Is economy seating on the upper deck really that bad?

Hello all,

Me and my fiancé are flying from LHR to SFO tomorrow and have checked in online. The configuration of the plane has changed since we booked the flights. I've selected seats on the upper deck (78J and 78K) as I am a very nervous flier and thought the upper deck would be quieter and thus comfort me a bit more.

However, the consensus on V-Flyer is that economy in the upper deck is cramped and rather unpleasant. Should I stay put, or get to check-in early to change seats?

Thank you,
Alice

When I went upstairs to use the UC loo, (downstairs was occupied)I thought everyone looked really comfortable especially the front row, it had loads of leg room.

Seemed OK to me.

Kaz

[Neil]

The front row won't be that badly, but the general feeling is that the aisle seat could result in a sore leg! There will be some benefits to being upstairs, as you say it should be quieter, but there is a lot of seats in a small area.

There are now 33 seats in the same space that used to hold 10 Upper Class seats so it does have a very cramped feeling. The legroom is no different to the main deck either.

Hand baggage space is also very limited as the side bins that used to be next to the windows have gone and the overhead lockers are tiny so only have a small bag with you.

The ceiling is a lot lower on the upper deck than on the main deck which also makes the area feel quite claustrophobic. The aisle is very narrow and there is also nowhere to walk to when you want to stretch your legs apart from the toilet behind the last row.

And don't forget you can't walk anywhere ... you only have the tiny cabin to stretch your legs in.

Thanks very much. I'm only 5'6" and my partner is 5'8", but the idea of a lower ceiling doesn't appeal so we'll try to get exit row seats at check in. No doubt you'll see a trip report from me soon!

Here's what the upper deck looks like if it will help you decide what seats to have:

Yes, that's rather... intimate! Thanks, Tinkerbelle. You're a star.

Window seat is too far away from the wall for leaning against, and the aisle seat will get constantly knocked by passing traffic. !

[Darren Wheeler]

The bubble works for all Upper or all PE (as those who use the MAN/LGW routes will attest) where it gives feeling or privacy and exclusivity.

Economy however, IMHO, doesn't work in a 3-3 config. 2-2 would be great but would sort of defeat the idea of having economy.

Hopefully this won't be around for too long.

And don't forget you can't walk anywhere ... you only have the tiny cabin to stretch your legs in.

If you go downstairs to the bar, how do they know whether you are UC or Economy? Do you get id'd by the crew?
"....can I see your boarding pass please Miss?"

[Darren Wheeler]

And don't forget you can't walk anywhere ... you only have the tiny cabin to stretch your legs in.

If you go downstairs to the bar, how do they know whether you are UC or Economy? Do you get id'd by the crew?
"....can I see your boarding pass please Miss?"

Not always.

The crew are very observant, as you would expect, and know who is in Upper and Economy.

[honey lamb]

If you go downstairs to the bar, how do they know whether you are UC or Economy? Do you get id'd by the crew?
"....can I see your boarding pass please Miss?"

I was at the bar on a 346 from Tokyo when a passenger came to the bar twice and helped herself. I wasn't aware where she came from but on her second foray the FSM asked her very quietly what was her seat number and then sent her back to PE explaining the bar was only for UC passengers. It was done very discreetly and I was only aware of it because she was opposite me.

As we checked in at 10:30 for an 11:30 departure, we didn't have the chance to change our seats so stuck with 78J and K. I was at the window seat, and as I'm pretty petite so found that I could stretch my legs out the ledge by the window. It's a nice quiet place to be, however not being able to wander about is a problem. I did venture downstairs a few times, but walking by the bar and through PE made me feel a little awkward. You can congregate by the galley and chat with passengers, but it's so cramped you get in the crew's way a lot.

The Upper Class passengers didn't look particularly pleased that we were off the plane before them, though. I can't say I blame them.

And martin, a chap sitting behind me tried to use the bar and was swiftly (but politely) returned to his seat! The crew really do know who's who.

As we checked in at 10:30 for an 11:30 departure, we didn't have the chance to change our seats so stuck with 78J and K. I was at the window seat, and as I'm pretty petite so found that I could stretch my legs out the ledge by the window. It's a nice quiet place to be, however not being able to wander about is a problem. I did venture downstairs a few times, but walking by the bar and through PE made me feel a little awkward. You can congregate by the galley and chat with passengers, but it's so cramped you get in the crew's way a lot.

Thanks; it's always good to have first hand experience reported.