Tall passenger flying

[ktate82]

Airlines have departments that discuss special needs ahead of time. American calls their department "Special Assistance Coordinators." Here, for example, is American's Special Assistance webpage: http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/planningAhead.jsp

A passenger who is 6' 8" and has had "several back surgeries leading to his spine being fused along with a rod" certainly qualifies as having special needs.

Sitting in a regular economy seat is absolutely not an option because the space is too limited. The airline is likely to say that sitting in an exit row is not an option either because of the possibility of impaired mobility in the event of an emergency.

I would recommend calling the airlines that fly on the route that you need and discussing those needs. The important thing is to end up with an appropriate seat assignment that is GUARANTEED not to change.

Thanks! We will do that before we book so we know the appropriate steps. I think also we will try to book the first flight of the day to MCO to increase the chance for a bulkhead seat too.

 

[Sandi]

Thanks! We will do that before we book so we know the appropriate steps. I think also we will try to book the first flight of the day to MCO to increase the chance for a bulkhead seat too.

I'm not sure that the first flight to MCO will give you any better chance of getting bulkhead seats. Those first flights to MCO are popular because so many people are trying to stretch their vacation/conference time. Coming back to Indy early might be a strategy that will work.

As you've said you'll do, connecting with the airline is your best opportunity for accommodating his needs. Good luck.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Thanks! We will do that before we book so we know the appropriate steps. I think also we will try to book the first flight of the day to MCO to increase the chance for a bulkhead seat too.

If your stepfather is physically unable to sit in a regular seat, you need to get him a confirmed seat assignment that's appropriate for his physical needs, guaranteed by the airline due to medical necessity.

It's not enough just "to increase the chance for a bulkhead seat" if he truly cannot fit in a regular seat.

A physically flexible 6' 8" passenger could take such a chance. If a bulkhead seat is unavailable, he might be able to sit in a regular seat with his knees sticking up or his back and legs twisted. He wouldn't be comfortable, but he would be able to sit for a couple of hours and to fasten the seat belt.

Based on what you've written, that would not be an option for your stepfather.

Also, there's something to consider about bulkhead seats: Bulkhead seats are great for tall people because there's plenty of kneeroom. However, there is usually not much room to stretch out. In both cases, it's because there's usually a dividing wall in front of the bulkhead row. Your stepfather must be able to bend his knees well to fit in a bulkhead seat.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm not sure that the first flight to MCO will give you any better chance of getting bulkhead seats. Those first flights to MCO are popular because so many people are trying to stretch their vacation/conference time. Coming back to Indy early might be a strategy that will work.

As you've said you'll do, connecting with the airline is your best opportunity for accommodating his needs. Good luck.

If your stepfather is physically unable to sit in a regular seat, you need to get him a confirmed seat assignment that's appropriate for his physical needs, guaranteed by the airline due to medical necessity.

It's not enough just "to increase the chance for a bulkhead seat" if he truly cannot fit in a regular seat.

A physically flexible 6' 8" passenger could take such a chance. If a bulkhead seat is unavailable, he might be able to sit in a regular seat with his knees sticking up or his back and legs twisted. He wouldn't be comfortable, but he would be able to sit for a couple of hours and to fasten the seat belt.

Based on what you've written, that would not be an option for your stepfather.

Also, there's something to consider about bulkhead seats: Bulkhead seats are great for tall people because there's plenty of kneeroom. However, there is usually not much room to stretch out. In both cases, it's because there's usually a dividing wall in front of the bulkhead row. Your stepfather must be able to bend his knees well to fit in a bulkhead seat.

I feel from the OP's first post that they are going to be going on SW because that's what they've gone on.

So taking the first flight means there won't be people already sitting in the seats when they board. And taking SW means there are no confirmed seats. Of course, if they book directly through AT then they can pay for seat assignments, I believe.

Stepdad is going to have to bend his knees no matter what seat he's in. I know that I personally still don't understand what having an empty seat in front of him will do for him that a bulkhead won't do.

 

[ktate82]

I feel from the OP's first post that they are going to be going on SW because that's what they've gone on.

So taking the first flight means there won't be people already sitting in the seats when they board. And taking SW means there are no confirmed seats. Of course, if they book directly through AT then they can pay for seat assignments, I believe.

Stepdad is going to have to bend his knees no matter what seat he's in. I know that I personally still don't understand what having an empty seat in front of him will do for him that a bulkhead won't do.

An empty seat in front of him does him no good as he would have the room for his knees. He can bend his knees, he just can't scrunch up with the rows so close together. If I call SW, can I get him a confirmed bulkhead seat? I know they don't do seat assignments, but since he wouldn't fit otherwise and due to the back surgery will they make those accommodations? If not, we could fly AirTran and book him a seat directly on the airline, but would we be able to get a front seat? Do they have first class on AirTran that he could book or something with more legroom?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Airtran's first 3 rows are business class, almost like first class. I always upgrade to the before my flight. I book an exit row initially and then upgrade when doing my online checkin. They are great seats, will really miss them when the SW thing is complete.

I am 6'6".

 

[ktate82]

Airtran's first 3 rows are business class, almost like first class. I always upgrade to the before my flight. I book an exit row initially and then upgrade when doing my online checkin. They are great seats, will really miss them when the SW thing is complete.

I am 6'6".

How much is the upgrade? I looked at the business class seats and it was $780 vs $214! There is no way we can do that cost! That is almost what 4 of us could fly for! Whew....

 

[Gary M]

How much is the upgrade? I looked at the business class seats and it was $780 vs $214! There is no way we can do that cost! That is almost what 4 of us could fly for! Whew....

See my post #9 on the first page. This upgrade also doesn't charge for checked baggage. You get coach seats and then buy upgraded business seats(if available) 24 or 48 hours before departure on line. If you pay for a reserved seat in coach and upgrade to business, you get your money back for that seat. I have never failed to be able to upgrade to business class, but I always exactly check in 24 or 48 hours before departure. The cost to upgrade on nonstop flights between IND and MCO was $49 each way or I believe 4 segment credits. If you are checking 1 bag each, that would be free in business class. So take that would be charge from the $49 and also the reserved coach seat cost.

This is how it was when I flew on Airtran a couple of years ago and several flights before that.

 

[Allison]

In Sept 2014, we are planning a trip with grandparents. Flying seems like it will be our best option. The main problem is my step-dad. He is 6ft 8in and on top of that, he has had several back surgeries leading to his spine being fused along with a rod. We usually fly SouthWest or AirTran. We would be willing to buy two seats, but the problem isn't that he needs two side by side (we could put him next to one of the kids for room), but one in front of the other. What are our options?

How would 2 seats one in front of the other help?

 

[Sandi]

I feel from the OP's first post that they are going to be going on SW because that's what they've gone on.

So taking the first flight means there won't be people already sitting in the seats when they board. And taking SW means there are no confirmed seats. Of course, if they book directly through AT then they can pay for seat assignments, I believe.

Stepdad is going to have to bend his knees no matter what seat he's in. I know that I personally still don't understand what having an empty seat in front of him will do for him that a bulkhead won't do.

Ah, now I understand what she was thinking. An flight from the airport of origin is different than the first flight of the day out of the airport. The first flight out of the second airport might not be the first leg of that plane's flight.

I'll be curious to hear how this all shakes out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

How much is the upgrade? I looked at the business class seats and it was $780 vs $214! There is no way we can do that cost! That is almost what 4 of us could fly for! Whew....

Upgrades used to range from $49 to $99, now I think it is $69-$129. I used to pay 69 from Milwaukee, now it is 89. But so worth it. Also, 4 rewards will get you an upgrade, any length of flight. If not a non-stop, 4 per leg. If paying, as Gary said (hi Gary ) you can do upgrade at the 24 hour mark, online. And best to do exactly at 24 hours, the upgrades can go quickly. If using rewards, you can do upgrade on the phone, starting midnight of the day preceding your flight.

Two checkin bags are free with business class.

I always book exit row, $20 additional. Then upgrade to business class at midnight or 24 hours, depending if paying with rewards or money. I am credited with the $20, or applied to my upgrade cost. With the free luggage, it is really a no brainer.

Good luck.

http://www.airtran.com/business_class.aspx

 

[nilseks]

Try calling AirTran and explaining your situation. My son has some issues that are not as severe as your stepdad's. a few years ago we flew AirTran and I called to explain our situation ahead of time. Without hesitation, the agent gladly gave us seats in the bulkhead row.