Originally Posted by
RustyC
Even an old standby strategy like trying to get an exit-row seat has potential to backfire now, as those only help with LENGTH issues or trying to avoid squalling, spitting lap children next to you. Too many people with width issues have been trying to change to exit row seats at the last minute lately, I've noticed (hint: It's not any wider).
Too true! I've learned to generally AVOID the exit row because at my 6'3" and 250+, the exit row is almost always completely full with guys my size or bigger...offsetting the relative "pleasure" of the extra legroom. In other rows I find I have better odds of getting the desired small, pleasant-smelling woman as my seatmate. (And I know that last sentence has the following reaction: My fellow "big guys" are all nodding their heads in knowing agreement, and the rest of you are scoffing at this strategic consideration because you've never FWB - Flown While Big.)
Of course DL has eff'd this whole strategy up by blocking out the bulkheads for pre-selection, so like most elites I pretty much have no choice but to pre-book the exit row as my "default" and then hope for the upgrade...knowing full well that if my upgrade doesn't clear I'm stuck next to my fellow "big guys".
