Korean Air Boeing 747-8 Seat Guide
Where to sit on Korean Air's Boeing 747-8: cabin layout, legroom, exit rows, and the seats experienced travelers pick or avoid.
About this aircraft
The most advanced 747 variant, featuring a stretched upper deck and new GEnx engines. Operated by Lufthansa and Korean Air on long-haul routes as a flagship widebody.
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.
Cabin layout
| 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 |
Typical figures for this aircraft type. Korean Air may operate more than one cabin version.
- Upper deck economy (rows 60s–70s on Lufthansa/Korean Air) — smaller quieter cabin, 2-2 or 2-2-2 layout, no massive middle block
- Main deck window seats forward of wing — less engine noise than rear
- Main deck exit rows — additional legroom in the 3-4-3 dense cabin
- 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.
- Main deck center block middle seats (E/F of 3-4-3) — you have 3 neighbors on one side
- Last rows on main deck — near rear galley and lavatories
- Seats directly below upper deck overhang — slightly reduced headroom feel
- 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.
Exit rows
- Main deck overwing exits (rows 40–42 area)
- Upper deck exits near front of upper cabin
The upper deck is a premium experience on any 747-8 — the closed-off, quieter cabin makes a significant difference on long-haul flights.
Tips before you pick a seat
- Lufthansa's 747-8 first class (8 suites in the upper deck nose) is the gold standard of widebody first class — ultra-private, lie-flat, personal wardrobe.
- The upper deck of the 747-8 has 2-2 seating for business class — all seats are either window or aisle. Zero middle seats in the entire upper deck.
- The 747's iconic hump makes the front of the upper deck feel like a private jet — limited passengers and a dedicated crew section.
Korean Air carry-on and bag rules
- Carry-on: 22 × 16 × 8 in (55 × 40 × 20 cm), up to 10 kg — included on standard fares.
- Personal item: 16 × 12 × 6 in (40 × 30 × 15 cm).
- Checked bags: 1 free, max 50 lb / 23 kg.
- Economy allows 10 kg total (1 carry-on). Business Prestige gets 2 pieces up to 18 kg.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best seats on the Korean Air Boeing 747-8?
For most travelers: Upper deck economy (rows 60s–70s on Lufthansa/Korean Air) — smaller quieter cabin, 2-2 or 2-2-2 layout, no massive middle block; Main deck window seats forward of wing — less engine noise than rear; Main deck exit rows — additional legroom in the 3-4-3 dense cabin. Always confirm the exact row numbers on Korean Air's own seat map when you book, because configurations can change.
Which seats should I avoid on the Korean Air Boeing 747-8?
Main deck center block middle seats (E/F of 3-4-3) — you have 3 neighbors on one side; Last rows on main deck — near rear galley and lavatories; Seats directly below upper deck overhang — slightly reduced headroom feel.
How much legroom does economy have on the Boeing 747-8?
Typical economy seat pitch is 31–32 in (79–81 cm) and seat width is about 17.5 in (44 cm). Korean Air's exact figures may differ slightly by cabin version.
Does the Boeing 747-8 have Wi-Fi and power outlets?
Wi-Fi is commonly installed on this aircraft type, and power outlets are typically available. Availability depends on the specific plane Korean Air assigns to your flight.
What is Korean Air's carry-on size limit?
Korean Air allows a carry-on up to 22 × 16 × 8 in (55 × 40 × 20 cm) and 10 kg. Economy allows 10 kg total (1 carry-on). Business Prestige gets 2 pieces up to 18 kg.
Seat layouts change when airlines refit their planes. Always check the seat map shown in Korean Air's booking page or app for your exact flight.