Flying Coach to Europe
 

OK – prices being what they are, I have no choice but to fly my family of 4 from Los Angeles to Paris in coach. At one time, American – with their expanded legroom – was the obvious choice for me. But now that they have announced an end to this policy, and given that all of their planes will probably be modified by the time we fly in December – which airline would you guys choose for this flight if comfort is the most important factor? I'm willing to make one stop, but no more. Thanks for your advice.

Steveboy, you might want to post this question on the other forum that deals with airlines, for a better response. Having said that, though, I will tell you that Delta to Paris is NOT comfortable! And a friend of mine took Air France to Paris and was most impressed.

Just flew Air France from SFO (a 340? is that right?). It was really comfortable. Well, not really comfortable, but pretty decent. And the food's not bad at all.

Recently flew American to JFK too. It might've been an older plane, but the leg room still seemed...roomier.

Assuming World Traveler Plus (BA) or Virgin's equivalent "premium coach" would be too expensive (but worth checking out) and if you're not an "elite" member of United's FF program (for their "Economy Plus" seating) then I would probably look at Air France to minimize your pain, or possibly Air New Zealand's LAX-LHR flight; they're reportedly re-doing their cabins this year and might well have better pitch in economy than US carriers. www.seatguru.com for some (not all) references.

While I do have a United FF account, it is not "elite" status. Somehow my TA was able to put us in the Economy Plus seats from SFO to LHR this past spring, but we flew back in regular coach. While it's not Business or First, the Economy Plus really made a difference in comfort - I actually had some room between my knees and the seatback.

I've never flown Air New Zealand over to LHR, but did fly them to New Zealand. Don't know if they use the same planes, but their coach section was the most comfortable I've ever been in. All the coach seats had a little footrest that popped up from below too.

I have enjoyed flying American to Paris for the last 3 years - usually about 2 times a year, and the planes are quite comfortable (economy), with pretty good legroom. Are they really going to do away with that extra legroom on the international flights? I thought they were going to leave those as is. Anybody know for sure??

Yes, AA is adding back enough seats so that MRTC will be LRTC throughout the fleet. The rollout schedule has all but the 777s being stuffed by the autumn; the 777s will get the treatment starting in, like October, so Happy New Year, UA E+!

I agree with Gardyloo about United's Economy Plus. I don't know if it's because I've got so many United miles racked up or what, but the last couple of flights I've taken with them, I've been put in Economy Plus at no extra cost. Maybe I AM an elite member and don't even know it, but it was definitely better than regular coach.

Steveboy;
Stick with AA the Extended legroom was only done away with in certain US markets and some Central American markets. Relax and enjoy. Jj

jj401, according to an email that I got back directly from AA, seats are being put back into all models of planes on all routes.

On the "minorly" plus side, the response I got stated that they are not putting as many rows back as they removed when they went to MRTC. Says they're putting only one row back in where two were removed. Whether that equals a larger seat pitch than pre-MRTC, I don't know. AA can sure twist up language lately to suit their needs.

Overall though, AA has removed every component of why I chose and stuck with them. Every reason they've stated comes down to being "competitive" in pricing. Fine then, I say. Compete.

They lost round 1 by nearly $40 pp. We're flying to NY on NWA later this month. Funny thing is, in the old days, I'd have probably bought the AA ticket anyway.

Steveboy, I'd agree that if you can get on an Air New Zealand plane, that's a comfortable ride.

Sorry, jj401, not true. I called and asked that question, and they ARE in the process of reducing the legroom on overseas flights as well.

I flew AA to Paris about 3 weeks ago and my plane had already been reconfiugred to remove the extra legroom. I was OK since I am a vertically challenged person of only 5'3, but my father was uncomfortable.

I have flown BA's premium economy once, and it might be worth the extra money if you are tall.

I think it depends less on the airline and more on the plane. I wish I could be more specific about the larger models, but I'm pretty clueless. My last return flight to Paris was coach class on a large and not too full Air France airbus, and relatively, it was heaven! I used to love U.S. Air for the professionalism of its cabin crews, but that has suffered of late, with the bankruptcies. Air France (despite privatization steps) is now my favorite. However, there also are national carriers that fly from New York to Paris and still use jumbo jets and can be had for less, including Air India. Comments, anyone?

Here's another member of the AF fan club. I always fly them to Paris and have always been happy with the service and comfort, as well as the fare.

Thanks for all the info - you guys are great. It looks like I've got some sorting out to do as there is no one obvious answer. But I'll investigate the various suggestions and let you know where I come out.

Hi all--

I'm flying AF to Paris in April. I'm on one of their 747s out of San Francisco. I heard those are not as comfortable as the AirBus. We don't have the in seat monitors either. Any comments on AF 747s??