Growing up I used to fly coach all the time. I never imagined I’d fly anything else. I never heard of an upgrade, and couldn’t imagine either being in a position to pay for anything else – or being willing to spend so much money just for comfort during the flight. “You’re both getting there at the same time!” I flew cross-country and across oceans often.
Taking an American Airlines DC-10 to Sydney via Honolulu wasn’t bad at all when the plane was empty and I could snag a middle row of coach to myself. It wasn’t great flying a completely packed plane. I still remember watching John Goodman star as King Ralph on loop and being unable to escape it all the way to Honolulu.
Once I learned about upgrades (about 30 years ago) I started doing everything I could to avoid coach. When I was just a premier (now ‘silver’) on United, I would go out of my way to pick larger aircraft with more premium seats, and even pick my travel dates and times, to maximize chances of an upgrade. I’d fly a Boeing 777 at noon on Wednesday via Denver if I had to, instead of a non-stop to the West Coast, but fortunately back then United flew even Boeing 747s that were can’t miss for the upgrade.
Upgrades aren’t as easy as they once were. Airlines have gone from selling just about 10% of their first class seats on domestic flights, to monetizing the vast majority of them for some amount even if it’s just a ‘tens of dollars’ cash buy up. I’m willing to play the discounted cash game now, too.
However I’m also willing to fly coach, and one thing about my life has changed to make it much more comfortable. I lost a lot of weight. Before the pandemic my view was that it wasn’t just the legroom that’s an issue, but the seat width too. I was just a lot wider!
In 2020 I wasn’t traveling as much, so I was eating better and had a healthier routine. I dropped 20 pounds that year. Since then, though, I’ve dropped another 60 pounds. And that’s made all the difference. Several of you commented on the difference when I shared photos from SMU’s Texas Economic Forum.
Give me an exit row and decent seat padding, and I don’t mind coach at all. However, there are two caveats. I need decent seat padding, and extra legroom.
- Standard coach seats at 31 inches from seat back to seat back doesn’t work for me, because I need to comfortably open my laptop and work on the flight. For me, high speed inflight wifi is for being productive, not just doom scrolling social media.
- And if I have to sit in United Airlines coach with their hard 1-ply seats, I’m going to have a back ache. Southwest’s latest generation seats aren’t better. Airlines tried to mask how much legroom they were taking away – squeezing seats closer together – by also taking away seat padding. That way they ‘got back’ half an inch of space, at the cost to your bum and back. I need a decently-padded seat.
The ergonomics of a seat, which isn’t just seat padding but that’s an important part, make enough of a difference that I’d rather fly coach on a Qantas Airbus A380 than premium economy on an American Airlines Boeing 787.
The American Airlines premium economy seat is basically a domestic first class seat, with a seat back screen and an unusable foot bar (bulkhead seats have a foot rest). I found premium economy on the 787 to be uncomfortable just flying Los Angeles to Dallas.
In contract, Qantas with a decent 34 inch pitch and soft seat just isn’t horrible for a long flight. And while I’ve never found Qantas crew to rival those of the better Asian carriers, I’ve always felt well checked-on during flight with frequent passes of snacks and water.
I shared recently my second child so maybe I’m doing a bit of oversharing here. But my perspective on traveling is heavily influenced by my experience traveling so the things that shape that experience matter and feel like something I ought to disclose.
I absolutely still want to fly in premium cabins! I love international first class. I don’t want to do long haul in less than business. But it bothers me a lot less that I may wind up stuck in back on more domestic flights than this used to happen.
You look like a new man! And congratulations on the latest addition to your family!
Congrats on the weight loss. Makes a huge difference not just in travel but, more importantly, your overall quality of life.
So you used to be one of those people I worried about sitting next to me lol…..
Glad you’re healthier now. Of course always the downside of that if you gotta go out and get new clothes lol. View From the Waist!
Congratulations! Yes, we need padding on one side of the pants or the other.
This is such a sweet update. Well done, Gary. Keep up the great work!
Way to go, Gary. Congratulations!
I am on the same trajectory…not there yet…need to shed another 15 lbs. But yes, it did cross my mind that Economy might not be all that bad. Depends, as you say,in the seat padding leg room. Less. Crowded plane would be nice, too, but let’s get real….
Some airplane seats just don’t have enough padding to sit comfortably in. One suggestion a while ago was to get a small zip closed pillowcase and put a change of clothes in it for a cushion. I have done that and it works quite well.
I try to avoid coach and have no issue with paying for upgrades. I don’t expect a business to constantly give away their product for free. With Americans getting bigger and bigger it’s not legroom but being squeezed by someone’s girth. I’ve gotten too old to be rubbing up against a stranger and luckily can afford cash upgrades.
When I started flying heavily in the mid 90s empty middle seats were pretty common and even having an empty row. The days are long gone.
Congrats on the weight loss! That’s a huge accomplishment. As someone who lost 50 pounds, it truly is lifechanging.
Congrats again!
@JorgeGeorge Paez – I wasn’t *that* big, even if I was bigger than I should have been 🙂
I used to fly Continental (& later United) 777 regularly between 2008 & 2016. The economy seats were “3 x 3 x 3.” I am stunned that both United and American are now “3 x 4 x 3” on the 777.
Indeed, good job – taking weight off with a busy trave schedule is difficult.
About two years ago, I had my own reckoning and went full keto – 100 pounds off in 10 months. Keto foods are simply more sating and for me ketosis further suppressed apetite. Turns out that what my doctors had been saying about prediabetes, high blood pressure and apnea was correct all along.
@jfhscott – my wife tells me i no longer snore!
Congratulations on a healthier lifestyle, and keep the discipline to do what you can to try to maximize the quantity and quality of life with your family and the miles and points universe.
@Disgruntled American, I don’t fly B777s with 3-4-3, either. It is basically a non-starter for buying a ticket.
I’m built for modern coach. I’ve turned down exit row seats, because I don’t need the legroom. Let someone tall have it, I figure. Plus, I’m less likely to have an empty seat next to me in an exit row (though I know I wont get an animal there either). My reason for buying extra legroom seats is so the guy behind me is less likely to stick his knees in my back. The best domestically are last row F with a divider behind me: no knee gring and no complaining about my recline.
I was still glying Y or Y+ whent 777s started to be changed from 3-3-3 to 3-4-3. Besides the loss of an inch or so of width, the middle section had 4 supports, making 3 unique underseat storage areas for 4 people. Where do I put my luggage and/or feet? Last time was AF. I had an aisle in the “4” section with quite obese grandma next to me, then 8 yo granddaughter, then normal size mom. Why couldn’t they see that me-mom-gkid-gmom was the fair way to do it?
Sorry don’t know your back story. Why are you flying so much? Just to write about flying around? Or are you flying for business and just happen to write about it as well? Burning a lot of wasted fuel for nonsense it seems. Hope everyone does not do this. Planet will burst into flames.. But no laws against excessive waste so have at it i guess.
@Doug P – since you don’t know my backstory maybe don’t assume it? 🙂 I’ve been a business traveler since 1996. As a kid, I grew up as a frequent ‘VFR’ traveler, since my parents lived on opposite coasts. (I have family abroad that I’m close to as well.)
Here’s my response, by the way, when the U.K.’s Independent said I was actually personally at fault for the world’s climate crisis https://viewfromthewing.com/uk-media-says-i-am-to-blame-for-the-climate-crisis-what-the-actual/
Gary- I do appreciate the sharing. I think we are the same age. It’s awesome you are able to find a passion that supports your family.
Like you, I wanted to get out of coach as soon as possible. And a I finally did, but sometimes… yes sometimes, “Economy 1st class” is better than coach.
Why? When A320’s. A321’s fly from PHL to Europe. There are no flat seats. I would rather pay coach for 3 seats than fly 1st class. I bring a pillow. It’s all good.
Love your blog, probably oversharing myself, but I think it’s cathectic to me and many other readers.
Congrats on both the weight loss and the realization that first class isn’t all that. The majority of my flying is in exit row seats (or at least premium economy), often with a middle seat empty. And I usually pay very little to fly. While I enjoy first class, it’s never worth it to me unless the cost (always in miles if I’m paying my own way) is modest. I just see this as common sense.
If I could just find a way to lose about 4″ in my legs I’d be all set.
Well, you sound like me! Having just returned to Bogota on United with no upgrade, I heartily agree with your comments about their Economy seating. Most uncomfortable! Your escapades nearly echo mine, 747’s via Denver, happy memories!
Also I greatly enjoy all the interesting tidbits of information you hit me with!!!
Congratulations on the weight loss. Now, work to keep it off and strive to be healthy.
Good for you for losing all that weight. That takes a lot of hard work but the health benefits are worth the investment and more!
Too many people resign themselves to carrying unhealthy weight and it’s really unfortunate because they don’t realize how within reach it is to get rid of it- although it does take a lot of hard work.
Gray,
great job. and keep it up.
I too agree with you. I was recently upgraded to Prem Plus window, squished away, on long haul UA overnight flight, where my original seat was economy bulkhead. I regretted it all the way
I had to chuckle about the 747 out of Denver. The good old days. The first time I ever flew, 1974, was on an AA 747, JFK to LAX, red eye with a stopover in Dallas. In the early ’80s, the LA to New York route was serviced by discount airlines such as People Express and World Airways. All 747s. It blows me away when people tell me they’ve never been on a 747. I’ve been on 747s countless times, and I feel blessed. Such a treat. I still miss that bird.
Congratulations on making a healthy change. We (your readers) are genuinely happy for you. I flew on Qantas 747 in a 2-3-2 configuration Premium Economy (SFO to SYD) and it was better than many business classes today.
Well done, Gary, on achieving a much healthier lifestyle! Great result for you and your family.
As someone who has lost 80 pounds in 2024, I can relate. Economy is now tolerable, it wasn’t when I was 36% heavier.
Congrats on your weight loss Gary.
Two kids is a game changer for travelers. A row of 3 no longer works unless you have a lap child – otherwise you also need the aisle seat across. And usually both kids want window seats (eventually this is solved by telling them they will have strangers in the middle seat). You will also find it more difficult to secure standard hotel rooms in Europe and Asia that permit >3 guests (though at some point the kids will be old enough to have their own connecting room).
On the plus side you can make good use of multiple WN companion passes and each parent can take one child on a $99 AS companion ticket. You can also split up 1 adult + 1 child for TATL and TPAC biz class rather than trying to find 3 or 4 seats on the same flight.
@ Mike Oxlongandhard — Such comments are cruel and childish. I’m glad to hear that Gary blocked them.
@Gene, why don’t you hop on a plane to Haiti.
@Boraxo – but the AA $99 companion ticket for two companions no longer suffices!
Congratulations, Gary! Looking at the pictures, I did not think you need to lose anything. However, it is great hearing that you are in even better shape now. I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for all helpful insights!
Congrats on your lifestyle changes and improved health.
Kudos on losing weight!!! I don’t mind flying in all classes every year. Flying economy makes me appreciate flying business/first class even more.
Depends on the length of the flight as well. 2-3 hours or so is ok in economy. 10-12 is a bit tougher…
Congratulations on the weight loss!
By not eating a meal high carb, high sugar foods and very processed while sitting down on a flight, you will surely lose weight. Although a sugar coated biscuit and a soda will also give you a very unhealthy weight gaining snack too.
@Gary —> I think you’ll agree you are NOT the typical flier, if only in terms of a) the total miles flown annually, and b) the number of points/miles you have in your various credit card, airline, and hotel accounts. That said, I’m probably not either, in that I have mid-tier status on one airline which I (barely) re-qualify every year, and through that status with one airline alliance.
That said, I can’t remember when I’ve *not* flown in the Exit Row, which I book at no extra charge due to status. unless it’s in Premium Economy — which I will only fly if I can book the PE seat(s) also at no extra charge. With two bad knees surviving multiple surgeries, even a short flight like SFO-LAX is impossibly uncomfortable, unless I have an aisle seat. Miles are reserved for international lie-flat Business seats….
Gary, congratulations on the weight loss that you have achieved. Good for you! Enjoy that healthier lifestyle – it’s so important as we get older (take it from this 75Y0 – your body will thank you), And I am also delighted to hear about your second child. Wonderful news. Wishing you good health and joy with your new family addition.