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
Feb 9, 2015, 5:42 pm
#646
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: The World ;-)
Programs: OneWorld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam, AMEX
Posts: 322
OK, just flew the A380 in Y. IMHO the best seats in Y are exit rows 70 and 80 AB and GH on the upper deck. There are two seats in a row and amazing leg room and space:
I'd much prefer these to standard WTP seats--I had a quick look at WTP cabin and pax still had difficulty stretching their legs fully under the seat in front.
EDIT: What I found lacking was in seat width--just felt a bit too narrow.
I'd much prefer these to standard WTP seats--I had a quick look at WTP cabin and pax still had difficulty stretching their legs fully under the seat in front.
EDIT: What I found lacking was in seat width--just felt a bit too narrow.
Last edited by johnspenceruk; Feb 9, 2015 at 5:46 pm Reason: added seat width info
Feb 13, 2015, 3:20 am
#647
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Could be anywhere...
Programs: United Platinum
Posts: 250
Kryssa, unless you are physically impaired or weigh 450 lbs, stepping over someone from the window to get to the aisle is no problem at all. What about 51ak? Right at the front, all the windows, away from the galley, close, but not too close, to the bathroom. Honestly I think all of the window seats in the forward half of the UD are about the same
This is only my 2nd trip oversees in business and 1st trip on BA so I'm probably putting way too much thought into seat selection
Feb 15, 2015, 5:29 am
#649
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ORD, DEL
Programs: AA (Plt Pro; 1.5 MM)
Posts: 6,185
Feb 17, 2015, 6:54 am
#650
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 783
Not sure if there is any difference here but I have the choice to the window pairs in CW upper deck row 56 A/B (bulkhead) or 57 A/B. Is there any conceivable different between the two. I am currently assigned row 57, is it worth getting moved to the bulkhead, or will i have people banging into my legs in the aisle seat?
I need to call to assign 56 as its a bassinet position.
I need to call to assign 56 as its a bassinet position.
Feb 17, 2015, 7:04 am
#651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: BA Gold, QF WP
Posts: 12,551
Not sure if there is any difference here but I have the choice to the window pairs in CW upper deck row 56 A/B (bulkhead) or 57 A/B. Is there any conceivable different between the two. I am currently assigned row 57, is it worth getting moved to the bulkhead, or will i have people banging into my legs in the aisle seat?
I need to call to assign 56 as its a bassinet position.
I need to call to assign 56 as its a bassinet position.
Feb 17, 2015, 5:47 pm
#652
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Was once BA Gold, Fallen to BA Blue, and humble UA peasant
Posts: 110
However as the earlier comment points out, the restricted seat width is a real pain with those of us with bigger than average buttocks! Ultimately I found it uncomfortable.
On the way to LHR last week I had 72D in the upper deck, a normal seat, and actually found that fine, legroom was good (6ft me).
Big Buttocks <> Exit Row !
Mar 4, 2015, 9:56 am
#653
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 30
Window or aisle seat in upper deck economy (fear of flying)
Hello everyone ! New to the site and starting with a kind of silly anxious question. I will fly BA's a380 on the LHR-LAX route, and have paid for a window seat on the upper deck economy - seat 74k. Because I've seen some pics in this forum showing both IFE boxes under the seat in front, I just cannot figure out wether to switch or not to the aisle seat 74j. I am 6' tall, and kind of worried about leg room. But the thing is that I may sometimes get really scared on planes, and need to look through the window from time to time, just to make sure 
. So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are :
- Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me)
Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
. So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are : - Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me
) Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
Mar 4, 2015, 12:27 pm
#654
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 810
Just back from LAX-LHR and sat at 51k in Club World. I personally really loved it, as I felt it was private enough (very front of the cabin), not much foot traffic (the poor woman in 50b...never ever pick this seat!) and a hell of a lot of windows - I was in direct control of four windows.
I found the 'stepping over someone's legs' problem to be vastly overblown on here. Windows are definitely the way to go as far as I'm concerned.
I found the 'stepping over someone's legs' problem to be vastly overblown on here. Windows are definitely the way to go as far as I'm concerned.
Mar 4, 2015, 3:50 pm
#655
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
rb211.
Mar 5, 2015, 4:09 am
#658
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: HH D, Rad VIP, Marriott G
Posts: 5,357
Hello everyone ! New to the site and starting with a kind of silly anxious question. I will fly BA's a380 on the LHR-LAX route, and have paid for a window seat on the upper deck economy - seat 74k. Because I've seen some pics in this forum showing both IFE boxes under the seat in front, I just cannot figure out wether to switch or not to the aisle seat 74j. I am 6' tall, and kind of worried about leg room. But the thing is that I may sometimes get really scared on planes, and need to look through the window from time to time, just to make sure . So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are :
- Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me)
Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
. So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are : - Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me
) Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
To your questions: I'll hope that someone else can answer your WT seat questions regarding height and leg room in that row...but maybe some other pointers that can help your decision:
1) Have you thought of attending the BA Flying with Confidence course? Although it may appear to be for those afraid of flying altogether, it might be an idea to attend to help make you feel more comfortable as well? Just a thought in case you hadn't heard of it before.
Link to the BA site describing the course
2) Window or Aisle: no clear answer here (even if the seats were the same for legroom I'm afraid)...why? well, although this will likely be a daytime flight so there could be light in the cabin and window shades up...the crew and many pax will likely try to sleep (and crew may try to close the shades to 'aid' people in resting and sleep). So, even if you had the window seat, you may get pressure to close the window shade for a good portion of the flight after being served food. Of course, if you are in the aisle, you may find your seat mate decides to close the shade and go to sleep...so, given the variables, I would suggest the aisle seat for the better legroom, ability to get up and walk about, and importantly to be able to go to the exit doors and have a look out once in a while if needed. (or to walk forward/back to someone that does have the shade open). You may find it a bit hard to see much through the 'spy' hole that is in the emergency doors at elevation, especially over cloudy stretches so not sure if that is a complete solution but taking to some crew could help (once the meal is served and things quiet down a bit, if you wanted to be able to look out once in a while, they may have some tips or a place they can escort you to for a minute or two).
3) worth knowing that for about 30-45 minutes after take off and before landing, the crew will generally have people put the window shades up, seats upright, etc...in preparation for landing or until the plane is at cruising altitude. This should allow you to see around the cabin and out a bit, however, you may not be able to see 'ground' so not sure about how important that may be. You won't be able to recline during that time so if that is important to see out a window maybe worth taking the window seat (as well as being able to control the window shade a bit more during the flight). You would also get some extra storage bins beside you.
4) Remember that planes are very safe modes of transport and try to relax as best as you can before and during the flight, I wouldn't suggest using too many stimulants to help as these may leave you feeling out of control or in case you have a bad reaction. Try to make the trip to the airport as stress free as possible, allow plenty of time to get through check in and security and enjoy a light meal / drink airside (or in the lounge if you can get guested in, see the lounge meet up thread for details) and try to walk around a bit so you aren't simply sitting down for too long. Rest well the night before so you are not overtired. Drink quite a bit of water on the flight and not so much alcohol and try to get up and walk around once in a while during the flight, go back and have a chat with the crew if they are not too busy and you'll find the flight goes by quite quickly without being too stressed. Try to bring some familiar ways to keep yourself entertained/busy so you don't think of the fact you are on the plane...whether that be reading material in your favourite format, music (and good headphones if possible), watching a movie on the onboard IFE or some other distraction (puzzles, games, etc...).
Enjoy the experience and the journey, sometimes they can provide more interesting times and meetings than one gets at the destination. Keep an open mind and positive frame of mind and you'll have a great trip, hopefully a good crew that will try to help you if needed. Some crews are fantastic and are very good with pax (whether nervous fliers or not).
Safe travels, hope this helps and that others post some other pointers... @:-)
Mar 6, 2015, 12:37 am
#659
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,232
Hello everyone ! New to the site and starting with a kind of silly anxious question. I will fly BA's a380 on the LHR-LAX route, and have paid for a window seat on the upper deck economy - seat 74k. Because I've seen some pics in this forum showing both IFE boxes under the seat in front, I just cannot figure out wether to switch or not to the aisle seat 74j. I am 6' tall, and kind of worried about leg room. But the thing is that I may sometimes get really scared on planes, and need to look through the window from time to time, just to make sure . So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are :
- Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me)
Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
. So if I switch to the aisle seat, even if it is more confortable to stretch legs and not having to annoy the neighbour, I'm afraid I could panic if I am not able to see any landscape from time to time. So here is what kind of messed up I am when thinking about long haul transatlantic flights ... and my questions are : - Is the legroom in window seat 74k (or else of course) really that bad, with feet all cramped between the IFE boxes ?
- Would sitting in the aisle seat 74J allow me to glance through the window, at least during take off and landing ? I've looked at pics and vids, and it seems that at row 74 I'd get a good wide view on the window if the seats are relcined.
- Is there any other window on the plane I could glance through when stretching legs, like close to the bathrooms or where the FA prepare the meals or something. This could relax me in the aisle seat, if the person seating in the window seat decide to close the window shade (don't know how to call it), knowing that I could still look outside if I feel I have to.
- Any other advise ? (beside upgrading or taking a full load of Xanax with me
) Thanx (wonderfull site and great forum here).
I recommend sticking with that seat - really nice views from the window, and you get the side storage bin too, which is useful.
here's a pic of 74k legroom, showing the IFE box, and space on the right between strut and wall:
Last edited by Stewie Mac; Mar 9, 2015 at 8:19 am Reason: added pic post-flight
Mar 6, 2015, 7:13 am
#660
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 30
Thank you for these replies.
I heard about fear of flying program, but as I live in Belgium, the day I take one of these will probably be with SN Brussels than BA, of course. The link you gave mention a video about Flying with Confidence video in High Life Entertainment. I guess I'll jump on that when I first sit down on the plane. The contradiction is that I kind of know how safe it is, understand the physics, know the stats and all but still, sometimes, this little sound, this turbulence or whatever can turn the rest of the flight into a real irrational nightmare. Which is too bad because I am fascinated by air traval, and look forward to multiply the flights to "enjoy" more airports, more boarding, takeoffs and landing. On this trip I will go to San Diego, and voluntarily connect to LAX so I can fly this A380 everyone is talking about (and also because I've noticed thant the bigger the plane, the smoother the flight, thus potentially less anxiety ...). So for this seating thing, I'll stick to Stewie Man's advice and keep my window seat, so I can enjoy the scenery as much as I can. My return flight is from SFO a couple of days later, again on the a380 new route. I guess I'll try the aisle seat if the first trip goes well.
I'll keep you posted. Thanx !
I heard about fear of flying program, but as I live in Belgium, the day I take one of these will probably be with SN Brussels than BA, of course. The link you gave mention a video about Flying with Confidence video in High Life Entertainment. I guess I'll jump on that when I first sit down on the plane. The contradiction is that I kind of know how safe it is, understand the physics, know the stats and all but still, sometimes, this little sound, this turbulence or whatever can turn the rest of the flight into a real irrational nightmare. Which is too bad because I am fascinated by air traval, and look forward to multiply the flights to "enjoy" more airports, more boarding, takeoffs and landing. On this trip I will go to San Diego, and voluntarily connect to LAX so I can fly this A380 everyone is talking about (and also because I've noticed thant the bigger the plane, the smoother the flight, thus potentially less anxiety ...). So for this seating thing, I'll stick to Stewie Man's advice and keep my window seat, so I can enjoy the scenery as much as I can. My return flight is from SFO a couple of days later, again on the a380 new route. I guess I'll try the aisle seat if the first trip goes well.
I'll keep you posted. Thanx !