Changing flights - Non-stop TATL or 1-connection with better seats?
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,908
Changing flights - Non-stop TATL or 1-connection with better seats?
I am flying LAX-DEN-LHR on a W fare upped to PZ with plus points. I have a nice private window seat.
LAX-LHR nonstop is now open with plenty of PZ available. But the seats are either non-private window or couple’s center.
Only I can decide if I should jump.
How would others do it? Give up a good seat for a less desirable one, but with a nonstop. (FWIW - I’m not chasing miles, points, or status).
LAX-LHR nonstop is now open with plenty of PZ available. But the seats are either non-private window or couple’s center.
Only I can decide if I should jump.
How would others do it? Give up a good seat for a less desirable one, but with a nonstop. (FWIW - I’m not chasing miles, points, or status).
#5




Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New England
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold
Posts: 594
Less desirable? We're still talking Polaris, aren't we? It's not like we're talking E- middle at the rear against the lavatories with no recline...
I'd go for the nonstop every time. Something could go south with that first leg, you miss your DEN-LHR flight with its "more" desirable seat entirely.
I'd go for the nonstop every time. Something could go south with that first leg, you miss your DEN-LHR flight with its "more" desirable seat entirely.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,550
There is no functional difference between the even and odd window seats when you’re asleep.
#11




Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K 1MM; Hertz PC
Posts: 5,627
Do what makes you happy and aligns with your level of risk tolerance.
I've definitely avoided more sensible flights than what I ultimately flew because of factors other people may thing were crazy (e.g. only aisle seats available on the earlier option, only bulkheads available on the nonstop option), flying DAY-ORD-CLE rather than driving (because I hate driving 4+ hours, and especially that 4 hour drive... even if flying takes "longer" -- I can also work) ... etc.
Though in this scenario -- despite a strong preference for odd seats in Polaris, especially heading Eastbound overnight and expecting to sleep -- I can think of few reasons I wouldn't avail myself of that option.
I've definitely avoided more sensible flights than what I ultimately flew because of factors other people may thing were crazy (e.g. only aisle seats available on the earlier option, only bulkheads available on the nonstop option), flying DAY-ORD-CLE rather than driving (because I hate driving 4+ hours, and especially that 4 hour drive... even if flying takes "longer" -- I can also work) ... etc.
Though in this scenario -- despite a strong preference for odd seats in Polaris, especially heading Eastbound overnight and expecting to sleep -- I can think of few reasons I wouldn't avail myself of that option.
#12




Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: UA MP 1K; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 1,901
Less connection, less things that can go wrong.
Longer flight, more time to rest.
Personally, my other consideration is the time adjustment. (I do use the time shifter app). If that is important to you, then make your calculations between the two flights.
Longer flight, more time to rest.
Personally, my other consideration is the time adjustment. (I do use the time shifter app). If that is important to you, then make your calculations between the two flights.
#13



Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 6,170
I'll concede that I haven't noticed the difference during the period of time when I'm asleep.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 10,291
I am impressed that LAX LHR has PZ.
IME it's very hard to even find PN in advance.
When is the flight?
IME it's very hard to even find PN in advance.
When is the flight?
Last edited by kb1992; Yesterday at 2:53 pm






