RogerVictor - 19/10/2010 16:37 GMT
This may seem a tad self indulgent a question, but hey
My ex-partner and I (we still get on very well) are travelling to Buenos Aries tomorrow on BA in FIRST. At the moment we are booked in to seats 2A and 2K. It is the first time either one of us has travelled in FIRST. Seats 1A and 1K are available. Should I swap in to them. There is something about the kudos of having a boarding card with 1A on it that excites me. But, is the seat worth it.
What do you think?
Also, any tips on maximising the FIRST experience. I don't care if it's new or old.
I may be looking forward to the flight more than the holiday!
Thanks
Ps I know there is a typo in the title. I couldn't be bothered to re-type it. I'm busy packing!
jetlagged - 19/10/2010 16:42 GMT
1A and 1K have that prestige factor but row 2 has better seats. If it's a 747, the seats in row 1 are quite close together and are separated by the wardrobe in the nose. If it's a 777 row 1 is quite close to the galley.
Row 2 is furtherst from anyone else because of the reduced numbers of rows in the middle.
The good lady wife and I are off to the US next week, and we're in 2K and 3K both ways. It's more convenient for getting up and talking to each other, and for the meal service you have the companion seat to sit in...
SSTBeliever - 19/10/2010 17:40 GMT
I prefer 2 as 1 can be disrupted a little by crew and passengers getting items out of the wardrobe that is located between the seats (your legs extend down the side of the wardrobe).
If you are right handed go for K as it makes getting the glass from shelf to mouth easier but that is only a minor irritant if its the other way round!
As long as you are both of normal stature you can still hold hands across the aisle in 2 and usually the crew get all starry eyed if you do that and make even more of a fuss of you.
make sure you dont eat all day and enjoy both the Concorde Room and the first service - most of all - enjoy!!
Personally I prefer 4 E and F as this allows you to enjoy dining next to each other without having one of you need to use the companion seat. Have a glass of dessert wine (chilled) followed by some port before settling down...enjoy!
Gold-2K - 19/10/2010 20:21 GMT
Row 2 is the best on a 747 and if I am travelling alone I always aim for 2K. However when travelling with partner we like 1A and 1K as it is possible to have a conversation while also both enjoying a window seat. The wardrobe in the nose can be a disturbance but normally only for a short time after take off and pre landing.
2A and 2K are good seats but a bit too far apart to have a conversation without annoying those around you.
Loyal_BA - 19/10/2010 21:12 GMT
In a 747, I always avoid 1A & 1K due to the wardrobe between the seats.
Travelling with my wife, I always go for 4 E&F on a 747 or 2 E&F on the 777 - I like the fact I can sit next to her and chat etc, although I guess thats personal preference!
In BA First I always select 2A or 2K on the 747.
VintageKrug - 20/10/2010 10:01 GMT
The problem, of course, with setting out your favourite seat on board is that as more and more people get to know the better seats, they are more quickly booked up, denying the regulars their preferred choice.
Thankfully, it is clear from this thread that we all have different criteria against which to judge the "best" seat.
There really are no "bad" seats in FIRST, and this is even more the case with the new cabin.
Roger
The first question is this ... is your aircraft outfitted with the new BA First Class or the older BA First Class? The cabins and seats are quite different.
I recently flew LHR-JFK in 2A on BA's new first class and found the experience fantastic. The new BA first class seats are sort of a cocoon in how they are designed. While 1A may seem nicer to you, for prestige, 2A/2K will offer you an outstanding experience.
If you and your ex-partner wish to sit together, the middle seats on the new first class allow for an excellent experience for traveling as a pair.
I wrote about BA's new first class, with extensive photos of the cabin here - http://bit.ly/8YIQik
It may give you a better perspective of the cabin.
Happy Flying!
-Steven
www.flyingwithfish.com
Binman62 - 20/10/2010 13:43 GMT
Seats 1AK on the 747 every time and even more so now if it is the new product as the use of the wardrobe is drastically reduced by each seat having its own hanging space. Problem with 1AK is that it only becomes available 24 hours out as it is the baby seats position in First. It can also be pre booked by golds and Prems. Next best for me is 2AK.
On 777 seats in the middle are best if traveling with someone. Window seats have more personal space (IMHO) but every seats can be used for dining with another.
Whatever the seat enjoy...
RogerVictor - 20/10/2010 14:45 GMT
Thanks all. have 1A on the way out and 2A on the way back. Happy BT forum-ing
