The View from 1A (747)
 

One of the big items on my bucket list is a flight in a 747, seat 1A. I figure this would be the closest I was ever going to get to seeing out the cockpit windows of a real airliner. For those of you who have had this seat (or 1K, I supposed it would be very similar) - what is it like? Is it all I am imagining it would be, or is it just like looking out any other windows? Especially at night.

While I can't answer your question about the 747 I can say riding jump seat is an awesome thing. I wish everyone could experience it at least once.

We had both 1A & 1K on DFW SYD DFW.

It was different just with the curvature of the bird

Didn't really notice the windows due to a closet right at the center in front of us

1A? You see nothing. The airplane tapers down severely at that point. Your side window won't show hardly anything. And it's more cramped than any other FC seat on a 747.

Ah. My thought was that with the extreme taper, the windows are more in front of you and looking, well not forward but more forward than the regular side windows.

Do It before they are gone - it's a great ride on a classic bird - you can slightly see out of the windows but it's obscured .... Just hope for a crosswind on landing so it crabs and you see more.

There are no forward facing windows in the passenger cabin of the 747, so the view from seats 1A and its equivalent on the other side of the airplane is nothing like that seen from the cockpit.

The View from 1A (747)
 

In first class on Thai I had a great view from 3 or 4 windows from 1A.

Edit - reading OP more closely. You do not see forward, there is some curve but not a great deal.

You don't see too much from BA's new first seats. Still a great place to fly.

The View from 1A (747)
 

Because of the curve, its difficult to see out your window. I found it easier to look across the aisle and look out the opposite window.

Sit in 2A instead ;) ;)

1A and 1K Are the Worst Seats in the World
 

Stay out of them. ;)

In all seriousness, they are the best seats in the UA inventory. The amount of personal space is enormous.

I am really P-ed that someone has my 1A on my next international flight, and I have to go to 2K to be near my wife in 1K. Whomever you are in 1A, please cancel!

Just arrived NRT on UA 837 from SFO. 747, seat 1A. Daylight flight.
I liked the privacy. The space was OK but the KLM 747 seat 1A seemed to be more spacious.
Neither provided the views you are looking for.

Old First on BA those front seats did give you a better view, especially whilst taxiing going round corners and I got a much better half forward view on take off. In the air it makes no difference. I would say though that those two seats are the best in F - depending on the airline. If anyone gets cramped there they want to lose weight if it's sideways - probably can't do much about your length. ;)
New First the windows don't allow much of anything.

Y'know, if you want to see the cockpit, book seat 60K (last seat, last row) and politely ask the cabin crew to see out the cockpit after landing and disembarking.