evergrn

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?

milski

~2 hours. I'm not in college anymore, abusing my body now comes with a higher price.

evergrn

Wow 2 hours?! Are you in America? If so, that means you never fly economy for just about any flight? (SEA-SFO is just about 2hrs)

Toshbaf

18 hours, possibly more.

R.O.

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.

milski

Yes, I am. SEA-SFO is probably the most I am willing to tolerate, SEA-LAX is a bit too much.

onobond

Well below 2h for me. In the last 3 years I've done some 4-5 50-55min flights and one 85min.

Annalisa12

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.

rstruthe

Approx 5 hours. I can do most places in North America or inter Europe in Y, but anything intercontinental definitely goes J these days!

PilgrimsProgress

Depends on carrier. 2h on UA. 18h on SQ or similar.

fotographer

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)

WestCoastPDX

This is sort of my threshold too.
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

somemale

Now that I can afford to buy J, 5-6 hours max in Econ. Meaning I can do East/West Coast North America trip, or Japan out of HKG.

swingaling

5-6 hours or so. Similar to my limit for driving.

zip10001

I can do coach for flight from East-Coast to Europe.
But US to Asia/Middle-East, or Europe to Asia: J
I would say 8 hours in coach is doable.