Discussion
I flew on one a few weeks ago. To be honest, I still prefer the 747. It is very big and economy is most of the lower deck. The one thing that surprised me was how long it took to connect the air bridge when you land - up to 10 minutes. I do like the camera on the tail so you can watch landing and take-off, it's a nice touch. Of course I was flying Qantas which is a pretty underwhelming experience at the best of times so perhaps the Singapore A380 might be a better ride. As I say, I am rather fond of the 747 so for me the A380 is not so special. Of course they have the most modern cabins so that is a bit uplifting compared to the older planes.
Flew back from Singapore last Nov with SA in one. Interesting, but I wouldn't pay extra for one. In fact SA suggest that the A380 uses less fuel per punter so the tickets are cheaper... Hmmnn...
Anyhows in Economy it was pretty much the same as a jumbo, only the lockers above seem higher so a bit more airy. It's 3 seats, isle, 4 seats, isle, 3 seats IIRC. That's wide! Quite fun to walk up and down the spiral stairs at the back to get some exercise though mid flight. Only thing that was worth mentioning is the PC int he seat infront of you - along with a massive range of films and tv (which all start on demand, can be paused etc) you also have other functions, like learning languages, playing your MP3/MP4 player through the display and even viewing your holiday pics on the big display (well ca. 10inch I guess). There's a couple of USB sockets and possibly even ethernet on the front fascia so bring the USB lead for your camera. Of course, that may be only Singapore airlines.
On the negative side, boarding was a abit of a nightmare in Changi (WAY too many people to get on) and did ssem to suffer for turbulence, but that may have been the conditions. Clear can of coke in the air, off the tray type drop at one point.
Anyhows in Economy it was pretty much the same as a jumbo, only the lockers above seem higher so a bit more airy. It's 3 seats, isle, 4 seats, isle, 3 seats IIRC. That's wide! Quite fun to walk up and down the spiral stairs at the back to get some exercise though mid flight. Only thing that was worth mentioning is the PC int he seat infront of you - along with a massive range of films and tv (which all start on demand, can be paused etc) you also have other functions, like learning languages, playing your MP3/MP4 player through the display and even viewing your holiday pics on the big display (well ca. 10inch I guess). There's a couple of USB sockets and possibly even ethernet on the front fascia so bring the USB lead for your camera. Of course, that may be only Singapore airlines.
On the negative side, boarding was a abit of a nightmare in Changi (WAY too many people to get on) and did ssem to suffer for turbulence, but that may have been the conditions. Clear can of coke in the air, off the tray type drop at one point.
Flew in one last Saturday from Dubai to Sydney.
Cannot compare to a 747 as I last flew 747 in 1980 when i was 9 so memory is a bit hazy
Enjoyed the experience, nice and roomy, as mentioned, tail/nose/underside cameras a nice touch and kept the wee one amused.
Flying with Emirates and can't fault them one bit - excellent service and a nice touch - they brought a birthday cake for my wee girl whose birthday in on 13th - took a photo of her on the plane, etc. very enjoyable!
Cannot compare to a 747 as I last flew 747 in 1980 when i was 9 so memory is a bit hazy
Enjoyed the experience, nice and roomy, as mentioned, tail/nose/underside cameras a nice touch and kept the wee one amused.
Flying with Emirates and can't fault them one bit - excellent service and a nice touch - they brought a birthday cake for my wee girl whose birthday in on 13th - took a photo of her on the plane, etc. very enjoyable!
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