Frequent fliers who have grown accustomed to getting upgraded usually end up with a phobia I call econophobia. I’m one of them, especially when it comes to long-haul flights.
Econophobes will pull out all the tricks to try and get upgraded but as they sometimes learn, sitting in a comfy first-class seat isn’t always in the cards. In fact, more often than not, the first/business class cabins are full, the fare rules on the ticket don’t allow for upgrades or it’s just too expensive.
Instead of begging or coming up with a lame excuse, the best thing to do is to secure the best seat in coach. Always do this as early as possible to reserve it. If you don’t know what the top-rated seats are on a particular aircraft, then consult SeatGuru.com.
Arguably the best seats are always in the exit row since they have the most legroom. On some airlines and planes it might be the bulkhead so find out in advance.
If it’s a night flight, I prefer the exit row window and if it’s a day flight, I usually opt for the aisle. But one trick I’ve learned over the years to make my economy seat as comfortable as possible is to use my carry-on roller bag as a leg rest.
Of course, I have to wait until after takeoff but once at a cruising altitude, I take my bag down from the overhead bin, place a blanket or my sweatshirt on top of it and then lay my feet across so it’s like a La-Z-Boy.
The photo above illustrates what I’m talking about, as I fly comfortably across the Atlantic on an American Airlines flight from London to Miami.
I would have been even more comfortable if I’d fully reclined but I didn’t want to be cruel to the passenger behind me. Speaking of which, should you recline your seat at all? It’s a hot topic – what do you think?
My economy class aids: 1) my own down pillow 2) my collapsable footrest 3) ear plugs 4) eye sleeping mask. 5) green tea or herbal teabags. I roll the pillow like a sleeping bag then secure the center with a tie or ribbon and stick it between the arms of the suitcase pulling handle. I am a pillow snob so I never have to call the hotel desk for a “better” pillow. Even in business class their foot rests aren’t comfortable or reachable for short people. The portable foot rest relieves lower back pressure also. The pillow also works as a small down comforter on those absolutely freezing flights.
Noted by this healthy looking 80
year old with multiple joint replacements and an open heart surgery.
I’m a “very healthy looking pre-board” – Mike Reynolds’s would really have something to whine about if he had the not-very-visible chronic illnesses I have.
Assuming makes one look like an a$$.
Sometimes you just have to deal with what you’re dealt.
I try to be one of the first to board on Southwest. That way I can stretch my legs into the empty space beside the emergency exit door from the row behind. But wait. If SW boards 20 to 30 very healthy looking pre-boards, which is not that uncommon, that could be a problem. Then there’s the person in the middle seat next to the emergency exit door that claims that empty space. See picture.
http://princessonly.com/SW/SW.jpg
Problems are people normally getting around the emergency exit area, doing exercise, playing
with the babies etc. Also near the bathrooms.