Will be flying a Boeing 747-400 from CDG to Atlanta. Looks like these are 3 across.

There are a handful in the back 52-55, that are 2 across. Anyone had experience with these seats, and do you like them?

Thanks, annieladd

I've not flown in the back section you mention, but did recently fly AirFrance CDG to Atlanta on a 747-400 in the upper deck (rows 60 and up). These must have been business class or first class at one time, as they are huge and recline quite a bit, with power foot rests. Seatguru shows these as 3-3, but in fact they were 2-2. Service and food still very much coach class, but space much better (albeit a bit grubby and worn, as the rest of coach likely also is). Personal in-flight entertainment set up as well.

I don't know for sure if this is the norm on this flight, or if I just got lucky with an equipment change or something. You could also try posting your query on flyertalk.com.

Well, they're really close to the lavatories, which is good and bad (good if you need to use one, bad when people are lined up in the aisles to use them). You'll also be among the last to be served drinks, dinner, and breakfast. And you'll be last off the plane. And somehow it always just feels really cramped back there.

So personally, no, I don't like those seats.

Also, check out seatguru.com.

Wow I wish I had known about the seats you had Therese! those sound like winners to me. We just came back on maybe the same flight - CDG to ATL on a 747. I think we were in about row 20 in a 3 seat configuration. We thought the seats were roomier and more comfortable than our flight over on Delta but there was no in-seat entertainment. AND surprise! they served the drinks and meals from the back - needless to say they were out of the entree I wanted when they got to us. But they gave me an extra bottle of wine, no charge. In fact no charge for any wine (Delta gives one free with the meal).

I don't know what kind of plane it was, but when I flew Air France from SFO last year we were in a section with two seats. We were on the side. I can't remember how many across in the middle. We each had our own screen. For me, coach is coach. It sucks but I get a huge reward for enduring 11 hours of hell.

Wow, didn't know that 747s were flying into ATL?

Annie: We flew exactly those seats last March when we went to Paris and were very happy with them. We hate the three seat configuration so really preferred the two seat configuration. You are at the back of the plane so are the last to deplane but we just continued to read our books while everyone else lined up. When it was finally our turn we were able to get our carryon luggage without being pushed from behind and just stroll off of the plane. We did not find being so near the lavatories to be a deterrent and we loved these seats.

We had those seats on a British Air flight from Chicago to London. There great. Scoop them up if you can.

Don't most airlines practice FEBO (front even, back odd) food service? I've always assumed so but not sure why!

No, I'd say most airlines serve front to back for all flights.

Therese,
The 744 you were on is the only one of its kind left in the AF fleet. The seats on the upper deck are the old (and very tired looking) business class seats. This is a 3 class aircraft currently being sold as 2 class. Lucky you!

Definitely old and tired-looking, Patty, and none too clean either. I had the bulkhead aisle seat, and the window seat next to mine was so broken down (arm rest actually held together with duct tape) that they didn't seat anybody there. So it was like my own private room up there.

And yes, I figured this had to be some weird fluke.

My only concern this time of year for flying in the back of the plane is this is where they put the "student groups". We just took that flight a couple of weeks ago...thankfully we were closer to the front than the back - there was a group of rowdy middle school kids (about 30) and they were literally bouncing off the seats and the walls with apparently no supervision and no regard for others. Flight attendants were keeping their distance from them and it appeared that the "chaperones" had taken drugs and were asleep. I felt so sorry for the adult travelers who were stuck back there with the unruly kids.

caroltis - They always put student groups, crying babies, POSes (and in the past, smokers) around me. At least that's what I always assume when I get on a plane. When you expect the worst, you usually feel better when not all of them are around you.

Noise isolating/canceling headphones help alleviate some of that problem.

yes we always choose them for long flights....my wife can stand up in the large area between the window seat and the window....she can also lay down there and sleep...

Of all the airlines I've been on to Europe and back, Air France is my favorite, even though some don't care for it. Don't know about the particular seats though.

Thanks everyone, we're going for the 2 in the back, I just dread the airplane part of the trip, but it's always worth it!

I heard on the news today that AirFrance is phasing out the 747s, but I don't suppose that will happen by September.

Thanks again for your suggestions. annieladd

We have 52B&C next April!!

You can actually make your seat selections on AF when you make your res. Which is pretty rare. Make your selection as soon as you can.