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Originally Posted by schwarm
(Post 17419298)
I've given up on this one.
When traveling alone, I always chose an aisle seat in a row in which the window was taken and middle open (or the reverse). More recenltly, I have found this strategy invariably leads to three strangers in a row. Now, I look for a row in which the window and middle are taken and the aisle is open (or the reverse). This way, I sit next to a couple (or at least two people traveling together). While I understand that some couples despise each other, I find that couples tend to need less personal space between them. This leaves the middle seat occupant more likely to shift or lean in the other way. Pretty pathetic, isn't it? My biggest nightmare is getting stuck behind two strangers who just met and instantly become lovebirds. Happened recently on row 7 on a CO 737 with de-Koito'd seats; the pax in F cabin row 4 really hit it off and chatted from 11 PM until arrival at 6 AM, many drinks later. The elderly couple seated next to me was as displeased as I was! ;) |
Originally Posted by Rebelyell
(Post 17418456)
I read somewhere a quote from an airline official that said the greatest factor in whether or not a person has a good flight experience is whether or not they had en empty seat next to them.
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I never "Move" my seat any more because of an empty spot next to a seat on a seating chart. Chances are, by the time I board the plane, the seat will fill - in these times of fewer flights and over-booking.
I once moved from near first class to about 30 rows back to try and get a row with an empty center. Of course, at flight time, the plane was full and I would have been much better off sitting forward. Now, I simply choose the best coach seat as far forward as possible. If there happens to be an empty center seat, I hope for the best that it won't be filled. |
With airlines consitently having load factors of 85% and making sure capacity is cut to command ongoing high load factors, I'd doubt if there is any real strategy of getting an empty seat next to you. I see planes just as full on what has been considered light travel days. In fact, some airlines such as AA plan on reducing Saturday flying to keep its a/c full on that day.
If it happens, particularly if you have a row to yourself, just consider it your lucky day. Otherwise, I'd say get an aisle or window, whatever your choice, and plan for the seat next to you to be occupied. As others have suggested, bring enough self entertainment whether an Ipod/Ipad, movie, or book to be able to zone out from what is around you. |
Originally Posted by schwarm
(Post 17419298)
When traveling alone, I always chose an aisle seat in a row in which the window was taken and middle open (or the reverse). |
flying home EWR-LHR last september, virtually full flight apart from two empty seats, next to me ;) although when the turbulance started i wouldn't have minded company, it was so rough that even the cabin crew commented on it :(
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Technique commonly used.. and I've had several airline agents book this for me without my asking.. Is to designate my wife and I into window and aisle on the same row, leaving the middle..
The unlikelihood that someone would choose middle, means a good chance that the middle seat would be empty when flight time comes around.. I don't prescribe to select assigned seats in this manner.. just surprised when the airline agent did so without my suggesting, because that's a way to get an empty seat between us.. |
I usually choose the seat nearby the window. And i have never meet empty seat around mine. But i think the airline will try their best to fill the seat.:D
__________________ Don't wave your presentation remote when you in airplane. |
From JFK to LAX I was on a 767 where you pretty much have no choice but to sit in the back of the plane, since all the business seats are front loaded. I was surprised to see economy seats didn't even start until slightly past the wings. It was fully booked then, but a 7AM flight from LAX to NY had quite a few empty seats. in the same area. 2 seats behind me, the seat next to me, including a row or two of empty seats further back. People were just hopping around and helping themselves.
Until then I had only flown on airbuses, which NEVER seem to have empty seats. :P |
Originally Posted by Lincoln
(Post 17428002)
From JFK to LAX I was on a 767 where you pretty much have no choice but to sit in the back of the plane, since all the business seats are front loaded. I was surprised to see economy seats didn't even start until slightly past the wings. It was fully booked then, but a 7AM flight from LAX to NY had quite a few empty seats. in the same area. 2 seats behind me, the seat next to me, including a row or two of empty seats further back. People were just hopping around and helping themselves.
Until then I had only flown on airbuses, which NEVER seem to have empty seats. :P On flight those who book Y help themselves to the balance of the plane.. making some those who paid more for the seat, wondering why they paid more.. |
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