I have been in 4K a couple of times. Didn't feel it was any noisier than rows 2/3. Besides easy to reach the galley if you need anyting and first one to get off the flight. I would probably take row 4 over row 1 but then I sleep quite OK on flights. See if you can get 2A as they block it for UM.

Thank you. I've only ever sat in windows row 2-3 on the A380, and the middles. Is there any way row 1 A/K less private/louder than 4A/K? I'm really just concerned with any potential noise and privacy. Don't mind the rest.

In row 4, you would potentially have 'galley noise' and the 'traffic' of FA's walking to the front to serve the 6 passengers that could sit in front of you. The toilet behind 3K is not used a lot as most people seem to use the front bathrooms (even if not showering).
In row 1, you would have the traffic of the passengers going to said bathrooms, plus to the 'bar' area at the top of the stairs (which I have never seen to be used as a bar). From 1A/K (assuming the door is open), you can see that area (although it is usually blocked by a curtain).

Disclaimer: I have only been in row 2/3 (and usually fly J and not F :( ) so have no practical experience with either.

I have to say that the one time I was forced to take 4K, the galley noise was significant. There is the occasional really loud thump as things are thrown into the lockers directly behind the seat, and I was woken up twice by that. I always go for 2A or 2K - never had an issue with them. 3A and 3K are also good. I would suggest avoiding row 4 if possible.

Why would they do that ?
It's easier to supervise if UM are seated close to the galley. No ?
And 1A/K are closer to the stairs. It may be dangerous.
Or, is it because 1A/K are smaller than the others ?

Sorry for the first world (class) questions ...

I've been a UM in J (Not in EK)

There have been a couple of articles online and on social lately about celebrity parents flying in F/J and putting their kids in Y.
Most of the comments related to cabin crew being forced to act as guardians while parents enjoy champagne and Caviar up in F :rolleyes:

I prefer having them in Y.
Inevitably, they get bored in F without apreciating the comfort.
Several months ago, a family of 4 was travelling. Guess what ? The two sisters (probably around 5 or 6) ended up in the same suite playing dolls.

More like 43A on an SAA A346 :)

To me, that seems a perfect solution. They're close enough for the parents to parent them, and not dump that responsibility off on cabin crew. Playing dolls also means that they're not running around screaming. How could one possibly improve on that scenario?

When I was a lad, my parents always believed that the children should be with them. That meant, of course, that we were taught and expected to observe the same behavioral norms that they did, ate at the same restaurants, etc. I really liked it and thought that it was a sound approach.

Thanks for the replies. I stuck with 1A for the flight I was asking about, and will (hopefully remember to) report back in a week after I fly. I've got 3 A380 flights in the next few weeks so should have plenty of time to ponder such highly-important things...;). My other two flights are 2K.

Curious if the curtains are more annoying than the potential for a little noise in the back. I figure I'll be flying a decent amount of EK going forward so may as well scope it out.

(​​​​​a litle OT, but each ex-HKG flight I've taken the 77W for the first sector, and I must admit I prefer that bird to the A380. I don't use the bar at the back of the A380 and the shower is lovely but not something I need every flight. Just on certain ones. The 77W seems to have a higher ceiling and suite walls. I've sat I row 2 each time on that plane. I'm not sure if this preference for 77W over A380 F is a popular opinion or not around these parts)