SFO to VPS (Destin FL). Any suggestions?

[Disneyliscious]

Im a noob. Never bought or booked a flight before. We have decided on JetBlue or Virgin America for our SFO to MCO trips but a SFO to VPS will be a regular trip for us (once a month or so). I've researched several carriers and JetBlue doesn't even fly to VPS, nor does Virgin America.

My bf is 6ft 7 and has to have extra leg room. I'm looking for an airline which offers some kind of upgrade to allow for this. Don't mind paying, but can't do the business class prices due to the frequency of the trips. The standard 28-31 inch pitch just wont work for him. Would prefer 34+. I think it was AA that offered it but you could only ask for it upon check in, and if they were available. I dont have any credit cards for perks so this makes a diff too it appears.

Any ideas? Thank you so much for any advice. I know there are some seasoned flyers out there and I could use your input right now lol.

 

[SteveMouse]

I'm afraid you're not going to be happy.

VPS' website is http://www.flyvps.com. It has a list of airlines that serve the airport (or is that the other way around).

I glanced at tonight's arrivals- it looks like Delta is using regional jets (700 series) on at least some flights. When I looked @ Seat Guru, http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Delta_Airlines/information.php, which shows details on equipment used by the airlines, it looks as though the seat pitch is 31 in tourist class.

The RJs are pretty small, overall.


I would expect that the other airlines flying into VPS are using similar equipment (ie regional type equipment) and have similar seating in tourist class (most airlines seem to be ever shortening seat pitch).

I also glanced at the American flight, and the wing-based emergency exit seats might have a bit more legroom. Seat 1-A may not have a bulkhead in front of it. If it is considered an emergency aisle seat, you might be able to book it. If it is not an emergency aisle seat, it may be prioritized for an individual with a mobility disability and any other passenger will be moved by the airline if needed.

I don't know, offhand, if it would also be held for premium AA frequent flyers.

Note that although United uses the same equipment, it's configured a hair differently and usually does have the bulkhead in front of 1A.


I think you'll need to consider adjusting budget to afford business class.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Thanks for your reply Steve! Its been quite a task trying to figure out all this flying stuff and after reading your suggestion, I think I *may* have found a solution. Exit rows! Evidently exit rows offer a considerable amount of leg room (and he is more than willing/prepared to act in case of an emergency). Standard pitch is 31 inches. Economy Plus gives 5 more inches for 36 inches (which is fine) but the exit row gives 66 inches!!! I'm thrilled. They charge a mere $50 or so extra for the seat in comparison of paying triple the price for a First Class ticket.

United Airlines flies into VPS (San Fran to Atlanta to Destin) so this is great news to me. However, I haven't really read any great reviews on flying with United lol. Beggers can't be choosers though.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thanks for your reply Steve! Its been quite a task trying to figure out all this flying stuff and after reading your suggestion, I think I *may* have found a solution. Exit rows! Evidently exit rows offer a considerable amount of leg room (and he is more than willing/prepared to act in case of an emergency). Standard pitch is 31 inches. Economy Plus gives 5 more inches for 36 inches (which is fine) but the exit row gives 66 inches!!! I'm thrilled. They charge a mere $50 or so extra for the seat in comparison of paying triple the price for a First Class ticket.

United Airlines flies into VPS (San Fran to Atlanta to Destin) so this is great news to me. However, I haven't really read any great reviews on flying with United lol. Beggers can't be choosers though.

United is fine. Keep in mind different planes have differing amounts of leg room. Also, UA has many elite frequent flyers who can chose exit row seats for free, so you cannot count on them being available for purchase.

If he is going to be flying a lot, stick to one airline so he can gain frequent flyer status and a greater chance of getting better seats.