Summary

• Lufthansa's 747-8 fleet includes economy, premium economy, business, and first class seats.
• Economy seats A and K in row 27 offer more legroom, while seats B, C, H, and J in rows 45-47 offer more privacy.
• First-class options include solo seats A and K for privacy or row 3 D/G for couples, all with premium services.

The Queen of the Skies has become a rare sight over the last few years, with many operators retiring the quadjets in favor of more modern and efficient aircraft. Luckily for Boeing 747 fans, Lufthansa still has a few in its fleet. The German carrier remains the largest operator of the passenger 747, with eight -400s and 19 -8s in service today.

While 2024 might be the last full year of operations for Lufthansa's older -400 models, the -8s will continue flying for a few more years. The newer generation aircraft currently serve long-haul destinations like Los Angeles (LAX), Singapore (SIN), and Johannesburg (JNB). If you book a flight on a Lufthansa 747-8, here are some of the best seats to look out for.

The best seats in economy class

Seats in each class

Lufthansa's 747-8 fleet has an average age of 10.4 years, with the oldest aircraft at 12.4 and the youngest at 9.04 years. The airline offers four travel classes on its 747-8s - economy, premium economy, business, and first class. While each class offers a unique onboard experience, some seats are better than others, depending on their location. While there might be some variations, this article will focus on the configuration on most of Lufthansa's 747-8s. Below is the number of seats in each class:

Economy class seats

Seats in economy typically offer a pitch of 31 inches and a width of 17.1 inches. They can be found in rows 16-20 behind business and premium economy and in rows 27-49 behind the premium economy cabin. It is laid out in a 3-4-3 configuration, meaning seats B, E, F, and J are all middle seats, which should be avoided unless traveling with family or a group of friends.

On most aircraft, seats close to the bulkhead or in emergency exit rows are usually the best as they offer extra legroom. Row 27 might offer more legroom than other rows, so seats A and K would be the best options. Of course, it will come down to whether a passenger prefers a window or an aisle seat. However, the tray tables in this row are on the armrests, making them immovable, and there is also no under-seat storage.

The extra legroom might outweigh all the cons when traveling on an extremely long flight. Some special seats can also be found at the back of the plane in rows 45-47. These rows are in a 2-4-2 configuration, so seats B, C, H, and J would be the perfect choice for couples looking for more privacy. However, rows 47-49 should be avoided as the seats may have limited recline, and their proximity to the lavatory may be bothersome.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

The best seats in premium economy

Premium economy seats can be found in rows 21-25 in a 2-3-2 configuration. They are typically 19 inches wide and offer about 38 inches of pitch. The cabin will also be less crowded as there are only 32 seats. In addition to the extra legroom and wider seats, Lufthansa's premium economy offers more free baggage, enhanced services, and amenities.

The best seats in this cabin are in row 21, which only has four seats, with two on each side of the cabin. Seats A, C, H, and K may offer slightly more legroom due to the exit row. However, there might be some disturbances with a lavatory just behind the economy cabin. Ultimately, I would settle for seat A or K in row 21.

Business class on the main and upper deck

Lufthansa's business class cabin is situated after first class in rows 4-11 on the main deck and 81-88 on the upper deck. All seats on the main and upper deck are the same, with the following dimensions:

The best main deck seats

Business class on the main deck is divided into two parts - the main section and a mini-section immediately behind. They are both arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. Of course, business customers receive a lot more amenities, comfort, and services, so some might not care where they sit. However, some seats are still better than others.

Given the 2-2-2 layout, passengers in seats A and K will not have direct aisle access, which can be inconvenient when the passenger next to you has converted their seat into a bed. However, these seats do offer a window view. You might also want to avoid seats in rows 4,9, and 10 as their proximity to lavatories and galley might be bothersome. Seats 9A/C are also very close to the stairs, which can be a high-traffic area. Ultimately, seats D and G in rows 5 to 8 and row 11 would be ideal.

The upper deck

The upper deck is narrower, so the seats are in a 2-2 layout. Similarly, passengers with seats A and K will not have direct aisle access. A lavatory is at the front of the cabin; at the back are galleys, a staircase, and another lavatory.

Therefore, seats closer to the front of the cabin would be more peaceful and quiet. While they all have the same pitch and width, seats C and H in row 84 would be the best. Of course, if the cabin is not full, a window seat A/K would also be ideal.

The best first class seats

Over the past decade, many airlines have abandoned first class to focus on an enhanced business class product and utilize more aircraft space. Lufthansa still offers first class on selected long-haul routes from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Some of the perks include:

• Valet parking service
• Personal assistant
• Going through the first class terminal at FRA
• Access to first class lounges
• Limousine service
• Premium dining and fine wine

The first class cabin is right at the front of the plane, with eight open suites in a 1-1 layout in rows 1 and 2 and 1-2-1 in row 3. As first class offers an exclusive and premier travel experience, it is difficult to say which seats are better than others. All seats have the following dimensions:

For solo travelers, seats A and K on the extreme sides of the cabin would be best for privacy and the window view. For couples or friends that want to sit together, seats D and G in row 3 would be the best options. However, row 3's proximity to the galley might be an issue. In conclusion, all first-class seats are great, so it will come down to whether you want to sit alone or with a partner.

Have you ever flown on Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8s? Which seats would you pick? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

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