Where to sit on the Boeing 747-400 [merged B744 experience reports]
#121
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,517
Some people prefer row 83 because nobody will grab the back of your seat to get up.
Check this thread about the order of meal service in Business. I think two FAs serve the upper deck of the 744.
I just don’t want to be the last to order food, and want to be relatively comfortable and be able to finish our meal relatively quickly. I’m assumig they serve from the front of the upper deck to the back?
#122
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Thank you!
#123
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I was provided with both the mattress and the shirt, yes - that's what I meant for 'new kit' in the first instance and I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear enough initially. I am due to fly the very same route (SEA-FRA only on LH as I'll be in SCL and will fly DL on my way up) again in a few days' time and I will happily report back again.
G
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#124
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SJJ/AMS
Posts: 4,649
G
#125
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 636
Besides I don’t quite get the obsession about whether they‘ll hand out a PJ-top and matress - LH J was a solid product before without either.
#126
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
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I've sat all around the 744 UD and it's all pretty similar - IME not worth stressing out about particular pairs. Some would say 84 over 83 because you get a little more space at the bulkhead, and personally I'm quite happy in 81 because the lavatory is set back a good distance toward the cockpit so it's hardly noticeable. The only real difference is that window seats have vastly more space than aisle seats because of the window shelf, but as a couple this is moot since you'll take a pair anyway. Also, you should try to sit on the shady side of the aircraft.
In my experience, the meal order is pretty unfathomable. It does indeed seem to be two FAs, one for 81-83 and one for 84-86, but beyond that I've never really followed it. I've been served last in 84A, first in 81A, and several others I can't quite remember. Other than looking around wondering when I get my food it's never been an issue though - always gotten my first choice and the crews have been excellent.
Check this thread about the order of meal service in Business. I think two FAs serve the upper deck of the 744.
#127
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 315
LH FRA-SEA 747-400 upper or lower business
Husband and I are currently booked in 3H and 3K. We often don't sit together, and don't care about sitting together. But it is nice to not have to have strangers hopping over us or vice versa. I can't remember if you have to do that in a 747.
There are seats available in upper deck, several windows and aisles, but not together, except the back row 86 which is generally not recommended. Last year I was in a 747 and liked the upstairs because of the extra storage. Some say upstairs is quieter, but others say downstairs since FA's aren't walking to the cockpit. I supposed we could also get a window and aisle, like 82k and 83j and ask to someone to switch.
Here's what is open upstairs. 81k 82k 83j 85c 86h&k
Thoughts? Stay where we are or move upstairs?
There are seats available in upper deck, several windows and aisles, but not together, except the back row 86 which is generally not recommended. Last year I was in a 747 and liked the upstairs because of the extra storage. Some say upstairs is quieter, but others say downstairs since FA's aren't walking to the cockpit. I supposed we could also get a window and aisle, like 82k and 83j and ask to someone to switch.
Here's what is open upstairs. 81k 82k 83j 85c 86h&k
Thoughts? Stay where we are or move upstairs?
#128
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 18
Husband and I are currently booked in 3H and 3K. We often don't sit together, and don't care about sitting together. But it is nice to not have to have strangers hopping over us or vice versa. I can't remember if you have to do that in a 747.
There are seats available in upper deck, several windows and aisles, but not together, except the back row 86 which is generally not recommended. Last year I was in a 747 and liked the upstairs because of the extra storage. Some say upstairs is quieter, but others say downstairs since FA's aren't walking to the cockpit. I supposed we could also get a window and aisle, like 82k and 83j and ask to someone to switch.
Here's what is open upstairs. 81k 82k 83j 85c 86h&k
Thoughts? Stay where we are or move upstairs?
There are seats available in upper deck, several windows and aisles, but not together, except the back row 86 which is generally not recommended. Last year I was in a 747 and liked the upstairs because of the extra storage. Some say upstairs is quieter, but others say downstairs since FA's aren't walking to the cockpit. I supposed we could also get a window and aisle, like 82k and 83j and ask to someone to switch.
Here's what is open upstairs. 81k 82k 83j 85c 86h&k
Thoughts? Stay where we are or move upstairs?
#129
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I just got off SEA-FRA and was in row 83 on the right hand side with my friend. I could not believe they ran out of my entree choice by the time they got to us. I believe they have FA’s who serve row 81-83 and then another that looks after row 84-the end on the upper deck.
First off I would highly recommend the upper deck as there’s nothing like sitting in the upper deck on the 744. I would say the best seats on the LH 744’s are row 84 as your first for your meal selection, and there is extra room due to the emergency exit.
First off I would highly recommend the upper deck as there’s nothing like sitting in the upper deck on the 744. I would say the best seats on the LH 744’s are row 84 as your first for your meal selection, and there is extra room due to the emergency exit.
#130
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
Managed to still find availability for two LH J awards to FRA through United with only about 7 weeks to departure. I had previously been booked awards on Aer Lingus, which I have now canceled due this pleasant surprise.
It will be first time flying in LH J for me and first time J experience for the wife. Chose 85A/C over the other pairs option of 81H/K in the upper deck, and 3A/C and 4H/K at the nose. Exciting way to start out the holiday trip to Italy.
It will be first time flying in LH J for me and first time J experience for the wife. Chose 85A/C over the other pairs option of 81H/K in the upper deck, and 3A/C and 4H/K at the nose. Exciting way to start out the holiday trip to Italy.
#131
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
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Family of 4 - we were pre-assigned seats A, C, H & K in Row 1 on a TATL overnight flight. Sounds like the perfect setup as we plan to sleep though kids would like to see the upper deck LOL.
Question: Is there decent overhead bin or side storage space in the nose section? I am happy to store my 21" B&R in the coat closet but I like to keep my Swiss backpack nearby. For this reason I generally avoid the upper deck (at least on the old UA 747s) as the side bins and overheads were too narrow to fit any of my items and a pain to haul my bags up the stairs.
Congrats! We were also pleasantly surprised to find 4 J seats from DEN->Italy in June using UA miles. Alas the return is looking tougher...
Question: Is there decent overhead bin or side storage space in the nose section? I am happy to store my 21" B&R in the coat closet but I like to keep my Swiss backpack nearby. For this reason I generally avoid the upper deck (at least on the old UA 747s) as the side bins and overheads were too narrow to fit any of my items and a pain to haul my bags up the stairs.
Managed to still find availability for two LH J awards to FRA through United with only about 7 weeks to departure. I had previously been booked awards on Aer Lingus, which I have now canceled due this pleasant surprise.
It will be first time flying in LH J for me and first time J experience for the wife. Chose 85A/C over the other pairs option of 81H/K in the upper deck, and 3A/C and 4H/K at the nose. Exciting way to start out the holiday trip to Italy.
It will be first time flying in LH J for me and first time J experience for the wife. Chose 85A/C over the other pairs option of 81H/K in the upper deck, and 3A/C and 4H/K at the nose. Exciting way to start out the holiday trip to Italy.
#132
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Geneva
Programs: LX SEN, AFKL Platinum, BA Bronze,
Posts: 5,642
Family of 4 - we were pre-assigned seats A, C, H & K in Row 1 on a TATL overnight flight. Sounds like the perfect setup as we plan to sleep though kids would like to see the upper deck LOL.
Question: Is there decent overhead bin or side storage space in the nose section? I am happy to store my 21" B&R in the coat closet but I like to keep my Swiss backpack nearby. For this reason I generally avoid the upper deck (at least on the old UA 747s) as the side bins and overheads were too narrow to fit any of my items and a pain to haul my bags up the stairs.
Question: Is there decent overhead bin or side storage space in the nose section? I am happy to store my 21" B&R in the coat closet but I like to keep my Swiss backpack nearby. For this reason I generally avoid the upper deck (at least on the old UA 747s) as the side bins and overheads were too narrow to fit any of my items and a pain to haul my bags up the stairs.
There are no overhead bins above row 1, but there is space underneath the footwell that will fit a normal size carry on back pack.
#133
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 44
If you don't mind stepping over someone: Non bulkhead Upper deck window seats. The cabin feels much more cozy and exclusive, and thanks to the way the walls curve, the seats have a noticeable extra amount of storage, width, and leg room.
#135
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,740
It is good for solo travelers in that it is the only J seat with aisle access and nobody who has to climb over. And you feel like Captain Kirk.
I am still not a fan: for day flights, I like a window; had it once during a night flight and it was rather noisy (lots of traffic passing by, the FAs park their carts right in front of it ...) and has little privacy. I moved to a different seat during the night.
For me, upper deck is the better place to be.
I am still not a fan: for day flights, I like a window; had it once during a night flight and it was rather noisy (lots of traffic passing by, the FAs park their carts right in front of it ...) and has little privacy. I moved to a different seat during the night.
For me, upper deck is the better place to be.
Last edited by worldclubber; Jul 9, 2019 at 12:08 am