Any tips for getting an empty row on A380 out of LAX?
Mar 18, 2019, 9:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 128
Any tips for getting an empty row on A380 out of LAX?
Hello,
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
Mar 18, 2019, 1:25 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 1,452
Hello,
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
As far as an empty seat is concerned, I would say the aisle seat in the middle section towards the back. However, you are really playing the lottery, and could choose a crappier-than-otherwise seat for no ultimate benefit.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:38 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,529
As per above comment, there is almost no chance of being certain you’ll achieve your goal of an empty seat next to you (for LAX-SYD). If you have top QF status then an empty seat may be blocked next to you but this can still be occupied if the airline chooses. You’d be better off paying for an exit row seat or paying for an “extra seat” in your name - but this will cost much more. Then of course you could try the NZ “ SkyCouch” if you’d like to go via AKL.
Mar 18, 2019, 4:20 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Enjoy a Whole Row to Yourself on a Qantas Flight | Australian Frequent Flyer
Qantas "Comfort Row" | Australian Frequent Flyer
Mar 19, 2019, 1:12 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 26
Hello,
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?
Mar 19, 2019, 2:02 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Mar 19, 2019, 3:22 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 128
Thanks, I appreciate your help! I've looked at the seat map a few times and it looks rather empty. But I've learned not to trust that when flying, as oftentimes people are waiting for online check-in time so they can choose a seat for free. I cannot tell you how many times it looked like my flight would be empty, only to get onboard and encounter a completely full plane (usually AA or TK).
Mar 19, 2019, 3:40 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Looking at the seat map, less than half are selected and many are blocked. Since Qantas charge non elites to select any seat before check in this is common.
I suggest keeping a close eye on things and even ask at check in if they can block seats as a courtesy.
Good Luck.
Results from https://www.ExpertFlyer.com
I suggest keeping a close eye on things and even ask at check in if they can block seats as a courtesy.
Good Luck.
Results from https://www.ExpertFlyer.com
Code:
Seat Map Search:
Departing LAX on 21/03/19 for MEL
Flying QF flight 94 in Economy
A B D E F G J K
32 U - + - + + + - - U
33 U - - - X - + - - U
34 U - + + - U
35 U E - - - - - E U
36 U X X - - - U
A B D E F G J K
A B C D E F G H J K
48 E X - - E
49 + + +
50 + + +
51 W + + + X X - W
52 W + + + X X X X - + - W
53 W + + + H + + + + + + W
54 W + + - - - - - - + - W
55 W + + - - + - - - + + W
56 W - + - - + - - - + - W
57 W - - - - - - - - - - W
58 W - - - - - + - - + - W
59 W + + - - - + - - + + W
60 W - - - - + - - - + + W
61 W + + - - + + - - + + W
62 W - - - - + + - - - + W
63 W - + + - + + + + + + W
64 W - + - - - - W
65 W - + + W
66 E - - - - - - - - - - E
67 W + + - - - + + - + - W
68 W + + + H + + - - + - W
69 W + + + - - - - - - + W
70 W + + + - + - - + + W
71 + + - - - + + - + +
72 + - - H + - - - + +
73 - - + - + + - + + +
74 + + + H + + - - + +
75 + + + H + + + - + -
76 - - - H + + + + + +
77 - + + + + + - - + +
79 E - - - - E
80 - - - - - -
81 - - X - - X - X X X
82 X X X H + + + X X X
83 X X X H + + + X X X
84 X X X H + + - X X X
85 X X X H + + + - X -
86 + + - H + + + + + +
87 - - + +
88 + + + +
A B C D E F G H J K
Seats
Premium Only P
Available +
Handicap-Accessible H
Paid & Premium #
Occupied -
Blocked X
Lavatory L
Paid $
Location
Exit Row E
Wing W
Upper Deck U
Mar 20, 2019, 2:56 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Frensham, Lincolnshire
Programs: RFC
Posts: 5,078
The other thing to bear in mind is that QF don't (usually) get upset if you move once the seatbelt sign comes off, so you have a chance to play the spot-&-grab-a-row game too - although everyone else is playing that game, but it is often an option.