Boeing 747-8 Best Seats Guide 2026

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the final and most advanced variant of the iconic 747. Its upper deck is unique in commercial aviation — a 2-2 layout that's noticeably quieter and more private than the main deck. Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China are the primary operators.

Seat Configuration

Cabin	Layout	Pitch	Width
First Class (nose/upper deck)	1-2-1	78–84 in lie-flat	22–24 in
Business (upper deck)	2-2	76–80 in lie-flat	21–22 in
Economy	3-4-3	31–33 in	17–17.5 in

Best Seats on the Boeing 747-8

Upper deck seats (business or premium)
The 747's upper deck is the aircraft's most unique feature — a quieter, smaller cabin with fewer passengers above the engines. Business class in the hump (rows 1–12 on most configs) feels completely different from the main deck.
Economy window seats A & K
Same as the 777 — avoid the center 4-pack in a 3-4-3 layout. The 747-8 economy shares the same per-seat width challenges as the 777. Window in the outer 3-seat section is your best economy option.
Exit row economy seats
Extra legroom on a 13-hour transpacific flight is crucial. Exit row seats on the 747-8 offer 36–40 in.

Seats to Avoid on the Boeing 747-8

Center 4-pack (D, E, F, G) in economy
3-4-3 layout means 4 center seats — same problem as the 777. Long-haul center middle seats are among the worst in commercial aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the upper deck of the 747-8 better?

For business class passengers: yes, significantly. The upper deck has fewer passengers, a 2-2 layout (no middle seats), and a noticeably quieter cabin. For economy passengers the upper deck isn't typically available — economy is on the main deck.

Which airlines fly the Boeing 747-8?

Lufthansa (most advanced product), Korean Air, and Air China operate the 747-8i. The US carriers have retired their 747 fleets.