What's your limit (# hours) for flying Economy?
Jan 11, 20, 11:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,331
What's your limit (# hours) for flying Economy?
I think I'm at a point where a 12-hour flight (LAX to NRT) is about my limit for Economy.
I used to fly Y for YYZ-KIX, ORD-HKG, no big deal. But over time, my tolerance level and pickiness have evolved. And I'm a slim, average-height guy.
Obviously the question might depend on whether I'm flying JL vs AC, sitting next to stranger vs family, packed vs 70% full flight, red-eye or daytime, etc.
But generally speaking, I think 12hrs is about my limit.
If I'm flying SEA-NRT (~10hrs) and PE is $1800 and Y is $1000, I'd be tempted by PE but will ultimately opt for Y every time.
But if I'm flying SEA-HKG, at this point I think I will either pay for PE or not fly at all.
Obviously if push came to shove, I could sit in Y for 12+ hours and it wouldn't be the end of the world. But the anticipation of dealing with Y cabin for 12+ hrs would weigh on me for days leading up to the trip. Then the trip becomes stressful even before it's started, and it just wouldn't be worth it.
What's your limit beyond which you wouldn't consider flying Y?
I used to fly Y for YYZ-KIX, ORD-HKG, no big deal. But over time, my tolerance level and pickiness have evolved. And I'm a slim, average-height guy.
Obviously the question might depend on whether I'm flying JL vs AC, sitting next to stranger vs family, packed vs 70% full flight, red-eye or daytime, etc.
But generally speaking, I think 12hrs is about my limit.
If I'm flying SEA-NRT (~10hrs) and PE is $1800 and Y is $1000, I'd be tempted by PE but will ultimately opt for Y every time.
But if I'm flying SEA-HKG, at this point I think I will either pay for PE or not fly at all.
Obviously if push came to shove, I could sit in Y for 12+ hours and it wouldn't be the end of the world. But the anticipation of dealing with Y cabin for 12+ hrs would weigh on me for days leading up to the trip. Then the trip becomes stressful even before it's started, and it just wouldn't be worth it.
What's your limit beyond which you wouldn't consider flying Y?
Jan 12, 20, 12:36 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,331
Jan 12, 20, 2:24 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 146
I usually go for Y on short- and medium-haul flights.
For long-hauls, I do have a preference for premium cabin. But I still will do Y on occasion. Depends on whether it's a day flight or a night flight. Also depends on the price differential of Y vis-a-vis J. Another factor is whether I have elite status with an airline (if I receive free exit row seats or free eco+ as an elite, the premium I'm willing to pay for C goes down).
So there's really not one limit. My tolerance of Y is contingent on other factors.
For long-hauls, I do have a preference for premium cabin. But I still will do Y on occasion. Depends on whether it's a day flight or a night flight. Also depends on the price differential of Y vis-a-vis J. Another factor is whether I have elite status with an airline (if I receive free exit row seats or free eco+ as an elite, the premium I'm willing to pay for C goes down).
So there's really not one limit. My tolerance of Y is contingent on other factors.
Last edited by R.O.; Jan 12, 20 at 2:29 am
Jan 12, 20, 2:40 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: PAE
Posts: 300
Jan 12, 20, 4:35 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,193
Sydney to Fiji or Sydney to New Zealand in economy if I absolutely have to. All other scenarios in J. In the future if I'm poor I might need to reconsider. I'd probably not travel long distance if I had to go economy.
Jan 12, 20, 5:37 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,111
since on AA the service in coach is sometimes better than F,
I can do about 9 hours.. use to all the time.. LHR to BOM.. that is until I got remarried, and my lovely wife... put a stop to that.. (now its J)
I can do about 9 hours.. use to all the time.. LHR to BOM.. that is until I got remarried, and my lovely wife... put a stop to that.. (now its J)
Jan 12, 20, 6:11 am
#12
Join Date: May 2019
Location: RTW
Programs: Delta DM, AA PlatPro
Posts: 396
Honestly, it’s mind over matter for me - but having the funds means I make more excuses to book J/F
PDX-JFK (5hr) is much better in F, but, I can handle it in Y+ if needed (Delta).
PDX-AMS (10hr)... done that in Y a lot, but, now I pay for J.
I’m doing a MEL-BWN (~7hrs) in Y in March, which will be my longest flight in Y in while.
I’ve done 14 hours in Y, and it’s fine.
But, I’ve done 15 hours in F, and it’s more fine
