Cases Where You Are Better Off In Economy
Dec 5, 2012, 8:41 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: RDU
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 267
The upgrade I regret the most is when I was settled into a row of 5 on a TATL, and before the gate closed they moved me up to business class because they didn't have enough meals. Wish I'd told them to serve me the J meal and drink in Y.....
Dec 5, 2012, 9:26 am
#18
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA PLT, 3MM, DL Plat, Hertz PC, SPG Gold
Posts: 601
A couple of times I have downgraded from Biz to Coach (after I upgraded using stickers) on transcon flights when the load in the back was light and I was assured that I would have all three seats in the middle section of the 767.
The food/drink is meaningless to me and I prefer the space of 3 coach seats to 1 Biz seat.
I must be in the minority, because the gate agents gave me a funny look when I requested the downgrade.
The food/drink is meaningless to me and I prefer the space of 3 coach seats to 1 Biz seat.
I must be in the minority, because the gate agents gave me a funny look when I requested the downgrade.
Dec 5, 2012, 9:39 am
#19
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
I don't get the whole sleeping across a row of seats thing. Very uncomfortable in my opinion. Width (e.g., to read a newspaper and work on a laptop with some papers next to it) and F seats do just fine for that. That plus the fact I like to be well hydrated (coffee/water in the morning water/alcohol in the afternoon/evening) means that there is simply no time where I would ever not choose F or Y.
Dec 5, 2012, 9:39 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
Dec 5, 2012, 9:47 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
I like to be well hydrated (coffee/water in the morning water/alcohol in the afternoon/evening)
Dec 5, 2012, 11:11 am
#22
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 401
Short flights on MD80: it is hard to see how 3A is significantly better, or better at all, than 21F.
Pros for 3A: Wider seat, first off the plane
Pros for 21F: More legroom, often empty middle seat next to you
On short flights, there is no food in first or coach, so that's a wash. On short flights, I am often driving a car immediately after the flight, so alcohol is out.
Since I am narrow enough to fit in 21F, but too long (at 5' 8"!) to fit comfortably in 3A, I will usually take 21F over 3A unless I am in a rush to get off the plane first for some reason.
Take care,
Saunders111
Pros for 3A: Wider seat, first off the plane
Pros for 21F: More legroom, often empty middle seat next to you
On short flights, there is no food in first or coach, so that's a wash. On short flights, I am often driving a car immediately after the flight, so alcohol is out.
Since I am narrow enough to fit in 21F, but too long (at 5' 8"!) to fit comfortably in 3A, I will usually take 21F over 3A unless I am in a rush to get off the plane first for some reason.
Take care,
Saunders111
Dec 5, 2012, 11:12 am
#23
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: TBD
Programs: AA since 1988 (ex-elite status); Alaska; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 497
Then when BA & AA partnered you couldn't get AA miles if you flew a route on BA which AA also flew. But I guess they've changed that back.
(To keep to topic I might add that in no case when I flew UA was I ever better in economy!)
To those who don't like stretching across several seats... have you tried putting UP the armrests?!
Dec 5, 2012, 11:14 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: TBD
Programs: AA since 1988 (ex-elite status); Alaska; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 497
Dec 5, 2012, 12:22 pm
#25
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,541
Cheers.
Dec 5, 2012, 12:45 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HNL
Programs: AA PP 1.8MM, PC Spire, Hertz 5*, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,030
I don't get the whole sleeping across a row of seats thing. Very uncomfortable in my opinion. Width (e.g., to read a newspaper and work on a laptop with some papers next to it) and F seats do just fine for that. That plus the fact I like to be well hydrated (coffee/water in the morning water/alcohol in the afternoon/evening) means that there is simply no time where I would ever not choose F or Y.
On the way to the USA I prefer the upgrade because I am awake and can eat, drink, read, and watch movies.
Dec 5, 2012, 12:57 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,650
Three or five seats across make for a decent sleeping surface and way way more comfortable than a narrow body recliner seat in F. I'd go for Y in narrow body if I can guarantee a whole row for myself.
Now, if it was LAX-LHR...angled-lie flat in J vs. an empty 5 seats-across row? mmmm...I think I would take the J seat anyway.
Now, if it was LAX-LHR...angled-lie flat in J vs. an empty 5 seats-across row? mmmm...I think I would take the J seat anyway.
Dec 5, 2012, 1:06 pm
#28
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Location: London
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Dec 5, 2012, 1:07 pm
#29
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Three or five seats across make for a decent sleeping surface and way way more comfortable than a narrow body recliner seat in F. I'd go for Y in narrow body if I can guarantee a whole row for myself.
Now, if it was LAX-LHR...angled-lie flat in J vs. an empty 5 seats-across row? mmmm...I think I would take the J seat anyway.
Now, if it was LAX-LHR...angled-lie flat in J vs. an empty 5 seats-across row? mmmm...I think I would take the J seat anyway.
Dec 5, 2012, 1:08 pm
#30
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
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Posts: 8,278
Short flights on MD80: it is hard to see how 3A is significantly better, or better at all, than 21F.
Pros for 3A: Wider seat, first off the plane
Pros for 21F: More legroom, often empty middle seat next to you
On short flights, there is no food in first or coach, so that's a wash. On short flights, I am often driving a car immediately after the flight, so alcohol is out.
Since I am narrow enough to fit in 21F, but too long (at 5' 8"!) to fit comfortably in 3A, I will usually take 21F over 3A unless I am in a rush to get off the plane first for some reason.
Take care,
Saunders111
Pros for 3A: Wider seat, first off the plane
Pros for 21F: More legroom, often empty middle seat next to you
On short flights, there is no food in first or coach, so that's a wash. On short flights, I am often driving a car immediately after the flight, so alcohol is out.
Since I am narrow enough to fit in 21F, but too long (at 5' 8"!) to fit comfortably in 3A, I will usually take 21F over 3A unless I am in a rush to get off the plane first for some reason.
Take care,
Saunders111
Oh and jackets are hung (important on business travel). The width problem is solved if 21E is empty - but empty seats (especially in exit rows) are a dwindling commodity nowadays.
Still stick with my never Y over F mantra.