Airplane Seat Advice Needed!

[dlyn88]

I will be traveling to London to study abroad next semester and have just booked my flight. Now, I am hoping some of you seasoned travelers could help me out with some seat suggestions! I am traveling on American Airlines in a 777. I'm currently in an exit row which I know normally means more room but looking at the overall seat plan, I'm not sure if this is the case here. I'm also not sure if it would be smarter to forgo the extra legroom and go for a window...AH. Any help would be much appreciated! Right now, I'm on the end of a 5-seater so would have the aisle to stretch my legs a bit in if I needed to. However...I have a tendency to curl up when I'm sleeping so don't know if the window would be a smarter bet.

I had a bad overseas flight when I was 15 where I ended up in the middle of the 5-seater and just don't care to recreate that experience.

Thanks!!

 

[laurie31]

Go here: http://www.seatguru.com/ and you can find the good, the bad, and the ugly about all the seats on your specific airplane.

I myself prefer a window seat, because I *love* to look out. I love to watch the sun set and then rise again when flying East. I like to watch my destination come into view. And yes, I like to curl up against the wall for better sleeping.

You will have to decide what's best for you, though. Ability to get up and walk around vs. something to lean against (and look out of).

btw, I spent a semester in London my junior year and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Enjoy yourself and soak up every experience you can!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yep, tough call....
It is really what YOU might be more comfortable (or least uncomfortable) with.

If I were not traveling with the other people in the row, I might choose the aisle seat. I don't like to feel hemmed-in by strangers.

My husband would ALWAYS choose an aisle seat in an airplane, theater, or anywhere. This would be a no brainer for him.

I am thinking that, even with a window, you would feel locked in by being stuck there and not being able to move around, etc...

 

[sandramaac]

I am not a window seat person especially on a transatlantic flight I hate being trapped in the middle of the night trying to get out for a potty break

yes seatguru.com is the website to check plane seating just go to american airlines and check what type of 777 you are on some configuration of planes are a bit different

if at all possible try to see if you can upgrade many airlines are offering paid seat upgrades on flights that arent terribly expensive also see if you can upgrade using frequent flyer miles flying business class especially on the way out makes a huge difference

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I always sit in an aisle seat to and from Europe.

 

[dismom2]

Personally, I would choose the isle seat. I've been stuck in the middle of strangers on those long-hauls and it's not fun. I like to be able to stretch my legs and get to the bathroom without having to possibly wake up a person/people in order to get there; also, people tend to have laptops, books, etc... on their tray, and it's a pain for them to all have to pack it up, get up so you can get out, etc... and repeat this when you return. While it is really nice having the window to look out of and lean on, for me, the other issues are more important. Have a great trip

 

[4nana]

I agree checking out seat guru. It has great diagrams with all the info you need w/seating map listing: good, mixed, drawbacks, standard, poor, etc. If it's an AA Boeing 777 it probably has 2 seats on left, 5 middle, 2 right - so you're not as confined if 2 seaters by window. When we flew to London we used BA on 777 and chose 2 exit window seats. They were very roomy, most comfortable, and 8 hr flt as smooth as glass. I liked the fact each seat had it's own TV! Have a wonderful trip and great semester!

 

[crashbb]

Since you are in the middle section (since you are in a set of 5 seats, I am assuming you are in a middle section), the "exit row" doesn't usually add much leg room. You will be in the bulkhead (have a wall, rather than other seats, in front of you), so no one will recline into you. On the other hand, some people will use the space to get across the plane (especially while boarding) which is very annoying. Also, your table tray will be in your armrest (since there is no seat in front of you), but does reduce the seat width slightly (and, on the off-chance that you end up with an empty seat beside you, you cannot raise the armrests to create a bigger seat).

I always prefer aisle seats - I'd rather be able to get up when I want than be able to lean against the window. On the other hand, you may have to get up to allow other people to get out of their seats.

 

[TravelGuy37]

For American Airlines 777s I always try to get 31B. Second choice 31H. They're both exit row aisle seats. Tons of legroom.

 

[scrapquitler]

I always try to choose an aisle seat...I hate having to disturb someone else to get up for my trips to the restroom.

Another thing I haven't seen mentioned: I always avoid the row in front of the exit row because usually the seats in those rows do not recline.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How tall are you?

I ask b/c on my transatlantic I had an extremely tall guy and I could NOT recline my seat b/c I had his knees in my back. I had it uncreclined too, but not as bad.

We were in the bulkhead, so plenty of leg room for me--but it just stank that I had to sit upright to sleep. As it was my 3yo had the window seat.

The guy behind me could not possibly have been comfortable--but he was unsympathetic to my plea and kept shifting his legs all.night.long.

So if you are tall--I'd suck it up with the exit row for your comfort and that of the person in front of you. This guy was easily 6ft tall.

They sell neck pillows and other travel devices to help you get comfy with sleeping.