I’m no stranger to sitting in Economy. Up until last summer, my family always flew in the Economy section, even for international flights. For domestic flights, I usually pick the cheapest, most direct flight. I don’t mind flying Frontier or Spirit if the price is right. After all, because we live in the middle of the country, most of our domestic flights are only 2-3 hours long.
But when it comes to longer international flights, I’ve become a bit more picky if I know we’re going to be sitting in Economy. Sitting in a seat for 8-17 hours at a stretch is an entirely different scenario.
For our trip to Portugal next year, we already booked award flights in Business Class to Europe. However, for the flights home, we are looking at sitting in Economy. Here are some things I consider before booking award seats in Economy for longer flights.
Layout of Economy Class
On longer flights, I’d rather not have to fall asleep sitting next to a stranger. I’d also rather not have to climb over a bunch of people to use the restroom. Some seat configurations are just better than others for aisle access.
For example, both Iberia and American fly nonstop DFW to Madrid. However, the Iberia plane has a 2-4-2 layout in Economy:
This layout is better for couples or families of four because nobody will have to sit next to a stranger. Plus, no matter where you sit, you will only have to climb over at most one person to get to the aisle.
Compare that to the layout on the AA plane for the same route:
It has a 3-3-3 layout in Economy and squeezes in on additional seat per row compared to Iberia.
You can view plane layouts on SeatGuru and on some airline websites.
Seat Dimensions
I also like to look at the width and the pitch (legroom) of seats. In the case of the flight from DFW to Madrid on AA vs Iberia, the pitch measurements are the same. However, the width of the Economy seats on Iberia is 1-2 inches wider than the seats on American. You can also get this info from SeatGuru or on some airline websites.
Price and Timing of Award Booking
Of course, the amount of miles or points required is a big factor. For example, when United charges 30,000 miles for an Economy award and Air France charges 19,500 miles, that’s a huge difference. Most airlines have dynamic award pricing now, so the prices are always fluctuating.
In addition, the timing of flight itineraries becoming available is different among airlines. Some international airlines are available to book ~12 months in advance. vs. ~11 months in advance for the U.S. airlines. If you hold off on booking an available award seat to compare it to a U.S. airline, the award availability may disappear. As they say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Online Reviews
Lastly, I like to look at online reviews of airlines and seats. YouTube is full of them, and many travel bloggers write extensive reviews.
Bottom Line
Don’t worry, you don’t have to do all this research before booking Economy seats on international flights. It’s not required! Flights don’t last forever, and traveling is more about the destination anyway. But if you have time and you like to research (like I do), you may be able to improve your flight experience by doing a little research before you book.
Readers, do you look at any of these things before booking a long-haul flight?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
There certainly considerations on long haul seating. Our upcoming IAD-BCN was on a United flight with a 2-3-2 configuration. Perfect for our family of five! But, United changed the aircraft to a Boeing 777-200 with a 3-4-3 configuration. And of course… only single middle seats available in the middle section in Economy Plus. Ugh.
So right now we’re on the left side of the plane. 3 in one row, two in the next, window and middle. I figure I’d rather be trying to slide out over one stranger, rather than risk sitting on the aisle with a stranger on the window seat with a bladder the size of a squirrel. Been there, and rather not do it again with an 8 hour overnight flight!
Until then I’ll be watching seats carefully, praying two seats together opens up in the middle section.
Ugh, I hate it when a plane change ruins our carefully crafted plans! I hope the seats open up for you.