Higher fliers: economy class on the Airbus upper deck

Simon Calder reveals the Airbus A380's cheap seats offering extra space, quicker service and a more intimate cabin

- Simon Calder

On the upper deck of the Airbus A380, your altitude is about eight feet above those in the lower deck. At a height of 40,000 feet, that represents 0.02 per cent of difference. But for an economy class passenger, being on the top floor of the SuperJumbo rather than the “main deck” provides a much better experience.

You may have read Ted Thornhill’s account of business class aboard a British Airways A380. But some economy passengers can enjoy an elevated experience on the sought-after upper deck.

Seats are only eight abreast, compared with 10 abreast on the lower deck. The 2-4-2 configuration means three out of four passengers have either a window or an aisle seat, compared with only 60 per cent in the cheap seats downstairs, arranged 3-4-3.

While the seats are exactly the same, you have more room . The width per seat on the main deck is 26 inches; those upstairs get two extra inches.