To switch or not for WBC?

I'm currently booked on the 747-Combi (map shows old WBC) later this week for AMS-ORD. IIRC, the map has changed three times in the past couple of months from new to old, back to new and finally back to old again for the past several weeks (I've been semi-obsessive about checking it).

Tonight I saw that space is available on a 747-4 AMS-LAX that currently maps as new WBC has opened up.

From reading thru the old threads about new WBC routes and the retrofit, it seems extremely random for which routes and planes people actually get.

At 4 days out, what would you do? Should I play seat roulette?

BTW, I know this is preaching to the choir to complain about the random implementation, but, yikes...

thanks.

One of KL's strongs is being one of the most punctual airlines. Amongst others, this is closely linked to a clever and flexible fleet deployment system. It also means that aircraft deployment changes a lot. Since there is a few month delay in seat deployment, this also extends the seat roulette with a few months.

Since this is a day flight, I wouldn't change bookings around, and risk the slippery slope seat. However, if it were a night flight, the new seat would become a very important parameter in my decision process...

I flew AMS-LAX on April 12th, and the seatmap showed new config for over 2 months prior to departure. When I walked down the jetway I saw that City of Vancouver was waiting for me - Of course this is one of the 747�s that has not yet been updated..

Zembla has a good point regarding punctuality though, and I am happy they got me to LA on time in stead of having me wait for the scheduled flight.

I would switch to AMS-LAX as I guess there is a higher probability of you getting the lie flat as long as the seatmap shows this. Bare in mind though, that what happened to me can always happen again..

Well, I decided to stick with my original itinerary, basically just paranoid that if I changed it I'd still get stuck with the old WBC.

Our plane (PH-BFW or "Shanghai") had the old WBC. The old WBC is absolutely dreadful. Huge disappointment to not get the new product. On the flip side, we had a fantastic flight attendant. Easily the best service I've ever had in a dozen times in business/first. She was really trying.

Also, this was the first time I've ever sat in the front row of a 747, which was kind of neat. It was incredibly quiet up there. My wife and I had to practically whisper to talk with each other.

FWIW, an older woman sitting behind us complained about the old WBC to a flight attendant during boarding. The FA disclosed that our plane was either the last or second-to-last 747 to be retrofitted with new WBC and they should be all done by June. Yay, for everyone flying after then, I guess. Didn't really make us feel any better, however.

I was on the the "City of Vancouver" when I flew earlier in april - Old WBC. I guess those are the last two then?

Just booked a round trip to LAX in july via JFK. Will fly on a 747 AMS-JFK-AMS and I am very excited for the new seat

Well, you have every reason to be, they're great!

In which sense of the word?

Johan