Question for the frequent UC flyers please

Last month my husband & I took our first ever UC flights from LGW to LAS on a 747-400 so only 14 seats in UC. I've just booked for us to go LHR to DXB in Sept next year (using airmiles - phew, seems I booked just in time. Changes are coming with FC!) I looked at the seat configuration & there will be loads of UC seats on the plane. My question to all you frequent flyers who have already experienced UC on different types of planes, is does it feel cramped? Also, there seems to be a glass partition between the seats. Does that detract from privacy or is it just a good way of keeping an eye on your travelling companion ? Thank you in advance for any views.

I think you're on a LGW 747 with only a limited amount of UC for your first flight whereas I presume you're DXB flight is on a 333 or 789 from LHR where more emphasis is on the "premium" business passenger rather than the "bucket and spade" flights

[buns]

Firstly, congratulations on getting those Upper Class Reward seats

Currently, the DXB flights are predominantly opeated by the 330. As you may have seen in other posts on V Flyer, the 330 fleet are to undergo a refurbishment and some of the current criticisms will disappear - of course V Flyers have yet to travel in the new cabin, so it is too early to say what is likely to be good or bad.

Based on what has been said so far (i.e. they new configuration will be like the 787) then seats on the "A" side are likely to have more privacy.

Of course you will be going through the LHR Clubhouse - which is also to be refurbished - and my only advice is to get there in the early afteronn as it does fill up from around 6pm.

buns

you mention loads of UC seats, is it a 346? that has the most UC seats, i've had a couple of DXB flights this year that used a 346

the glass partition is etched/frosted, you can't see the person through it

the 333 middle seats are shorter in bed mode, if you're tall you'll notice it, aisles are a bit narrow but ok, there're no overhead lockers/airvents for the middle rows

irrespective of which aircraft, always go for window seats

if it's a 346 or 789 you get a bit more privacy if you choose a window seat that faces the 'rear' of the middle row - i'd choose A on the 789, but on the 346 the configuration changes halfway along, go for K in the front half, and A in the rear half

i like the very first row if i can get it, never had a problem with galley noise, but i know others prefer a bit further back, the bar end can be noisy at times

Thanks for the replies. Buns, that sounds exciting - do we know when the fleet is due to be refurbished? Not going until Sept next year, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. Can't wait to experience LHR CH. Just hope that's not closed for a refurb when we go.
Sungod, great reply. Thanks for all the details. I've already booked our seats - 4A & 5A. We may be nearly 50 but who doesn't want a window seat given the choice?
I was warned on this forum when I mentioned that our flights to LAS would be our first in UC, that we'd only ever want to turn left in the future. That's so true. Saving airmiles like a demon now!

[buns]

Thanks for the replies. Buns, that sounds exciting - do we know when the fleet is due to be refurbished? Not going until Sept next year, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The thread here states the changes will start about now and should be finished by next summer.

buns

Great, thanks for that Buns