I'm a United frequent flyer about to take my first international flight on USAir Phila-Madrid. We reserved seats 12 A-b because they are exit rows. Now I read in www.seatguru.com (http://www.seatguru.com) that these might not be as good as I hoped. Any insights? Should I try to switch to Row 5 window-aisle?

I much prefer row 5. Go for window/aisle combo.
Row 12 gets the lav traffic.

These are the worst exit rows on any large aircraft I can think of. They do have better legroom than a standard seat, but not what you would expect from an exit row -- more like a bulkhead seat. Oddly, row 5 is much more like a an exit row in terms of legroom. The other problem with row 12 is that people lined up for the bathroom can be a bother as well. In the sad old days before the 330s I always tried to weasle my way into row 5.

If it is full, you might want to check back three days before the flight and at the gate. Many times people will get upgraded out of the seats and they will free up at the last minute. But row 12 beats the heck out of the middle of the bus.

Great advice. Will try to switch to 5---if unsuccessful, will check back a couple of days before the flight. Thanks!

Capitol Hill:

Enjoy your first Transatlantic flight on US Airways. Now a days, US TA is nothing companred to what if used to be, but as a US CP, it makes me happy to see that all these US/UA elites are enjoying the benefits on each others airline. Let us know how your trip goes.

They will not release Row 5 until day of departure, as they reserve it for handicapped seating and small children.