To Upper Deck or not to Upper Deck?

I think I've seen some discussion of this before, but I've forgotten what the general consensus was. I see differing reviews leaving me confused.

For an eastbound sleeper flight, is it worth going for the Upper Deck on a 744?

Negative comments I've seen:

It was too hot.
You have to walk through a PE cabin.
Rather bright reflective cabin separator.
Ceiling too low.

Positive comments:

Very quiet, i.e. good for light sleepers. (Is it really not that quiet downstairs?)
Almost dedicated FA as small cabin.

I've never flown the upper deck before and I would like to know if I should grab the opportunity whilst I can.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Pete]

Personally I'm a fan of downstairs. The only occassion I was upstairs it was a little *too* quiet (ie, if I ever wanted anything I had to go and find an FA - then didn't tend to come in the cabin unless they had a specific reason).

Sitting downstairs I normally go for row 15 A or K. Far enough away from the bar and smells of the IFTB aromatherapy .

If your flight is not too busy, then you may be able to pick a seat upstairs, but use a vacant one downstairs when you fancy something to eat or watch a movie.

Originally posted by mcnaugha
I think I've seen some discussion of this before, but I've forgotten what the general consensus was. I see differing reviews leaving me confused.

For an eastbound sleeper flight, is it worth going for the Upper Deck on a 744?

Negative comments I've seen:

It was too hot.
You have to walk through a PE cabin.
Rather bright reflective cabin separator.
Ceiling too low.

Positive comments:

Very quiet, i.e. good for light sleepers. (Is it really not that quiet downstairs?)
Almost dedicated FA as small cabin.

I've never flown the upper deck before and I would like to know if I should grab the opportunity whilst I can.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Scrooge]

I have always gone upper deck east bound lower deck west, if only so I can have peace and quiet and get some sleep heading east.

[mitchja]

I also prefer the main deck in both directions.

The suites are narrower on the upper deck and have a smaller arm rest which is too far back to be of much use (the same as the suites on the Airbus A/C).

The other thing to remember is that the over-head bins are smaller as well upstairs.

Regards

Another vote for the main deck and I'm a big fan of 15-16 K.

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by Mavrick
Another vote for the main deck and I'm a big fan of 15-16 K.

Me too on both counts [y]

[Nottingham Nick]

I also prefer downstairs - near the front, in rows 6 or 7. I felt a bit isolated upstairs.

Nick

Originally posted by mcnaugha

You have to walk through a PE cabin.

God forbid.....[:I]

Thanks again everyone. "Not to Upper Deck" seems to be the way to go.

I had thought that rows 15 and 16 were too close to the galley? Isn't there a draft when the FAs are running back and forth to touch the trolley? [:o)] "Touch the galley... walk back and touch the trolley... move some things around on the trolley... make some meanless gestures towards the galley... walk back and touch the galley."

Originally posted by MarkJ
God forbid.....[:I]

I'll trust you knew I was quoting others Mark. I only have that attitude when on-board a BA a/c. It's a requirement by law. BA FA Mona wouldn't have it any other way. [:o)]

Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
I also prefer downstairs - near the front, in rows 6 or 7. I felt a bit isolated upstairs.

Nick

Me too but 8A and 9A, on the opposite side to the IFBT area so they can't see you. And it's quiet, spacious and lovely!

[ChuckC]

On two flights last year I opted for upper deck which is "snooze" zone on night flights. It was fine, very quiet. The big negative for me was the long wait to get downstairs and out the door upon arrival.

That said I've booked main deck for my upcoming VS46 next month.

Chuck-

Not that I've ever travelled upper deck UC eastbound; but I'd assume I'd prefer the upper deck as I would find it easier to sleep which, when returning to the UK, is quite important to me.

45.

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes


On an entirely serious note: I have flown Upper Deck every single time (save a J2000 leg some years ago). I did so precisely because I like to be ensconced in a quiet, private place


GJ

Ha! The worst flight I experienced with regard to noise level was my first revenue UC flight from LHR to SFO in the upper deck.

On this flight I had splurged some of Aer John's inheritance (to which he had no objection since he was coming too) and had asked the TA whom we had used (this was before I got wise and realised it was better to book direct with VS. It was also before v-flyer so there were no expertise to guide me) to pre-select our seats. Imagine our disappointment when instead of being told to turn left we were directed upstairs - after all, all our previous flights in PE and our SAA flight in economy had been in the bubble [:#] The magic just was not there!

Anyhow, having partaken of the fare (as in food) offered to us and quaffed suffciently of the beverages offered in UC, it was a tired honey lamb who decided that, having risen from her slumber at 4:00am to make this connection, a small nap - nay even a medium nap - was in order, and so composing herself on the J2000 seats complete with ear plugs and eye mask, she prepared to rest in the arms of Morpheus. Fat chance! In the row behind her and across the aisle was a guy with a loud penetrating voice who could talk for England and get a gold medal....and he was obviously in training [:0] honey lamb donned the earphones and tuned into an easy listening channel (remember she had not yet discovered v-flyer, so such devices as Bose QCs were unknown to her) The drone (for such was the tenor of his voice) penetrated even these sound blocking attempts and after 30 minutes she did the most sensible thing she could have done short of docking yer man with a swift left hook. She gave up and went downstairs to the bar! [y]

[Darren Wheeler]

Originally posted by ChuckC
The big negative for me was the long wait to get downstairs and out the door upon arrival.


Chuck-

Especially when some old fart decides to let everyone else go first with the quote "Don't worry, I'm in no rush".

You could hear the howls of "connecting flight" from the back of the queue. [V] The FA persuaded him to move before my foot did the job!! [}:)]