I'm a UA flyer and don't get to NW much, so I have a few questions about seating preferences on NW flights. I'm traveling domestic coach on a DC9-50 and A320.

I noticed that SeatGuru says that the bulkheads are just a curtain and you can stretch your feet into first class (hopefully accurate - can anyone confirm?). There is also a window and aisle last exit row available (ie, full recline also, and leg room since it's an exit row).

Which do you prefer on NW flights - curtain bulkheads (near the front of plane, full recline, supposed leg room) or last exit rows (full recline, leg room)?

Thanks for suggestions... I want to make this transcon as comfortable as I can without using up my miles for overpriced upgrades.

There is a curtin thus a "soft" bulkhead on the D9-5 & A319/A320 that result in good leg room for the bulkhead. The window exit row would not be bad, lots of leg room if you do not mind windows. You might want an extra pillow or two to use to lean up against the windows in the exit row given the spacing. There are other threads that you could search on to find out more. Either the bulkhead or exit row will do you well, however try to avoid the middle seat of either, yuck! - H

wrong topic

I love bulkhead seating in the DC9, in particular seat 5F. Far enough away from the aisle and if 5E is empty you will have more room than in FC. You can easily put things away under the seat in front of you and stretch out for a good sleep. Also, you are close to the front for a quick exit when at your destination.

Thanks for the info!

You should avoid the window exit row seats on the Airbus 319 and 320, as the seats are less cushioned than the rest of the seats on the plane. I found this out the hard way (no pun intended). It really makes for a long flight.

The other exit row seats on both planes are fine, and probably better than bulkhead on the Airbi (plural of Airbus -- is it Airbuses?).

I am a bulhead guy. But you have to be able to deal with slightly less width due to table in seat.

Take the bulkhead seat if you can get it. On both the DC9 and the 320, the division between coach and First is a curtain that extends from the ceiling to midway down the back of the first class seat There is plenty of legroom.
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I am a little out of date on the Airbuses, but others above seem to have covered that.

I would add that on the DC-9s, row 5 is just as good as the exit rows, but since you're further forward, you get off the plane earlier.

Further, on the DC-9s, if you can possibly get 6-D, there is no corresponding 5-D in front of you...your legroom extends all the way to the cockpit door.

Two caveats about this: One, since there is no seat in front of you, you will have to put everything into the overheads; Two, since this is a premium seat, you probably won't get it unless you are an elite and therefore get to board early so there won't be an issue with overhead space.

Oh, just thought of a number three: over 90% of the time I try to get this seat, it is already taken....still, it won't hurt to look for it.

Good luck and enjoy!

My only suggestion would be to make sure you don't select the front of the two exit rows in the DC9 (Row numbers vary depending on which model). Especially the window seat since it does NOT recline. Therefore, my exit row seat of choice is the aisle seat of the second exit row in DC9 and A320/A319.
My first choice seat is the 6D on DC9 since there is no one in front of you and you have all the leg room. Only minor negative is no storage room under the front seat since there is no front seat. So you have to store everything in the overhead compartment.
I'm sure you've checked SeatGuru's seating chart and wanted some other opinions. If you haven't, make sure to check it.

HJ

I would generally take the bulkhead, although a handicapped passenger can trump you out of the seat. I was speaking to an agent the other day and she told me that this was a possibility, so she suggested the exit row. I have rarely seen anyone bumped out of the seat, but I have seen it. Just an FYI.

I've heard of people getting bumped out of 5ABC, but 5DEF are usually pretty safe. Row 5 rules on both the DC9 and the 320. Best coach seats in the fleet.

Just a minor note about row 5 on the DC9:

It is a 2-3 configuration--

On the left (port) side of the plane, the rows are 5A and 5B; these are the usually designated handicapped seats;

On the right (starboard) side of the plane, the rows are 5E and 5F; these are usually open to any elites;

There is no 5D, hence the unlimited leg space for those in 6D.

Good point on the handicap note. I hadn't considered that.

On another NW trip, I have a 757-300 and a A319. I currently have seat 14B (one of the better seats on SeatGuru) on the 757, but from the looks of it, I might be bumped the day-of-flight if a handicap person needs it? These notes should be added to SeatGuru.

Nevermind - I see on NW's site that for their 757 they list:

Designated Disability Seats: Seats 16DE, 17BC, 17DE