The Seat: This configuration of the 757 is where I first realized the benefits of a good exit row seat back when it was a TWA aircraft. I was not sitting in this seat at that time. 36F is a bit confining and could prove to be painfully uncomfortable if you’re next to (or are) a “passenger of size“. In this case I lucked out with an empty middle seat…a rare occurrence. Seat width is eaten up by having both your personal video screen and tray table in the armrest. In addition to all this, you’re stuck behind the dreaded exit door slide, partially boxing you in from the front. While not as bad as other confining exit doors, it can still be uncomfortable having to angle your legs to stretch them out on longer flights.

Service: Delta keeps their transcon (New York/Boston – Los Angeles/San Francisco) service competitive by offering in-flight wi-fi, personal video units and an enhanced EATS menu. Stacks up nicely against other legacy carriers (American, United) in economy but lacks some of the extras found aboard newer airlines (Jet Blue, Virgin America). Flight attendants were cordial but seemed to be a bit rushed throughout the flight.

Notes: This economy section is split just before this row by a pair of lavatories. There are fewer seats in the rear section of this cabin giving it a more exclusive feel and could even be a bit quieter than up front.

Summary: This seat and it’s cross-aisle equivalent (34A) aren’t the best choices but certainly tolerable if don’t mind slightly angling your legs for a few hours. The most glaring advantage might be that you’re able to stand up without bothering your neighbors.

Rating: 2.0 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Only Delta Medallion (elite) passengers can reserve these seats in advance but you can request them at the airport. Get to the gate early for your best chance. Being first in line helps if you’re requesting otherwise unavailable exit or bulkhead seats.

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status

Notes:Delta has an ever-growing collection of 757 configurations. With at least 4 different seatmaps and more with the addition of Northwest Airlines 757s, picking a seat can be a little confusing. For easier reference, this particular layout is referred to as “transcon – 75X” at seatguru.com. *Note: This particular aircraft no longer used on Transcon routes (eg.between JFK and SFO or LAX). It’s been replaced by similar 757 aircraft, but with a more spacious Business Class cabin and the personal TVs no longer carry live channels but several movie and recorded TV options. For legroom, 9C  is your best bet in this group of seats (9 A-B-C) as the exit door protrudes into the space of the window seat (9A). However, you’ll have to deal with people loitering in the area in front of you waiting for the lavatory no matter what seat you’re in. Another drawback is that you may find yourself gazing  into the first class cabin longing for free mojitos and a hot meal. On the plus side, you can always just pay for a mojito and buy a sandwich…not such a bad deal. The Delta EATS menu offers a great selection of food items for the trip. Breakfast is available for morning flights while sandwiches, salads and snacks are offered all day. These seats are reported to have less padding in the seat cushion; I didn’t notice at all.

Also, because it’s an exit row, seat width is naturally reduced due to the placement of the tray table and video screen within the seat itself. Despite the drawbacks this still rates as a premium seat to me. If you love to be first off the aircraft after the 5+ hour coast to coast hop like me, it’s just about perfect. Deltas inflight entertainment for transcons is great too. Several options are available with their touch screen system including movies and HBO offerings for sale and free live TV, flight map and games. In this particular row of seats, I like having the TV screen IN the seat instead of the seatback in front (less reaching). You’ll also find USB power ports beneath each seat for recharging your phone and gadgets.

Summary:Great seat for legroom junkies or anyone who likes being the first out the door.   Worth paying a little extra for if you’re given the choice. Delta’s transcons in general are a great alternative to the other legacy carriers and rival (at least) some of the coach amenities of Virgin America and Jet Blue.

Rating:4 hops (of 5).

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status. Alternately you could ask at the gate for exit row seating, or this seat in particular on the day of your flight.

Notes: Delta has an ever-growing collection of 757 configurations. With at least 4 different seatmaps and more with the addition of NWAs 75′s, picking a seat can be a little confusing. For easier reference, this particular layout is referred to as “version 2″ at seatguru.com and can be identified by it’s missing A thru C seats in row 19.

The aisle and middle seats D and E are the best choices for legroom. Seat F (my seat for this trip) is acceptable but the exit door protrudes into the space in front of you so you have to navigate your legs around it to get comfortable. As with any exit row seat it’s important to either dress warm or grab a blanket or two from the flight attendant as it can get cold by the door. There’s a lavatory directly in front of you but there’s so much space in between that congregating passangers don’t pose much of a problem.

Summary: If you’re taller and think the exit slide might make it an uncomfortable ride, then chose seats D or E. Boarding and deplaning are a snap as the boarding door is just opposite this row. Worth paying a little extra for if you’re given the choice.

Rating:3 hops (of 5).

How I got it: Delta Silver Medallion Status. Also may be available for purchase as a “Coach Choice” seat for a small fee 24 hours before your flight (if available).