Flying Squirrel

Upgrade your flight


 

 

If you’ve flown recently, you know the experience isn’t the pleasure it used to be 20 or 30 years ago. It’s more of an endurance challenge, as in: Can I endure this flight until I arrive at my destination?

Depending on when you travel, first or business class might be an option, as there are off-peak times during which these sections won’t bust your budget. Most of us, however, do our flying in the main cabin.

But did you know that even if you have a coach ticket, you still have options that approximate the amenities of the front of the plane?

I’m referring to the premium economy sections that many airlines offer travelers. They go by different names but they have one thing in common: more leg room.

In general, these sections occupy the first five to 10 rows of the main cabin. The seats have 4 to 6 inches more legroom, which can make a huge difference on a long flight, especially if you’re hoping to catch some shuteye.

How much extra will it cost? That depends.

Most airlines price each type of seat differently. Window and aisle seats cost more than middle row seats. In general, for most long-haul flights you can expect to pay from $50 to $90 for this benefit. International flights are more. If you’re an elite flyer with the airline, you may receive these upgrades on a complimentary basis.

If you look at the airline’s website, they will tell you the starting price for this section, but don’t be fooled. Supply and demand dictate cost.

You can usually book this feature even if you’ve already paid for your ticket. Just go to the airline’s website, select “My Trips” or “Manage My Travel,” and you can see what seat options are available to upgrade your flying experience.

One other note. The price you pay is per flight. If your flight has two legs, say from Los Angeles to Miami and then Miami to Montego Bay, you will pay for each flight on which you want to upgrade your seat.

Let’s look at a few of the major carriers and see how they differ.

American Airlines: American calls their program Main Cabin Extra. These seats provide more room—up to 6 inches—depending on the plane. You also receive group one boarding, so you can be among the first to get on the plane and store your bag. You’ll also have an earlier exit when you land, which can be helpful if you’re running to make a connecting flight.

With American, the seats toward the front of the main cabin are available on most flights starting at $20, though in my experience, long-haul flights range anywhere from $70 to $90 per seat, per leg.

Delta Airlines: Delta offers more room through their Delta Comfort Plus program. Seat benefi ts vary, but in general you will have more legroom (3 to 4 inches more), priority boarding, free premium entertainment, better snacks, and free beer, wine and spirits. Be sure to verify which of these apply to your flight.

Delta prices their Comfort Plus seats a bit higher than American. The long-haul seats I researched cost $89 for a domestic coast-tocoast, and $119 for an overseas flight. Again, your flights may vary.

United Airlines: United’s frontof coach section is called Economy Plus. Depending on the aircraft used, you’ll benefit from up to 4 inches more leg room. As for free drinks and snazzy snacks, you’re on your own.

United’s pricing is a bit lower than Delta’s, at least for the flights I researched, though again the price is based on each specific flight and seat. In general, you can expect to pay $39 and higher to upgrade to Economy Plus.

How do you know when it’s worth paying more for the seats?

For my clients, I often use seatguru.com to research the specifi c flight and aircraft. This handy site can tell you the seat dimensions and amenities available in the premium economy section for every single type of plane an airline uses.

So if you already have seats booked for this summer, you might consider starting your vacation in a little more comfort and style by treating yourself to additional leg room for a few extra dollars.

Thor Challgren is a travel consultant who lives in Thousand Oaks. He can be reached at www.loveyourvacation.com or (805) 499-8784. Email questions to thor@theacorn.com.


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