PE seat choice

I'm finding a wealth of info on this site but would appreciate a heads up on upstairs PE seating for VS075/VS076. My wife and I are going on a VA 747-400 in Jan for the first time. Being in our early 60's and suffering from numerous ailments the days of not minding plane changes and constricted seating are now behind us, especially with me being 15 stone plus and well over 6ft. The seat maps and a couple of clips I found on YouTube seem to show row 75 has extra leg room, but the ratings here don't seem to favour them overmuch. Apart from the IFE screen looking like it's in the arm rests is there anything about those seats that's different?
Thanks in anticipation.

[mitchja]

No, there's no noticeable difference, other than the IFE screen been stored between the seats when not in use (which I actually prefer and it means you can better position your screen when in use)

The only other minor difference is that there's obviously no seat pocket storage in front of you so the safety card/magazines etc are stored in a pocket stuck to the cabin wall.

Hello and welcome!

Have a look at the ratings on http://www.seatguru.com and http://www.seatexpert.com for an alternative view.

Seats are very personal and one persons great 'must have' seat is anothers 'kill me if I ever have to sit in it again'

The IFE is stored in the arm rest as is the tray table so these seats are slightly narrower and can't be lifted.

You mention your 'ailments' Would these affect your ability to get up and down the spiral stairs quickly. VS used to mention this on the website (or did the last time I flew upstairs but that was ten years ago!)

[mitchja]

The -400's have a straight stair case going upto the upper deck (although it is quite steep). It was only the -200's that had a spiral one.

Thanks for the quick replies. Moving is not a problem; it's just sitting still in a cramped position that gets us nowadays. Those other sites seem to recommend row 75 so I think I'd better start booking, assuming they haven't already gone.
Regards,
Roger

[Neil]

Row 75 is an exit row and cannot currently be booked in advance. I personally prefer 77 or 78 as they have a double side storage area that is very useful during the flight, whilst row 75 only has about 1/4 of one that is slightly behind you. The leg room is still very good in these seats.

Thanks for the added info, Neil. However I could only get rows 80 and 79 out and back. Still better than nothing I suppose. However, will 75 be available at the airport or will they go to the last 4 PE bookers? Anyway, I'll just need to keep an eye open for cancellations from now on.
Regards,
Roger

[Neil]

Row 79/80 are still very good seats, the only reason I didn't mention them is that sometimes with them being at the back the choices of meals do run out. Row 75 should only be allocated at the airport onto day of travel.

As long as I don't seize up I'll be happy. re meals I've ordered vegitarian anyway for my wife so one would hope they wouldn't mess that up!!! Me, I'll eat anything apart from mushrooms. Speaking of that, my dinner is ready, so thanks to all and good night!
Regards,
Roger

Anyway, I'll just need to keep an eye open for cancellations from now on.
Regards,
Roger

Only 60% of seats are available for pre-request. Most of the others are released at OLCI (and sometimes a few hours before)

Yes do a regular check to see if anyone else has moved and if that move helps you get different/ 'better' seats but once the 60% has been filled no one will be able to move until OLCI

Also do OLCI as other seats will be opened up. Doing OLCI does not stop you asking for the exit rows at the airport.

Hi Hardy1

Personally 79 or 80 H & K are my favourites for all sorts of reasons that others might not agree with, as stated before, one man's meat is another man's poison.

I always reserve/request for these seats.

Enjoy your flight.

R-P

[buns]

Hi Hardy1

Personally 79 or 80 H & K are my favourites for all sorts of reasons that others might not agree with, as stated before, one man's meat is another man's poison.

I always reserve/request for these seats.

Enjoy your flight.

R-P

RP

I am with you all the way on this one - the potential lack of choice of menu is offset by the benefits

buns

yes 80 for us too - bagged it for tuesdays flight

Thanks for all your replies. I would have replied sooner but I've been away for a few days.
Regards,
Roger

also if you see our TR the CC on our flight were trialing starting the food service from 80 and going UP to 75. soe we got first choice, now that wipes out the only negative about 80 for me