Originally Posted by
notquiteaff
Would you get Main Cabin Extra in AA Economy? If so, I would likely choose that, unless you can secure some sort of other extended legroom seat on QR (or AY, I guess). If flying AY, I would break up the trip with a day in HEL… two consecutive 9 hr segments in coach would be hell for me. How likely do you think is it that you are actually going to get all the J seats you are looking for for your family trip later on? Would be awful to give up the bird in the hand (QR J). Just saying.
Yes I should be able to get MCE seats in AA, including exit row. A couple of those have almost infinite leg room, but close to lavs. I used those or similar during my early frequent flyer years, mileage runs etc. However, I have no experience with QR or AY in economy, which is why I posted this question, in case someone reading this knows all 3 economy cabins.
(Your other concern is understandable. We have done such trips before, only difference is that I used to have more miles flowing in. We avoid heavy travel periods. Everyone is an adult, able to travel separately, and meet in the destination city. Also it needn't and probably won't be QR. For example, if we choose Japan, then it will likely be JL, AA, or CX. If enough J space is not available, then of course, the younger ones will have to go Y. We will deal with the situation when we know more.)