Vacation time! Time to relax... get away... release your stress. Unless you are flying.
I have fond memories of flying when I was a child. The stewardess would offer a delicious snack, a drink, and a small pair of captains wings to wear proudly. The seats were cushy with room to spread out while I read the latest Baby Sitters Club book. Of course, that was when I hadn't yet broke 5'0”. As far as airline comfort went, those were the good old days.
Now, standing at 6'0” with a 36" inseam, the thought of having to squeeze into a tiny airplane row for a cross-country flight is even more unpleasant than the modern-day stewardess. If you are fortunate enough to afford first class, read no further. If you are a fellow coach flyer, these tips will allow you to fly in (relative) comfort.
Emergency exit rows and bulkhead: To help you feel like you are flying first class, snag one of these coveted seats with almost double the amount of leg room as a regular row. Most airlines don't allow people to book emergency exit row seats in advance, but will allow you to switch to an emergency exit seat when you check in. If the emergency-exit rows don't show up as an option at check in, hustle to your gate and ask the gate agent. Also inquire about bulk head seating (the first row of coach). Note: Some airlines have started charging extra for these seats, particularly on international flights (up to $150).
Remove all of the magazines from the seat-back pockets: Unless you are planning to read your Sky Mall magazine to fulfill all of your inner-QVC urges, stash the airline magazines in the overhead cabinet. It will give you an extra inch of space and every little bit helps on a cramped airline.
Sit in an aisle seat: At the very least, when the stewardess isn't coming down the aisle with the drink cart, you can stretch your legs out. Just be careful not to trip anyone.
Fly an airline that doesn't pack you in like a sardine: You aren't imagining it... some airlines must think all people are short. Rack up your frequent flyer miles with the airlines that cater to our long legs. Seating space on airplanes is calculated by seat pitch -- the distance from headrest to headrest. These specifications vary by plane model, but on average you will get the most legroom for your buck on these domestic airlines:
- Midwest 33 - 34" (717 plane)
- Frontier 33"
- Southwest 32 - 33"
- Jet Blue 32"
- Northwest 32"
- Virgin Atlantic 32"
These domestic airlines put you at the highest risk of leg cramps:
- Midwest 30" (BE1 plane)
- United 31"
- Continental 31"
- Delta 31" (AT7 plane)
Source: Seatguru.com. Accessed May 10, 2011.
[author] [author_image timthumb='on']http://www.tallook.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Sarah1.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]
Sarah Baker
Sarah is a marketing and communications professional with a love for traveling the world, playing beach volleyball, visiting museums, supporting charitable causes, and trying new things. She is proud to be 6'0".
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11/10/2011 - 8:49 PM
I fly a lot and I’m 6’3, so there can be problems. Before airplanes became so crowded and before you have to pay extra for more legroom in some airlines I was able to get switched to an exitrow seat by going up to the ticketagent. They would often ask for volunteers to switch and I almost always was able to get one of those seats. Now it is more difficult. Although most airlines do not pre-assign exit row seats early, many DO let you reserve them on the day you fly. It is important that you get some seat when you reserve and then you can switch on the day of flight – check to see if they allow this 24 hours before or at midnight local time. I have made reservations during the first minute:-)
On seats be sure and check again about a week before you fly. Airlines often change the type of airplane around and you lose your seat reservation. You may be able to get a better one at that time.
When I travel for business I managed to get an agreement with my company that they will try to get me into business class for pay extra for a longer seat in coach if it is available. If you have very good relations with your company you might ask your doctor for a letter that details the risks of having your leg trapped and take that along.