Height Help
 

Not sure where else to post this.

I'm about 6'7 and flying coach from ICN to DTW and connecting from there. I know coach is not comfortable, nor is it meant to be, but it's quite painful for that long. The last flight I had that long, I stood for probably half the flight (made friends with the FAs!). Anyways, I know a physical therapist here in Korea who would be willing to write a note advocating for some sort of help. Will Delta be receptive to this?

What sort of help do you want??

Maybe the Flight Attendants have special training to make you shorter.

Agreed. What do you think they would (or even could) do for you. There's basically only three types of seats. Do you think a doctors note would have them move you to business or first class without paying for it? If so, I'm on my way to the doctor's office. :D

An exit row would suit me fine. Or even the option to select an aisle seat (which are all X'd out when I try to select my seat).

If you're going to see a doctor, perhaps a sedative or muscle relaxant, or both? Light, of course, but enough that sleep should come easy and your body won't cramp up as much?

It makes me wonder, though, if a doctor's note would cause health insurance to pick up the fare difference to C... or even F. :) -- ducking and running for cover --

One thing I've tried with some success on other airlines I had no status is approach one of their service desks at the airport on a date before my intended travel. So say... I'm flying INTL next month but happen to be also flying this week. If you're nice, most people understand it's pretty uncomfortable for tall passengers to be in economy that long and they will help if possible.

Good question and one I deal with a lot too being just short of 6-8. I value status for many reasons and one big one is access to "comfy" seating. An aisle would be a must for you I think. I would suggest checking in early and simply asking the GA if they might find an exit row or bulkhead. I am always amazed at the short people with no status who somehow end up sitting on exit rows beside me. Amazing. You can ask for an upgrade but you better have one convincing smile!

Try calling ahead too a day or two in advance. Same with the counter agent when you check in. For some reason I find counter agents in Europe, FRA especially, are willing to help me out when I'm in a bad seat. Through the years I've even been upgraded twice for reasons I only know to be unmerited favor with the person in front of the screen.

I did ATL-JNB twice last year and though ATL-SVO is old hat to me I was beside myself at about 12 hours in Coach. Indeed, getting to know the FAs helps pass the time.

Remember the loo has a lot of legroom too! No upgrade needed even.

Not sure what a doctor's note will accomplish. Being nice and asking directly might be your better course of action.

Good luck!

I'm not sure if it would work but, in addition to trying to visit the airport in advance of your flight, you might try calling Delta, explaining your height issue, and seeing if they can do some type of override or something to free up an aisle seat or something in the exit row.

Not to be negative....
 

But why don't you just buy a J seat or upgrade. Although your height is clearly not your "fault"...it would be like a fatty getting a letter from their doc saying that they need 2 seats (and an extra meal):rolleyes:

That's a fair argument. However, would you say most people would try to buy one seat instead of two?

The sleeping medicine is a good idea, and one I haven't thought of yet. Dramamine doesn't normally do it for me. Korea doesn't offer much in terms of pain medicine--a friend had an appendectomy and couldn't get more than Tylenol.

Unfortunately at 23 and in my career of wandering English teacher, a J seat is out of my budget.

I've had mixed results asking at check-in counters and the gate in the past; with a doctors note I was hoping it would be something more solid. Normally I travel with my girlfriend (who's not tall), so hopefully traveling by myself will help.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Don't you get to choose preferred seating if you buy a Y or B fare?

Why would you assume that the person can afford that?

I ahve flown this route before and asked for exir rows countless times prior to the flight and no luck. I was told to show upa bit early and ask when checking in and wallah... exit row, twice...
Had the same expereince last week on KA.

so hop on the airport express early and get to the Delta counter and ask for an emergency exit.

I called DL's Seoul office, and while she could not officially switch my seat, she put in a request for an exit row seat for me. I guess those aren't open until the day of, maybe? I'll call when I get up the morning of the flight to see if they can do it then.

Then again, depending on the next 1.5 hours I may get a free military escort out of the country, and maybe make it home for Christmas!