? about seat selection
 

Calling tonight about seats on AA Boeing 757 from SAN to BOS. The AA internet page shows available seats and I have a copy of the guru advice.

My question..I usually have FF mileage and they give me the seats.This time I have a choice.. I am a fearful flyer and would like the quietest and smoothest part or is this a fantasy?..

Any advice is welcome..

Closer to the front the better - quieter. Personally, I find the ride similar front to back, but others have their own preference.

I'd definitely get an aisle seat. Being blocked into a window seat by two people on a long trans-con makes me extremely uncomfortable.

I'm assuming you are sking about Economy seating rather than the First/Business Class seats. If so mid-cabin is usually the smoothest, although there's really not a significant difference in smoothness between front, mid or rear - if the flight is bumpy you'll feel it no matter where you sit. The Bulkhead Seats (row 9), seats 10A & F and the Exit Rows (rows 15 or 16) generally have the most legroom but the tray tables are in the armrests and that makes the seats a bit narrower than other Economy Class seats. Bulkhead seats lack overhead storage space (a problem if you are carrying on luggage). I personally prefer seats 10A or 10F because of the extra legroom. If I can get thhose I'd rather be in one of the other rows near the front of the cabin (rows 11 or 12).

Thanks so much ...!

I find the 757 to be a very comfortable aircraft when bumpy. I choose aisle seats in the center. I'm a bad flyer and like the 757 for just that.

I don't think any part of the plane is smoother. But the front - ahead of the engines - would be a little quieter.

I also think being in front, along with an aisle seat, reduces the amount of "tube" in front of you, which can affect your interpretation of the amount of space around you. Not feeling cramped might help reduce anxiety.

If I had the opportunity to fly on a 757 in coach, I would stay home: just had same - EWR-BCN on Continental or JFK-BCN on Delta's 767.
No contest. We are flying DAL.
SO has been in the "industry" 45 years and she and her still active pals say avoid the 757!
M

Being a nervous flier I prefer to be away from the windows.

The smoothest part of the plane will always be over the wing. If noise is an issue, use noise reduction headphones -- put you to sleep.