Long Distance Air Travel, On Economy Seats.

[ezyryder]

I know, it's a strange topic to start. The lounge seemed like the only sensible place to post this, but anyway. I am planning on going on a long flight at somepoint, but to get it cheap (300-800 return) I'd have to fly with economy class with obviously cheap airways. I was wondering if anyone has had experience of long distance flights in these circumstances? Is it worth saving money? The longest plane ride i've been on was 20 minutes, so I don't know much when it comes to it.

Also, lastly, do any of the uk crowd have any recommended online sites to purchase tickets (if i were to go down that path).

thanks,
- EzyRyder

[Billy_Dean]

I fly to the UK from Australia, 26 hours. Just get up and walk around at least once an hour or more. When in your seat, excercise your toes and feet constantly. Check the price of business and first, there's a huge difference.


:)

[Darth Sushi]

The only differences between 1st class and coach are:

1st Class: real matal eating utensils
Coach : Plastic sporks
1st Class: real glasses for drinks
Coach : Plastic or paper cups
1st Class: more leg room
Coach : more screaming babies
1st Class: you board and disembark 1st
Coach : hurry up and wait

One consolation is during a plane crash, your survival rate is higher towards the back of the plane where as 1st class is always up front ;)

[MagicNakor]

1st Class also gets semi-edible food.
Coach doesn't.

:ninja:

[Yogi]

Don't forget the small pricedifference:

$564
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS (AMS) to
New York, NY (LGA)
US Airways
Flight 43/3686
1 13hr 15mn
Departs: 12:45pm
Arrives: 8:00pm

New York, NY (LGA) to
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
US Airways
Flight 3741/42
1 10hr 30mn
Departs: 5:30pm
Arrives: 10:00am
----------------------------------------------
$5,145
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS (AMS) to
New York, NY (LGA)
Delta Air Lines
Flight 37/1847
1 12hr 31mn
Departs: 2:10pm
Arrives: 8:41pm

New York, NY (LGA) to
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
Northwest Airlines
Flight 631/58
1 12hr 50mn
Departs: 6:30pm
Arrives: 1:20pm


Source:LowestFare (http://www.lowestfare.com/default.asp)

[UKMan]

economi - as long as you get where you want, its a small discomfort really compared to the fact you save quite a few bucks which can be used more effectively. Ive flown with some low-price companies many times and apart from the fact the service is more substandard than usuall, or the rush to get the best seat - its nice to know your still gonna get there anyway.

Just plan ahead and give yourself a bit more time with checking in and take a lunch-box plus a good book to read. Anyways, the travelling is all part of the experience so just relax and let the others panic.

Peace
UKMan

[Spider_dude]

depends where you are going ezy.

there is a new airline which are advertising on buses near me, cheap trips to canada, i think they are called zoom or something. i will find more info next time i see a bus.

[MagicNakor]

I wasn't allowed to bring a lunch-box.

Stupid Americans think I'd pack a bomb or something. ;)

:ninja:

[Riddler]

IMO, a lot depends on how tall you are, how tired you are and how broke/rich you are. Personally, I'd never go coach on a long distance flight again ! I'm over six feet and my legs ache from the contorted lotus positions I have to keep them in...even with getting up to stretch every now & then. I guess if I could time it so the flight was during my normal sleeping hours it might not be too bad but then they wake you up every few hours to try and feed you the airline gruel they pass off as food ! I think I'd rather save up some extra bucks and go first class...I had a glimpse of what their accomodations were like last time and I thought; " Ohhhh Yeah, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about ! " B)

[clocker]

No matter which class you end up in you will be treated like cattle, you WILL NOT take off or land at the promised times, you WILL probably lose at least one piece of luggage and basically feel completely violated/abused at the end of the process.

Have a nice trip.

[UKMan]

Originally posted by Riddler@12 November 2003 - 15:41
IMO, a lot depends on how tall you are, how tired you are and how broke/rich you are. Personally, I'd never go coach on a long distance flight again ! I'm over six feet and my legs ache from the contorted lotus positions I have to keep them in...even with getting up to stretch every now & then. I guess if I could time it so the flight was during my normal sleeping hours it might not be too bad but then they wake you up every few hours to try and feed you the airline gruel they pass off as food ! I think I'd rather save up some extra bucks and go first class...I had a glimpse of what their accomodations were like last time and I thought; " Ohhhh Yeah, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about ! " B)
he he - too true i suppose. Not being 6 foot tall i dont suffer those discomforts. Yepp, theres a lot to be said for comfort if your gonna sit for hours and hours.

MagicNakor:
I wouldnt let you bring a box on my flight-sim either - :D

Peace
UKMan