Demise of the A380

stevie11

I was sad to read that production is to cease on the A380 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47231504

What a wonderful jet this is. Having experienced economy in the BA version plus economy and an unexpected upgrade on the Qatar version, they can truly be classed as luxury in the sky.

As a standard economy passenger it just felt like you had more space and comfort compared to the other wide bodied jets. I would always opt for the more private section of the upper deck. Great on a long haul flight.

My finest hour visiting Thailand for our Silver wedding anniversary treat flying Doh to Bkk we were upgraded, what a fantastic experience, especially being able to socialise in the bar area. All on a £300 ticket.

I know some airlines have adapted their wide bodied jets to include suites and the likes to bring in more income but maybe the 380 came at the wrong time.

So the airlines make more money from packing us in the smaller more fuel efficient wide bodied jets than giving us extra space and comfort in the big bird.

Gloomendoom

I actually prefer the Boeing 777 so, not too bothered.

Contessa

stevie11 wrote: »

I was sad to read that production is to cease on the A380 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47231504

What a wonderful jet this is. Having experienced economy in the BA version plus economy and an unexpected upgrade on the Qatar version, they can truly be classed as luxury in the sky.

As a standard economy passenger it just felt like you had more space and comfort compared to the other wide bodied jets. I would always opt for the more private section of the upper deck. Great on a long haul flight.

My finest hour visiting Thailand for our Silver wedding anniversary treat flying Doh to Bkk we were upgraded, what a fantastic experience, especially being able to socialise in the bar area. All on a £300 ticket.

I know some airlines have adapted their wide bodied jets to include suites and the likes to bring in more income but maybe the 380 came at the wrong time.

So the airlines make more money from packing us in the smaller more fuel efficient wide bodied jets than giving us extra space and comfort in the big bird.

The A380 is my favourite aeroplane. I agree about opting for the upper deck. I flew with BA in Premium Economy and founs the experience wonderful. I also flew BA Economy in upper deck-also just two seats in the side area and this too was very good.


A couple of months ago I flew with Singapore Airlines in Economy (lower deck) and was very disappointed. A long-haul night flight and I found the seat very uncomfortable and had back ache.

stevie11

Contessa wrote: »

he A380 is my favourite aeroplane. I agree snip ....


A couple of months ago I flew with Singapore Airlines in Economy (lower deck) and was very disappointed. A long-haul night flight and I found the seat very uncomfortable and had back ache.

Do you think that is due to Singapore cramming too many seats downstairs or that you had experienced the more spacious upper deck previously?

Contessa

I think it was a combination of both. The seats seemed narrower and less comfortable on the Singapore flight.

PompeyPete

I've enjoyed the Emirates and Qatar A380 aircraft on long haul.

But like all flights how much you enjoy the experience depends very much on the behaviour/antics of your fellow passengers close to you.

Out of preference for these 'Big Birds' I really like the Thomson Dreamliner B787-8. Flown back to UK from Barbados twice, and round trip to Phuket from LGW. Only problem in Economy is the 3-3-3 seat configuration, which can split couples up.....dunt bother me though, she can be a nuisance while I get some nice peace and quiet.:)

Doshwaster

I'm another fan of the A380. Economy in an A380 on Emirates is better than Premium Economy on some other airlines.

jackieblack

I really enjoyed my flights on the A380 (BA, upper deck, economy) and was saddened by this week’s announcement.
I quite like the A330 and Boeing 777, also have a nostalgic ‘soft spot’ for the 747.

I have been really disappointed by the 787, have flown on several and really not impressed. The last couple of times I’ve felt much worse after flying (on a 787) than I ever have on any other flights. I would now rather pay a bit more for an alternative flight on a different plane, if there is a choice.

stevie11

jackieblack wrote: »

I really enjoyed my flights on the A380 (BA, upper deck, economy) and was saddened by this week’s announcement.
I quite like the A330 and Boeing 777, also have a nostalgic ‘soft spot’ for the 747.

I have been really disappointed by the 787, have flown on several and really not impressed. The last couple of times I’ve felt much worse after flying (on a 787) than I ever have on any other flights. I would now rather pay a bit more for an alternative flight on a different plane, if there is a choice.

I agree with you Jackie the 787 for all its technolgical advances just doesn't seem to do it for me either. My recent economy experiences of the old jumbo are all via BA and have all got me home safely which is the main thing but as far as an enjoyable ride they are low down on my rankings, even for the seat pairs at the back of the plane. On my last BA 747 flight I could not watch anything on their seat back IFE, the screen being so small and the picture out of focus.

I have had some enjoyable trips on the 777W's. Notable mention to the modern A350's operated by Cathay Pacific.

EssexExile

Surely it's what the airline does with the plane that makes the flight a better or worse experience? The actual plane doesn't matter that much.

ibizafan_2

I have been fortunate to fly business class on an Emirates A380 to Brisbane to visit family, and will be doing the same again in April. I love it, especially the business class bar. I did one leg last time on a 777 and it wasn’t nearly as luxurious, so it will be a shame if Emirates stop flying the A380.