Originally Posted by
TwisterFfm
This is a questions I've been asking myself endless times during my travels and I was wondering what other people think about this.
Especially in Eco, a few extra centimetres can mean a lot on a long flight. BUT there are other points to consider: exit rows are usually slightly colder, there is the noise / smell from toilets and people hovering around toilets, and importantly, quite often there is no wall to lean against (window seats) to sleep.
Take e.g. Lufthansa's 747. Row 32 is exit, but 33A/K have legroom since the seat before them is missing and a wall to lean against. Downside - you are still lodged next to two people. 32 has the obvious benefits of legroom, but the downsides mentioned above.
Any thoughts?
There are many factors to consider..the aircraft, the length of flight, the time of flight etc.
Usually, exit row seats will not recline, something to consider on a flight longer than 4 hours.
I once flew AUK--LAX in coach on a Qantas 747, in the exit row seat. I was actually grateful for it, I would rather have the legroom than a recline on a 13 hour transpac. I didn't notice it was cold, and the exit row I was in was by the galley, not the Lavatory.
For short haul domestic, I will always try for an exit row..
And consider, in an emergency evacuation, that is EXACTLY where you want to be!
In the US and many other countries, children are prohibited from sitting in the exit row..this is incentive enough for me!
Drawbacks are that they tend to be smaller seats, with the trays in the armrest, removing an inch or so. They don't recline. The window might not match up for a good view. On open seating carriers like Southworst, there is less chance that middle seat will remain empty.