Originally Posted by
Hayden
Hey all,
I've gone through the thread and consulted seatguru to try to pull out recommendations on MCE, but there's not as much as one might hope. Here's what I've found--can anyone offer some additional information?
- On the refurbished planes, there are two rows of MCE and you may want to avoid 13B and 13H as those have (unused) entertainment boxes that fill half the foot space in front
- A number of row 12 seats will be blocked off until about T-24
- There's AC power for the MCE seats, but *not* Row 21.
Does anyone have advice on the following:
- Does the 2-row MCE cabin feel claustrophobic?
- Is there much difference between rows 12 and 13? Is row 12 like the old row 11 -- i.e., does it feel quite spacious?
- Did they *really* keep the old 777 entertainment boxes under the B and H seats in the MCE mini-cabin?
Thanks in advance for anyone's thoughts.
My wife and I flew on one of these from JFK to MXP, in 13 H and J (the second row). It was probably about the best long-haul Y experience one could have, at least on AA. It did not feel claustrophobic. It was a lot quieter and more relaxing than a big Y cabin would feel. Yes, there is an annoying entertainment box under the H seat, and doubly annoying since there is no seat-back entertainment.
I think row 12 versus 13 is a toss-up. Row 12 has more legroom, but has a hard armrest that contains the tray table. I'm not fat but that makes it seem tighter to me. Plus the tray table is tiny. Also in row 13 you can freely recline, even during takeoff and landing, at least unofficially. Unfortunately in 13H and J you can hear the toilet flush just behind you. It wasn't loud and really didn't bother me, but you should know. 13 A and B will have the same problem.
Finally, I have to say we got very good service. Partly because we had friendly FAs but I think it was also partly due to location. We got served first, and got our used trays picked up very quickly. Just behind you is the galley, where you can pick up snacks or water or OJ at any time during the flight. It was far better service than we got from the nasty old ladies in LHR-JFK business class on our return.