747- upper or lower deck biz class?
 

so- i have an option to take either the regular 777 flight from jfk-hkg or the 747 which does a layover in vancouver. i don't have any issues with doing the layover...my interest is in the upper deck of the 747. as a kid i recall always wanting to go up--- obviously that never happened. now i have a chance to jump on it- but is the upper deck anything special?

if it's crap, then i may as well skip and just jump on the direct flights....

curious for your input=)

With the old business class the upper deck was much nicer than the main deck - quieter, storage bins and space beside you (in the window seat - remember seats where you could look out of the window?), lots of legroom in 86A (the best business seat on the plane).

With the new business class you're all just in identical little cubicles, because all you want to do is sleep, right? (That's what CX would have us all believe)

Note that the 747 doesn't currently have laptop power if that's important to you. The 777 does. Otherwise, a cubicle is a cubicle. The cabin crew will do their best to lob things over the TV to you.

For Upper Deck the new J Class is longer and the ottonman is bigger.

So it's big enough for half of one buttock rather than the quarter of a buttock downstairs?

It's not an Ottoman - an Ottoman is specifically for sitting on. The footrests in CX new J have signs on them specifically telling you NOT to sit there.

I always prefer the lower deck as the overhead bins are larger.

Yes, in the upper deck in the old configuration, there is plenty of storage space next to the window. That leaves plenty of overhead storage space for passengers in the aisle seats. I like it because it is quieter upstairs. The best seats are 86A/C/H/K. 86A/C have the most legroom, but I do not like the TVs for those two seats. 86H/K have the second best legroom. I prefer aisle, so I like 86H the best.

I have not tried the upper deck in the new configuration. I should be able to try out in August, unless CX switches equipment again.

For my upcoming HKG-LAX flight, I've selected the upper deck with the new J seating. I too have always wanted to sit at the top, and this will be my first opportuity. Plus, I've read that the service is better on CX at the top, but it's only what I've read, I don't have first hand knowledge about that. Also, I like the idea of seemingly more privacy on top. Plus, unless I could sit in the nose section, which I can't since it's F, but otherwise, I really don't see any seats I'd prefer over the seats on top.

That is a good point - if you have carry-ons that are close to the size limit then they won't be stowable upstairs: the crew will stow them downstairs for you.

From http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...ageinformation

hahahaha yes it is a bit bigger and can fit the whole bum unless you have a large arse.

It is an ottoman according to cX:

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en...wbusinessclass

The ISM said you can sit there when the seat belt sign is off, however must be in J Class.

However, if you have the standard size rollaboards it should fit in the upper deck locker.

I personally find the lower deck is a no go zone in J Class - especially in the new J Class. It just feels more cramp and more noisy (closer to the engine)

Upper Deck 74A IS larger
 

Flew the 74A last week HKG-NRT-HKG. For landing (wanted to make a dash for customs) moved to downstairs from my 88A cubicle and noticed the difference BIG TIME! The upstairs layout is much better as the area that used to be the side bin storage is now additional space around your head and shoulders when in deep recline and or sleep mode. Makes a BIG difference to be able to stretch your arms out. Thus you have a longer cubicle as pointed out and foot rest is ever so slightly larger.

For overnight flights however, if you are sensitive to light there are overhead spot lights that will not be turned off that illuminate the footrests at 88A and 88K (they are aimed for the aisle but the focus is not tight). Eye shades will do the trick for sleeping but if you are watching a movie and this bothers you then select another seat.

Again, the overall product is flimsy and cheaply made. Both coming and going my cubicle had a broken armrest and the monitor did not retract snuggly into the wall. Fabric on the footrest is already worn.

In another year, these cabins will look decidedly shabby.

On a brighter note had very good crews both coming and going -- secret of course is that the IFS was Filipina both ways. It always sets the tone for the inflight service from the HK staff.