Summary

• Choose seats A or K in economy for more legroom and no third seat in front. Avoid seats near washrooms.
• In premium economy, go for rows 33A/B and J/K for extra legroom. Avoid middle seats unless traveling in a group of three or larger.
• In business class, choose window seats (A or K) for more legroom and better views. Avoid rows 25 and 26 due to noise from the onboard bar and bathrooms.

Dubai-based Emirates is the largest operator of the Airbus A380. Emirates operates 116 examples of the airliner, more than half of the total active A380s. While many other airlines have either retired their quad-jets or are slowly phasing them out, Emirates continues to deploy its fleet on short- and long-haul routes.

The airline aims to use the most significant commercial jet until the 2040s and invest in upgrading the passenger cabins. With most aircraft configured to accommodate nearly 500 passengers, choosing the best seats for each class of travel can be a challenge.

This article guides the best seats in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First class cabins onboard the Emirates A380 fleet, based on data from ch-aviation.

Economy class

Emirates' A380s can seat anywhere between 399 and 557 passengers in economy class, depending on which aircraft you're on. This means strategically choosing your place on a long-haul flight is essential to getting the most comfortable experience. Simple Flying took a closer look at the ins and outs of these configurations last year, and you can read our assessment here.

The Economy cabin is laid out in a 3-4-3 configuration, as is standard for the A380, with all seats on the lower deck in the three/four-class layout. Avoiding the middle seat is a priority unless flying with family or friends, so seats B, E, F, and J should be crossed off the list. In the two-class setup, the front part of the upper deck also has economy class seats in a 2-4-2 layout, where only E and F are middle seats.

The best seats are the ones titled 'bulkhead' above. These are usually home to emergency exits or galleys, offering much more legroom than a standard seat. Rows 41, 52, 67, and 80 are all safe bets. However, proximity to the galleys and washrooms can disturb overnight flights due to the commotion.

Perhaps the best seats in economy are A and K in rows 68 and 81. With no third seat in the row ahead, passengers have more legroom without sacrificing storage. This makes 67 and 80 B and C good choices, too, especially if you're traveling in a pair and would rather avoid sitting next to a stranger. Either way, Emirates' economy is considered one of the most comfortable in the world!

Verdict: Select 68A/K and 81 A/K on all A380s if available, followed by emergency exit and bulkhead seats. Avoid seats near washrooms.

Premium Economy

A new entrant to the fleet, premium economy, is under two years old at Emirates. While currently only on select A380s and 777s, the cabin is set to be on over 120 planes by the end of 2024. So, where should you sit if you find yourself in this little oasis at the front of the lower deck of the A380?

Rows 33 to 40 are now premium in a 2-4-2 configuration. The twin seats are the best choice for both pairs and solo travelers, with aisle or window, depending on your preference. You'll wait to avoid all E and F seats unless you're in a group of three or larger since there are middle seats.

Our review of the cabin from London to Dubai revealed that 33A/B and J/K are the best seats due to the extra legroom, despite clearing away belongings during takeoff and landing. Premium economy is now available on all services to London Heathrow and other top European destinations like Paris CDG and, soon, all over the US.

New York and San Francisco already have the cabin on select flights, while Houston and Los Angeles will be added by July.

Verdict: Row 33A/B and J/K are the best picks for space, while all pairs of seats should be the top priority for pairs and single passengers.

Business class

Emirates hasn't shied away from colossal business class cabins on its A380s. Seating anywhere from 58 to 76 passengers, these premium-heavy cabins are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration. However, not all seats are equal, and choosing well is essential to maximize the experience. Let's take a look at the best options.

If you're flying solo or love window views, go for seats A or K. Due to the staggered layout, these seats are next to the window, while B and J are closer to the aisle. A, E, F, and K also offer more legroom when fully flat, an essential consideration for taller fliers.

The only seats to avoid are rows 25 and 26. Since the onboard bar and bathrooms are located here, noise can be an issue for many. The first row of business class with windows, so 7A/K or 6A/K, depending on the aircraft, is ideal, since it also has slightly more legroom, and you're unlikely to see many other passengers.

Securing seats upfront is your best bet. If traveling with someone, we'd recommend E and F since you can dine with them and get more privacy thanks to the console. If you're stuck in the middle, take seats D or G for your space. In any case, Emirates business class is always a unique experience.

Verdict: Choose the first row of window seats (6 or 7A/K) or any other window seat closer to the window (A or K). If traveling as a pair, E & F is ideal, while D & G is better if all the windows are gone and you're alone.

First class

With only 14 seats, it's hard to say which seats are the best on the A380's first class. Laid out in a 1-2-1 layout, the middle pair of seats lacks windows, which can be a drawback if you enjoy the natural light and view. That being said, passengers traveling together may prefer the closer proximity that these offer. For solo flyers, A and K are the best choices for the entire first class experience.

With a bar right ahead and behind first class, sticking to rows 2 and 3 is the safest in terms of noise. Besides that, there is little to pick from if you find yourself in this cabin - sit back, relax, and enjoy the boundless luxury.

What is your favorite seat onboard Emirates' Airbus A380s? How often have you flown on the Dubai-based UAE flag carrier's superjumbos? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Sources: ch-aviation.com

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