747: Upper Deck vs. Lower Deck
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 677
747: Upper Deck vs. Lower Deck
I was just wondering what members thought about flying business class in either deck. Lower decks have larger cabins and more passengers. Upper decks are smaller with less passengers. Do you have a preference? If so, why?
Last edited by Ducati; Mar 8, 2012 at 10:27 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,472
Much discussed already in previous threads, general consensus is upper deck to it being quieter, more private and there are not that many passenger planes with an upper deck other than an A380.
#7




Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: AA PLT MM, BA, UA, AC
Posts: 800
Opps, sorry missed the Q in the op when I first read it.
Why? Mainly because the upper deck is quieter, that makes a big difference on a long haul flight.
I recently flew LHR to HKG and had a choice of several BA or CX flights (in terms of flight times and equipment), I was on a paid J ticket and I dilberately chose to fly on the 747 to sit upstairs.
I don't know if any airlines have still have Y cabins on the upper deck. I have been on two carriers where I sat in Y on the upper deck of a 747.
Why? Mainly because the upper deck is quieter, that makes a big difference on a long haul flight.
I recently flew LHR to HKG and had a choice of several BA or CX flights (in terms of flight times and equipment), I was on a paid J ticket and I dilberately chose to fly on the 747 to sit upstairs.
I don't know if any airlines have still have Y cabins on the upper deck. I have been on two carriers where I sat in Y on the upper deck of a 747.
#8


Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SoCal
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NZ has E+ in the upper deck of the 747.
I echo the sentiments of this thread --- I also prefer sitting in the upper deck of the 747. Have done so in UA, OZ, and NZ in C/J. It's just a much more intimate cabin (smaller FA to PAX ratio) and segregated from the crowds.
Have also flown in seats 1A/1K (with the Mrs) in the NZ 747 AKL-LAX. Yes, the nose is also a fantastic experience.
I echo the sentiments of this thread --- I also prefer sitting in the upper deck of the 747. Have done so in UA, OZ, and NZ in C/J. It's just a much more intimate cabin (smaller FA to PAX ratio) and segregated from the crowds.
Have also flown in seats 1A/1K (with the Mrs) in the NZ 747 AKL-LAX. Yes, the nose is also a fantastic experience.
#9
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,443
Upper deck for me. As above, it's quieter and more private, and I always feel, when in the lower-deck business-class area (at least if there's a first-class section up front) that I'm sitting in a corridor between the door and the back of the plane.
And anyway, the view out the window is naturally better from upstairs, because you're higher.
And anyway, the view out the window is naturally better from upstairs, because you're higher.
#11
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: New Zealand
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#12


Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Cambridge, UK
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Posts: 1,456
I'm really going to miss the 747s when they are phased out.
#14



Join Date: Jun 2007
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Depends on the airline and the configuration, of course. On UA, I flew in the upper deck because it was more private, less crowded, and much quieter than the lower deck business class cabin. I also like the storage bins by the windows. And it IS pretty cool going upstairs on a plane!
On LH, business class is the front quarter of the main deck. I sat in the nose section (row 2), which is somewhat separated from "main" business class section by a center lav and the exit rows. Again, felt much more private and was definitely quieter. Wasn't a big fan of the seats, but the front section itself was nice. Not as "cool" as going upstairs, though (where LH puts F).
On LH, business class is the front quarter of the main deck. I sat in the nose section (row 2), which is somewhat separated from "main" business class section by a center lav and the exit rows. Again, felt much more private and was definitely quieter. Wasn't a big fan of the seats, but the front section itself was nice. Not as "cool" as going upstairs, though (where LH puts F).

