We will be flying on UA flt 869 in biz class. This is a 747-400 aircraft. Is there any preference on seats on this plane? I've looked at Seat guru and seat xpert which doesn't have comments in yet. Wanted to get fodorites opinions. Thanks!

There's a very long thread on flyertalk about best seats on this plane:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...nal-cabin.html

I prefer the upper deck, personally.

ms_go-thanks for the great thread on flyertalk. Would u mind sharing why u prefer the upper deck? I havent flown on an upper deck in years.

Mostly because there are many fewer seats and it is quieter. The upper deck is 2-2, whereas the main cabin is 2-4-2. I haven't been upstairs on one of the new configuration planes, but the upstairs window seats did have side cabinet storage, which is handy. I expect those are still there, but I'm sure the thread will tell you, or someone else here. The overhead storage is not as big, but there is a closet by the galley for rollaboards.

Thanks again. Didnt realize the seating in upper deck is just 2-2. Yes, that long thread doesn't miss a thing.

The upper deck is wonderful. One thing to keep in mind is that there isn't overhead storage (or it may be so small as to be very limited, I don't recall). There are storage bins along the sides, which are nice for smaller items such as squashable carry-ons.

Also, I prefer the rear-facing seats, but there isn't a big difference.

I think I'll try for the upper deck...sounds nice esp for a long flight. ms_go said there is storage for rollerboards, do u agree?

No. The FAs would have to put rollerboards in a closet at the back of the cabin. I don't know how much total space there is for them in that closet, but I know that it isn't enough if lots of people bring them.

The closet holds plenty of bags. And if it for some reason is full, they'll store your bag downstairs.

I also love the upper deck! I like the extra storage space next to the window seating... and yes, it's still there on the newly configured planes. If you have a roll-aboard bag, it will need to be stowed in the "closet" right at the top of the upper deck stairway because the overhead bins upstairs are really small. I have not asked to get my rolly out from the closet during a flight, but I suppose you could do that. Or else, take what you need first, stow it overhead or in the window storage, and then give the FA your rolly to store.

Carol

I also would want a seat upstairs for the transpac flight, but probably would get a seat downstairs for the HKG-SGN leg if going that far (to get to immigration that much sooner).

Hey mrwunrfl... I managed to get my upgrades for all of my OZ trip, except for the LAX to ORD leg. I was #1 on the list, but a woman came and bought the last seat about two hours prior to the flight! Anyway, it was a fantastic trip, and I STILL like LAX better than SFO.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I booked our outgoing flt to SEAsia and we'll sit in the upper deck. Good idea about being on the lower deck for faster exit, but we don't change planes so we won't be able to do that.