few weeks which is on the lower deck and also in 20K which is a downstairs exit row as I like a change now and then. The good thing with exit seats is that once your up cruising you can put a bag/rucksack as a footrest which is great I think and it takes the weight off your legs. I highly recommend this if you can do it.
However, as it's not a through cabin bar the cabin crew galley at the back there so not that much foot traffic to be honest. If your seats are booked in anything otherwise than Q, O and G booking class then you can, subject to availability, upgrade to World Traveller Plus but my own personal view is that isn't a good way to use your Avios.
Here are some pictures of mine if that helps (mini cabin) as well as a youtube short video of 70A. There's no fantastic economy seat unfortunately.
BA A380 upper deck economy mini cabin
Finally, welcome to Flyertalk and over here on the BA Board Sonice.
Otherwise the rest are basically all much the same and the IFE boxes are also at the windows. I have been in the mini cabin several times and it is quieter there with the downsides as follows:
Last off the aircraft
Last to be served
Overhead bins are much smaller compared to the main upper deck cabin.
If there again I'd choose row 70 AB or 70 JK but saying that I am in 25D in a few weeks which is on the lower deck and also in 20K which is a downstairs exit row as I like a change now and then. The good thing with exit seats is that once your up cruising you can put a bag/rucksack as a footrest which is great I think and it takes the weight off your legs. I highly recommend this if you can do it.
However, as it's not a through cabin bar the cabin crew galley at the back there so not that much foot traffic to be honest. If your seats are booked in anything otherwise than Q, O and G booking class then you can, subject to availability, upgrade to World Traveller Plus but my own personal view is that isn't a good way to use your Avios.
Here are some pictures of mine if that helps (mini cabin) as well as a youtube short video of 70A. There's no fantastic economy seat unfortunately.
BA A380 upper deck economy mini cabin
Finally, welcome to Flyertalk and over here on the BA Board Sonice.
Jan 26, 2019, 10:19 am
#1777
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,157
Click on the link and you will see the photos of the window seats, bins, location of the IFE boxes etc. which I hope are self explanatory I hope! However, there are quite a number of trip report videos on Youtube which may be worth watching.
Best seat with window if you can't access a (windowless) exit seat?
Perhaps 71AK or for a fuller view out any of the 81s, 82s or 83s, the latter being the last row but still has normal recline.
Best seat with window if you can't access a (windowless) exit seat?
Perhaps 71AK or for a fuller view out any of the 81s, 82s or 83s, the latter being the last row but still has normal recline.
Jan 30, 2019, 3:02 am
#1779
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 876
Hmmm. I’m not sure that the perfect seats for couples actually exist in First. On a 747, as far forward as possible is best and ideally I’d go for 1A and 1K every time, as to my mind they are the best seats on the plane.
However the 380 is a different beast and the front rows in First on the 380 are nowhere near as good, for several reasons. The toilets are forward of First, which increases the amount of passing traffic the further forward you are. This is also a large open space and there is a crew rest seat there (often, but not always used by crew during the flight) as well as the toilets and it’s decidedly draughty there, which can make the front rows a bit chilly. Also there is a staircase there, which I don’t think is supposed to be used during the flight but I’ve known it to be used and it can be noisy being underneath it. Less of a problem though as this is comparatively rare. Taking all that into account and 1A and 1K are (in my opinion) the worst seats in First and 2E and 2F suffer similarly.
The rear is usually better, warmer, less traffic passing you going to the loos etc, but it’s closer to the galley which is commensurately noisier and you’re later to be served.
For a couple, you’re obviously limited to the centre E and F seats. Of course, that’s assuming you want to sit next to each other! Personally I’d put up with the galley noise and go for 4E and F which I liked, however I guess you pay your money and take your choice.
(I should add that these are decidedly first world problems!)
However the 380 is a different beast and the front rows in First on the 380 are nowhere near as good, for several reasons. The toilets are forward of First, which increases the amount of passing traffic the further forward you are. This is also a large open space and there is a crew rest seat there (often, but not always used by crew during the flight) as well as the toilets and it’s decidedly draughty there, which can make the front rows a bit chilly. Also there is a staircase there, which I don’t think is supposed to be used during the flight but I’ve known it to be used and it can be noisy being underneath it. Less of a problem though as this is comparatively rare. Taking all that into account and 1A and 1K are (in my opinion) the worst seats in First and 2E and 2F suffer similarly.
The rear is usually better, warmer, less traffic passing you going to the loos etc, but it’s closer to the galley which is commensurately noisier and you’re later to be served.
For a couple, you’re obviously limited to the centre E and F seats. Of course, that’s assuming you want to sit next to each other! Personally I’d put up with the galley noise and go for 4E and F which I liked, however I guess you pay your money and take your choice.
(I should add that these are decidedly first world problems!)
Jan 30, 2019, 11:18 am
#1780
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 443
Thanks Saladman. I may have a rethink and choose another plane. i just hadn't been on F on the 380 and thought it might be good .Doesn't sound good.......
I would normally choose 1A/K so luckily I do have a choice of plane to SFO. Back to the drawing board.
I would normally choose 1A/K so luckily I do have a choice of plane to SFO. Back to the drawing board.
Jan 30, 2019, 11:42 am
#1781
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 876
Don’t get the wrong idea, 380 First is very pleasant indeed!!! New planes, much quieter, and better IFE than the 747. Any seat is lovely, but I would just choose different ones than if I were on a 747. But still very enjoyable.
I think SFO is Worldwide cabin crew route and they are very professional. I do slightly prefer Mixed Fleet personally as I find them slightly more enthusiastic and engaging even if they don’t always get it right. But whoever it is you should be well looked after.
I think SFO is Worldwide cabin crew route and they are very professional. I do slightly prefer Mixed Fleet personally as I find them slightly more enthusiastic and engaging even if they don’t always get it right. But whoever it is you should be well looked after.
Jan 30, 2019, 11:44 am
#1782
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
I don't think that what's in the wikipost can be improved on:-
So which you pick depends on whether you have to be seated side-by-side, or whether one behind the other will work for you.
If you want to be picky, some might say that 3EF are better than 2EF because of the greater distance between the galleys at either end of the cabin. But this is angels-on-pinheads stuff.
Buddy dining is comfortable on the 380 because of the size of the seats.Most people regard the 380 as at least the second-best First cabin that BA has to offer (and those who do think it is only second best are those who regard the 789 as the best).
Summarizing based on comments thus far:
First
This post shows the seat map and individual seat ratings for First:
First Cabin A380 Seat Ratings
In order of rating:
First
This post shows the seat map and individual seat ratings for First:
First Cabin A380 Seat Ratings
In order of rating:
- 2 A/K
- 1 A/K
- 3 A/K
- 2 E/F
- 3 E/F
- 4 E/F
- 4 A/K
If you want to be picky, some might say that 3EF are better than 2EF because of the greater distance between the galleys at either end of the cabin. But this is angels-on-pinheads stuff.
Buddy dining is comfortable on the 380 because of the size of the seats.Most people regard the 380 as at least the second-best First cabin that BA has to offer (and those who do think it is only second best are those who regard the 789 as the best).
Jan 30, 2019, 12:13 pm
#1783
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 443
Oh ok, thanks, back to the drawing board. I need to book tonight or tomorrow morning.
I think I'll give the 380 a try then, and go back on the 747.
One behind the other is fine so I may just go for that.
It appears to be wide open at the moment
I think I'll give the 380 a try then, and go back on the 747.
One behind the other is fine so I may just go for that.
It appears to be wide open at the moment
Jan 30, 2019, 12:18 pm
#1784
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Not a bad plan. You'll find that the 747 is a very different experience. In pure seating terms, the seats will feel much more "cosy" (some would say cramped), and buddy dining doesn't work so well on the 747, especially towards the front of the cabin. But it is a special experience for all sorts of other reasons, including (for those of us who are susceptible to it) nostalgia/living history.