Those of us who fly coach on domestic flights have grown accustomed to uncomfortable seats, elbows in our sides, tray tables in our laps, bent knees, and an overall lack of comfort. However, those of us who fly internationally had come to expect something a little different. While sitting in the economy section was not the same as sitting in Business or First Class, you could still anticipate a bit of leg and elbow room, and even some form of entertainment. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case anymore.
The New York Times (also available on turizmus) highlighted the fact that a number of carriers are now using the old Boeing 757 on international flights. This is a plane with narrow seats, three seats to a row, and only one aisle, so on those long haul trips you can expect to feel cramped while you wait for the beverage cart to pass so you can finally get up to go to the lavatory.
Along with personal space, international travelers can also lose amenities when on a Boeing 757. While many international flights offer movies and music at your seat and easy charging for your laptop, 757s are often devoid of such perks for economy passengers.
Some airlines are removing and rearranging seats to make things a little more tolerable for those long sojourns across the sea, but most people can expect an added bit of discomfort if they find themselves aboard a 757 with nothing but 8 hours in a middle seat to look forward to.



[...] (she texts us that it took 5 hours in line to check in) and another 3 hours on the tarmac in a 757 sardine can (described in a separate post) and low and behold they can’t/won’t take off again. Blah, Blah, Blah and the 150+ [...]
Pingback by Rick Seaney » Pack For A Few Days Extra on International Flights — August 3, 2007 @ 5:41 am