Originally Posted by
izzik
I think exit rows will still be available as "Preferred Plus" seats instead of MCE, which is still a Gold benefit.
Some, yes, going by the current 772 vs announce 773 seat maps
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thewan...lines-777-300/
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ame..._777-200_A.php
4 fewer exit row/bulkhead seats available in total, which isn't awful -- although it's not clear what the relative quality of the seats involved is. It's pretty much impossible to beat the 772 31ABHJ seats in coach.
Originally Posted by
ijgordon
But on the 77W, I would say it's a downgrade. Currently Golds can get an 18-18.5" wide seat with or without extra legroom. In the future they'll only be able to get a 17-17.5" wide seat potentially with extra room (if there are any exit rows in Y-)
(Of course non-elites are also getting downgraded, but that's not the point.)
It's also a downgrade for everyone (even EXP/PLT) who ends up with a flight change (or forced onto a flight change because of IRROPS) onto a flight where MCE is full.
Case in point: about one TPAC itinerary in 3 for me, something comes up where I end up changing the return, sometimes with just a couple of nights notice. Happened to me pretty much now (as in a couple of nights ago, for a flight coming up this weekend.)
If this were on the new 773, what would the the odds have been of having any seats open in MCE? What are the odds of one of those being a non-middle? Not truly horrific (especially since those are the same people who will have miles+copay upgrades to J clearing) but not really good either.