seats on plane

[Dznypal]

Im in the final planning stage of our Med cruise--getting our airfare--and how is seating on the plane

were on American from Chicago to Barcelona between seat guru and AA website Im really confused on the how seats are

I understand what you get for the extra charge for main cabin extra--its between 140 and 150 a seat--the plane is 3/3/3 so even paying more for these seats your still in the middle /of the middle

next one is preferred which is a lot cheaper $95 a seat--not sure what you get with this--theres only about 8 of these on the plane

its only 2 across which would be nice since its just DH and me--these seem to be right by the lavatories which is why im surprised there more also theres a big open space to the left of the middle seat--;ikle where the 3rd seat should be doesnt look like theres a window though but we dont leave till 1030pm and get to Barcelona at 140pm so an overnight flight just wondering if this is just open space and no window

the plane is a 788-Boehing 787 if that helps

any advice or tips would be very helpful

thanks all

 

[Dznypal]

forgot to mention

would being in the middle of the middle seats really be that bad--its an overnight flight so not much to see

I think a lot of people booked aisle and window since theres a lot of middle seats open--

 

[goofy4tink]

Those seats that are only two across tend to have a bit less space....sometimes it's the design of the plane, especially in the rear of the plane. At least that's been my experience.
As far as the middle seats go, a lot of couples book the two aisle seats in the middle rows, hoping that no one sits in the the middle seat, between them. For the side rows, people book a window and the aisle, hoping no one sits in that middle seat. Sometimes you get lucky and no one sits in the middle seat. But if the plane is close to full, there could very well be someone sitting in between you and your traveling partner!
And you're right, there isn't much to see on an overnight flight. Just did one to Italy. Sat in the middle section of the plane, aisle seat. No one sat next to me, it was wonderful. Same for my friend who sat directly behind me...no one sat beside her either! If it were me, I would book a middle of the plane row, taking the two aisle seats, hoping no one sits in that middle seat. Also the further back you go, the more likelihood of no one taking that middle seat.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Do not ever book seats near the lavatories, especially on a long flight. There will be constant noise, light, smells and people hanging out around your seat.

 

[goofy4tink]

Do not ever book seats near the lavatories, especially on a long flight. There will be constant noise, light, smells and people hanging out around your seat.

Have to agree! Even the three rows around the lavs get busy. I try not to choose seats within 5 rows of any lavs.

 

[BadPinkTink]

As a regular transatlantic flyer my preference is ALWAYS an aisle seat. I have flown General Economy, Premium Economy and Business class.

You will always pay more for bulkhead seats and Emergency exit seats, even in Economy as these seats have more space than the regular economy seats.

Different airlines have different configurations but basically this is what it means.

General Economy - Cheapest Seats
2 seats at the windows, 4 seats in the middle of the plane
More rows which mean smaller seat space, tall or pooh sized people may feel cramped
Food will be the standard airline food, served on plastic trays, with plastic cutlery
You get one main meal, which is a choice of either or ie either chicken or beef
You get one snack or light meal, no choice
Depending on the airline, may need extra payment for alcohol. Soda, water and juice always free
General airport checkin ie the big long line
General airline boarding ie last on the plane, last off the plane

Choice Seats / Premium Economy / Main Cabin Extra - Middle Price Seats
2 seats at the window, 3 or 4 seats in the middle of the plane
Less rows so more seat space
Seats are more comfortable than General Economy
Some airline provide a footrest
Some airlines have better quality blankets and pillows than the General Economy seats
Some airlines curtain off this section from the General Economy Section
Food is usually a mix between Business class food and General Economy food, ie your main meal most likely will be from Business Class, your snack or light meal from Economy.
The main meal from business class will be like a restaurant menu, 3 or 4 choices for starter, entree and dessert
The snack will have no choice
Depending on the airline, no extra charge for alcohol
Depending on the airline you may get a drink when you first board the plane before takeoff
General airport checkin ie the big long line
Second section to board the plane, second section off the plane.

Business Class
Pod S shaped / Yin and Yang type seats
1 Pod at the window, 2 pods in the middle of the plane
Sliding privacy partition separating you from your Pod neighbour
Seats can recline to flat during flight
Real proper pillows and blankets
Drink service as you board the plane
Choose meals from a menu card
Hot Towel service during flight
Free alcohol
Complimentary flight toiletry bag with sample sizes of toothpaste, eye cream, moisturiser etc.
Priority checkin / separate check in line
Priority boarding / separate boarding line
First on the plane, first off the plane

 

[Woodview]

Those seats that are only two across tend to have a bit less space....sometimes it's the design of the plane, especially in the rear of the plane. At least that's been my experience.
As far as the middle seats go, a lot of couples book the two aisle seats in the middle rows, hoping that no one sits in the the middle seat, between them. For the side rows, people book a window and the aisle, hoping no one sits in that middle seat. Sometimes you get lucky and no one sits in the middle seat. But if the plane is close to full, there could very well be someone sitting in between you and your traveling partner!
And you're right, there isn't much to see on an overnight flight. Just did one to Italy. Sat in the middle section of the plane, aisle seat. No one sat next to me, it was wonderful. Same for my friend who sat directly behind me...no one sat beside her either! If it were me, I would book a middle of the plane row, taking the two aisle seats, hoping no one sits in that middle seat. Also the further back you go, the more likelihood of no one taking that middle seat.

Very good points & Advice ..... take it.

What happens if someone sits .... or has booked the seat between you ? then Swap