marc_rich

I flew to Thailand via Chicago and Tokyo. The flight from Chicago to Narita took 11 hours and (strictly IMHO) DO NOT get seats by the windows. I was stuck in the middle and by the time I got to Chicago, my feet were swollen - took a day for them to get back in their normal shape.

I was lucky on the way to Tokyo as I have *wisely* asked for window seat and instead, got a seat beside the exit door which gave me extra legroom. God took pity on me.

Forget the sleep! You can sleep in an aisle seat! It's the legroom that counts!!!!

marc_rich

P.S. The view was terrible - actually, there was none, mostly just clouds. And for the duration of the flight, the flight attendants ask you to lower window covers so people can watch TV / sleep, so what's the point?

I absolutely agree with other posters who say that window seats are overrated.

clevelandbrown

If you are flying a polar route (where you may see the Northern lights), or value the view when taking off and landing, a window seat is useful, and I don't understand how a window seat can make your feet swell?

We always try to bring our own entertainment. Check your battery capacity on the DVD player for a long flight like this; you might want to get the appropriate cable and insure you have a power port at your seat so you can extend your battery capacity.

marc_rich

clevelandbrown: when you are seating in the aisle seat, you can spread your feet (at least one of them anyway) and if you can easily get up and walk around without disturbing comatose passengers beside you (I personally hate doing that).

A window/middle seat confines your feet.

rkkwan

Many US -> Asia flights will fly over Alaska. Others over the N. Pole and a few over the Pacific. If it's the first two, and if it's summer time, you can view the wilderness or polar ice from the window. {Coming back, they almost always fly over the ocean to take advantage of strong tail winds.]

But YOU DON'T NEED A WINDOW SEAT to get a glimpse. You can walk to one of the emergency exits and take a look from there.

AAFrequentFlyer

Mo power on NWA in coach, so if you want to watch your own DVD, take extra batteries. Take your regular power cord and once the flight settles down, you could always ask the FAs in the back if you could recharge the battery if needed. They do have couple 110V sockets in the galley. Also NWA still serves free booze on international flights AFAIK.

If I were you, I would take the 2 seats in the back for now, but get to the airport early and ask for exit row seats (Row 35 or row 51). If you get it great, if not the back row will serve the purpose.

Somebody above is correct. It's probably the worst option to Japan, but as you said, it's free, so it puts it above others.

And finally, it's never as bad as it may sound. The flight will get you there and you will be wiped out, but you will get to enjoy a great country with your son. Memories are priceless.

Have a great trip!