Just minor leg-angling required on the window in this aisle.

The Seat: I’m not sure where in the scheme of things I started to like leather seating. Luckily for me this aircraft sports Delta’s unnaturally shiny blue leather seats complete with pillowy headrest, personal fold-up video entertainment system and in this row, plenty of legroom for a mid-sized guy like me to stretch way out. While the  aisle seat is the king of legroom here, beware toe-smashing beverage carts and lavatory congregators. While neither posed much of a problem on this flight, it’s not unlikely that you could be hurt or annoyed at any given time. The window seat seems like a good option here despite the exit door slide compartment imposing upon some of that extra legroom. You’ve got the wall for leaning, a window to stare out of and fewer people doing the bathroom dance directly in front of you while you’re trying to watch 30 Rock.

Service: Friendly enough flight attendants, but unmemorable. I had to rely on my notes for this one and even then all I seem to have noted was “prompt beverage service”. From that, all I gather is that I was probably half in the bag not long after take-off.

Notes: Seats 30A & B are similar seats on the opposite window side of the 2-3-2 configured aircraft.

Summary: With Delta collecting cash for their Economy Comfort seats a little further toward the front of this plane, it’s nice to see they left  a few plain-ol’ exit row seats alone. Sure, there’s no extra recline, but the added legroom is a nice option for a few lower-level and non-elites to battle for.

Rating: 3.5 hops (of 5).

Strategy: These seats are available for Delta SkyMiles Medallion members in advance and released for everyone else at check-in. The best bet for non-elites is to arrive early and ask the gate agent if you weren’t able to choose them online or at the kiosk.

How I got it: Purchased outright at Delta.com.

Airline: Continental Express
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-145 (ERJ)
Seat: 2A
Class: Economy
Book (support modhop):Orbitz

Curvature affects floor space of window seats aboard this United (Continental) ERJ-145.

The Seat: I fail to mention it in the video review that the curvature of the plane sort of cuts into the area in front of you. This can be an annoyance if you’ve got carry-on pieces to shove in that space too. Otherwise You can expect a pretty typical regional economy seat. I really like that all “A” seats are by themselves, giving you both a window and aisle access. Non-bulkhead seats (like this one)  are slightly better  in my opinion as it’s easier to fully extend your legs in front of you without the pesky bulkhead wall. This is true on most aircraft but the bulkhead appeared to be particularly constricting in this cabin.

Service: There’s been just one flight attendant aboard this type of aircraft in every experience I’ve had. It’s so small that having more than that would likely be goofy but because the flights are typically pretty short, You may end up having to chug your beverage choice by the time you get one.

Notes: Continental and United are merging but there shouldn’t be much change to this aircraft unless economy plus finds it’s way aboard. Here’s a peek at the combined airlines paint on this plane.

Summary: Stacked up against other regional jets this one isn’t my favorite as these older Embraer aircraft have a pretty tight feel to them. That said, being up near the front and not having a neighbor in the “A” seats helps to make it feel a little less claustrophobic.

Rating: 2 hops (of 5).

Strategy: There’s no strategy to nabbing a normal economy seat but I recommend against paying for economy upgrades to bulkhead or exit rows. The bulkheads don’t allow you much space to stretch your legs and the exit row upgrades just arent worth the money charged to non-elites. If you ARE a United/Continental or Star Alliance elite you can grab the premium seats for no extra charge, but I’m not sure I still wouldn’t just choose something non-eliteish that’s closer to the front. (Of course that may be just because I’m a geek and like to get off the plane early to  take pictures while I”m waiting for my gate-checked bag to offload.)

How I got it: Continental.com – Checked frequently and was annoyed at the price charged for exit row/bulkhead seats ($49/$29 respectively)…enough so that I just skipped the option and didn’t end up regretting it.

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (77D)
Seat: 54C (“Premium” Exit Row Seat)
Class: Economy
Book (support modhop):Orbitz

Cathay Pacific's Studio CX features an above average number of entertainment options.

The Seat: Compared to my recent review of a typical economy seat aboard Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER, this one clearly is champion of leg space. It’s also not my first near-galley rodeo either. I spoke quite fondly of my experience watching flight attendants drop countless meal-time items at my feet while preparing to serve the gang in steerage aboard a Singapore Airlines 747. In this case, the galley is a little better separated from the seat, giving you more space to stretch out and relax even when the crew parks carts in front of you. Where recline is concerned, you’ll find that these newer fixed-back seats push your lower half forward into a recline position instead of the more common back-recline. This keeps you from jamming into the seat behind you but feels a little less than comfortable. As is typical with exit seating, You give up an ever-so-slight amount of seat width to allow for the tray table inclusive armrest. Your video entertainment screen pulls out from underneath the seat and is loaded with an impressive number of movies, full seasons of TV series (not just one or two episodes), a great moving map and an external camera (which comes in handy as this row is windowless).

Service: You’ll feel spoiled a little if you’re used to flying US or UK domestic flights. Cathay is one of the worlds 5 star airlines as rated by SkyTrax and service is a big reason why.

Notes: Electrical outlets are located under the seat instead of behind the tray table, as with typical economy seats on this plane. (Just so you don’t freak out when you go to plug in your iPod.)

Summary: Like I had mentioned in my earlier review Cathay Pacific has done a good job updating their cabins, most recently to their international business class and super awesome first class cabins. I still don’t like the lack of lumbar support in these seats, but do love this exit seat for the added legroom and little bit of extra spacing from the nearby galley.

Rating: 4 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Cathay Pacific offers “Premium” seats like this one for $25 on shorter routes (like this one between New Yorks JFK and Vancouver) or $100 for transpacific and longer routes. Either way a phenomenal deal for that much extra legroom.

How I got it: Called the airline shortly after making the reservation and checking the online seatmap for availability. Process was simple and took less than a few minutes.

Airline: KLM
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 Combi (74M)
Seat: 9C – Exit Row
Class: Economy Comfort

The Seat: With everyone abuzz about Delta Airlines introduction of new Economy Comfort service aboard long-haul flights, I thought it might be a good idea to check out their partner KLM’s version of this slightly “less annoying than coach” offering. What I ended up with was a very normal exit row seat with even more legroom than the others in this section.  In regards to seat width, this is most certainly economy sans comfort as your tray table and personal TV eat up valuable side-body real estate. Keeping yourself entertained is easy with  personal televisions at each seat, but the lack of in-seat power may keep you dependent upon KLM’s selection of movies and a couple of “30 Rock” re-runs that you’ve already seen on other flights.

Service: Eh. Not fantastic. Food was delivered, drinks were served. No one complained.

Notes: I noticed the gentleman in the row behind us had all 3 seats to himself. More than one of us attempted to steal his aisle seat but it turns out that he purchased the entire row. Not something you’re able to do on most airlines (to the best of my knowledge) but a brilliant move if you can.

Summary: Each seat in economy comfort has up to 4 inches of additional legroom, and even more if you can grab 9B, 9C or 11D, 11E. The seats in these rows aren’t the best if you require  extra width, but ideal for stretching out. The normal (non-exit) seats in this elevated economy offer a little of both and provide a good compromise.

Rating: 2.5 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Seats in economy comfort cost between 60 and 150 EUR. SkyTeam Elite Plus members (Delta Airlines Gold & up)  receive 50% off. Members of the Flying Blue Program receive discounts as follows: Silver – 25%, Gold 50%, Platinum- Complimentary.

How I got it: Purchased after reservation was made at KLM.com.

Airline: Delta Airlines
Aircraft: Boeing 757
Seat: 36F – Exit
Class: Economy

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

Airline: Delta
Aircraft: MD-90
Seat: 28C
Class: Economy – Exit Row

The Seat: I ‘ll agree with seatguru.com on this one. It’s well deserving of their “green” rating for this aircraft with extra legroom and a full recline. The only real drawback is it’s distance from the boarding door. While you may be allowed to board earlier, you’ll be waiting a while longer to get to your next flight. You may want to avoid it if you’ve got a tight connection.  The normal exit row cautions: Because of the exit doors these get cold during flight and if you’re not willing, able to help in an emergency… or under 15, You can’t sit here.

Service: Got a great crew on this flight. The flight attendant kept referring to their oddly shaped snack boxes as a “fez” (or some other type of hat). Short flight with friendly attentive service. Above average.

Notes: These aircraft were some of the first outfitted with in-flight wi-fi. Worked well and kept me entertained.

Summary: Where premium economy seats are concerned, there’s not much to choose from on the MD-90. Also, be very careful when choosing exit seating as there is no recline in the 3 rows in front of this one (25, 26 and exit row 27). And again, if you have a tight connection choose something closer to the front if it’s available. [Not yet reviewed by modhop: Seat 10C looks promising if you can get it.]

Rating: 3.0 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Delta Medallion (elite) members have first access to these seats but they can be requested at the gate. The only other seat we cautiously reccomend on this aircraft other than seats in row 28 is seat 10C which is a bulkhead seat and must be requested at the gate. (but only 10C! the other seats in this row are standard seats with reduced width). SkyTeam Elite members and elite members of other specific airlines (such as Alaska Airlines) also have first crack at these premium seats.

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status.

Airline: Delta
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Seat: 36A
Class: Economy

The Seat: This seat is rated as a premium seat on most seat-map sites like seatguru.com. Being a skeptic, I was anxious to see how much space I would find between the seat and the exit row slide…You see, I’ve been burned before. In fact, the video seat reviews that we regularly obsess over were inspired by the time I found myself stuck in 19F on this Delta 757.   I was happy to find that  this seat was NOT close enough to the exit slide to be a nuisance, although it might be of slightly lesser value to someone much over 6′.  There’s a small gap between the exit slide and row 35 so if you can do so without bothering the person in 35B, You’ll have all the advantages of an aisle seat as well as a window seat. Speaking of the window, You’ll have to turn your head just slightly further to see outside but not difficult. Movies aren’t easy to view from this seat. There’s a projection screen on the bulkhead wall to your right that you can see at an angle, but it’s difficult to sit in that position for any amount of time. Until Delta makes improvements to the in-flight entertainment we recommend bringing your own entertainment.

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Service: Meals were served and help was provided in a friendly and timely manner. Nothing more or less than I could have hoped for.

Notes: At the time of this post Delta has begun re-fitting these aircraft with new slimline seats that will provide slightly more legroom in economy the new design. The new seats will be upholstered in Delta’s signature blue leather and fitted with personal TV/Entertainment systems with movies, games, maps and audio. Until the installation is complete you’ll experience the older Northwest Airlines era cloth seats with limited audio and shared movies overhead.

Summary: It appears that row 35 in seats B,C,H & J are superior seats with added legroom and easy aisle access and might be a better first choice. That said, 36A is a very good economy seat and the room around it gives it sort of an exclusive feel (and by that we’re not implying it’s anything like being in Business Class). It should also be noted that this and it’s opposite, 36K are the only seats in this row with extra legroom so if you’re traveling with (and sitting next to) a companion, one of you will be in a normal economy seat.

Rating: 3.5 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Delta Medallion (elite) members have first access to these seats but they can be requested at the gate. If you’re not a medallion level member try getting to the gate early and requesting something in row 35 (Seats B, C, H or J only) , then 36A and/or K if those aren’t available. SkyTeam Elite members and elite members of other specific airlines (such as Alaska Airlines) also have first crack at these premium seats.

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status.

Airline: Delta
Aircraft: Airbus 330-300 (A330-300)
Seat: 10A
Class: Economy

The Seat: The allure of this seat is that it’s in an exit row with tons of legroom and away from odor and foot-traffic prone lavatories. Exit row, check. Legroom, almost. The emergency exit slide encasement extends into your leg space so that you’ll have to angle both legs to the right if you want to extend them. Not comfortable for the long haul. Being away from the lavatory is nice but you’ll be right next to the main galley which seems to be even noisier at times with flight attendants working throughout the flight. Sleep can be difficult here. Personal TVs with a reasonable number of movies and TV options is attached to the seat. With the tray table and personal TV  in the armrests, seat width is slightly sacrificed.

Service: Being the very first row in economy,  you’ll get your meal straight from the warmer. Also, being so close to the galley, you can walk your tray right back when you’re done without having to wait for flight attendants. Standard service for a US carrier. We had no  complaints but there was nothing extraordinary about service from attendants. And like most US carriers, there were no “extras” like eye shades or ear plugs in economy.

Notes: 10B (neighboring seat on the aisle) has tons of legroom but is even closer to the high-traffic galley. Seats 10G (aisle) and 10H (window) are the mirroring seats on the other side of the galley.

Summary: It’s great to be served first but galley noise and protruding exit slide make this a less than perfect seat for long haul comfort.

Rating: 1.5 hops (of 5).

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Strategy: Delta Medallion (elite) members have first access to these seats but they can be requested at the gate. This particular seat, because of the legroom restriction isn’t as popular as others so you may find it available more often than others. Our official advice  is to arrive early to the gate and ask for seats 29A,B,G and/or H which also offer a greater amount of legroom and a less obtrusive exit slide at seats A and H. These seats get slightly higher marks for legroom but are also closer to the lavatory so you’ll potentially have odor and passenger traffic issues here.

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status.

Bonus: Delta Airlines | Airbus A330-300 | Economy Seat 10A -Exit Row

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Airline: Delta
Aircraft:757-200 (Transcon)
Seat: 9C
Class: Economy (premium / elite seating)

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. 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).

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.