E+ Window or Window with empty middle seat in 744?
Apr 9, 2012, 10:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 283
E+ Window or Window with empty middle seat in 744?
Which would you rather have? E+ has more leg room but having no one in the middle seat gives you more shoulder room...
Apr 9, 2012, 10:31 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SFO, BDL
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat, CX GR, Hilton Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 963
Depends on many factors (traveling alone, need to use lav throughout flight, is the E+ a bulkhead row). I would go with E+ for the extra legroom. Although I would personally be looking for an aisle seat for long haul (I am a window seat person for anything mid-con or shorter)
Apr 9, 2012, 11:15 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Silver, AA, WN, DL
Posts: 4,091
I just had this very same dilemma on my SFO-HKG vv. It can be a gamble, assuming that you will have a middle seat empty next to you in E-. I had the option of E+ and chose to sit in E-, last minute, someone was put in the middle seat... so you had 2 people who didn't get what they want. However, on the return segment, it paid off and I had room to lean against the window/wall and stretch diagonally across into the middle seat.
It is mainly a risk assessment of whether or not the flight will be full to the point of having middle seats taken.
Also, I highly recommend checking frequently within 24 hrs of departure, as upgrades may clear, and a desirable seat opens up (i.e. exit row).
It is mainly a risk assessment of whether or not the flight will be full to the point of having middle seats taken.
Also, I highly recommend checking frequently within 24 hrs of departure, as upgrades may clear, and a desirable seat opens up (i.e. exit row).
Apr 9, 2012, 1:39 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I would never risk a window seat on SFO-HKG. I need that aisle 'space'. E+ or exit rows, for sure.
Apr 9, 2012, 5:16 pm
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
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Apr 9, 2012, 7:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
Posts: 4,432
Apr 9, 2012, 8:49 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
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Apr 9, 2012, 10:14 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz President's Circle, Hilton Platinum,
Posts: 661
E+ window is worth it for me. Cannot imagine regular economy on that long a flight.
Apr 9, 2012, 11:14 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: HNL
Programs: UA MM 1K; Hilton Honors Gold
Posts: 12
Take the E+ seat.
Apr 9, 2012, 11:41 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: United
Posts: 256
I gambled on the empty middle seat once. As the doors were closing, they boarded a 400 pound guy who headed directly for "my" empty seat. He hadn't showered or changed clothes in several days, and reeked of stale beer and cigarettes. He was exceedingly flatulent, and proceeded to slam down about six beers and fell asleep drooling on me...
Take the E+ seat.
Take the E+ seat.
HPD (Honolulu Police Dept) kicked a homeless guy off the island by putting him in an empty seat next to me and my wife, right before doors closed. He was drunk, smelled, and was mumbling and randomly yelling. Wife switched places with me, as he sobered up he started verbally confronting other folks, swore at a young boy, grabbed my arm. Flight attendant threatened to have him arrested after landing. Had to move himaway from the little boy, to another empty seat - across from my wife on the other aisle...