Hawaii - Most comfortable economy/economy plus to Hawaii from NO?

I'm in the early stages of planning a May 2012 trip to Hawaii for my family of six. I've got miles on AA, CO, DL and BA. I also have points on Amex and Diners that I can transfer if necessary. We are based in New Orleans and, when heading west, usually have good luck with seats for miles on CO and AA.

I'm leaning toward flying economy for two reasons: 1) so that I don't eat up all of my miles, and 2) b/c I'm not sure the First product to Hawaii is going to be worth the splurge. (I may change my mind if I find that I can pick up saver First seats or upgrades) I'm thinking that perhaps an economy plus type seat might be bearable for the long flight but I'm not sure how to do that with miles or which airlines have the most comfortable seats in that category? I'm open to any arrangement-buy some seats, redeem some miles for others, use miles for upgrades, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

E+ on UA is the best E option. First on UACO and other legacies is subpar relative the length of the flight. You didn't say which airport you are flying to but on the 767 & 777 you can get two seats together (AB or HJ) but not on the 757. US F to Hawaii is not as good as CO IMHO.

If you can connect to HA, it offers 42 inch pitch in F.

Use miles on DL or CO for F or use your CO miles to book E+ on UA.

I'm in the early stages of planning a May 2012 trip to Hawaii for my family of six. I've got miles on AA, CO, DL and BA. I also have points on Amex and Diners that I can transfer if necessary. We are based in New Orleans and, when heading west, usually have good luck with seats for miles on CO and AA.

I'm leaning toward flying economy for two reasons: 1) so that I don't eat up all of my miles, and 2) b/c I'm not sure the First product to Hawaii is going to be worth the splurge. (I may change my mind if I find that I can pick up saver First seats or upgrades) I'm thinking that perhaps an economy plus type seat might be bearable for the long flight but I'm not sure how to do that with miles or which airlines have the most comfortable seats in that category? I'm open to any arrangement-buy some seats, redeem some miles for others, use miles for upgrades, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

FC and Economy options to HI -- have been discussed here a lot. Moderators can probably direct to specific threads.

I personally wouldn't use waste upgrades to F to HI unless you can book the long haul flights/routes on UA(CO), AA or DL that use their international configured widebody planes with FC cabins that have 59-60" pitch and recliner or lie flat seats -- otherwise -- it is standard domestic FC and Economy seating on all carriers. So, you have to watch the route and aircraft scheduled.

As mentioned Hawaiian's brand new A330's they use mainland to the islands look beautiful. Have never flown them, but thier FC and economy cabin looks very nice. :cool: Aloha!

Thanks Dr. Wanderlust and Davesam. I found some past threads on FC seating options to Hawaii and you both have confirmed what I learned-FC probably not worth the miles with the exceptions mentioned.

I appreciate the input on UA's E plus and will check out seating in E on the new Hawaiian air planes, too. I haven't read much comparing E or E plus seating to Hawaii so thanks for the feedback.