Flight Seat Questions to SA

Looks like a buddy and myself, both first timers, are booking a hunt with Koedoeberg for May. Thanks to all who have helped me get over my narrow mindedness and preconceived ideas. Anyway......I have a very narrow window for departure. I have to arrive in J'berg on 5/11/13. First thoughts are I'm willing and able to do the Delta nonstop from Atlanta. Everyone tells me the economy comfort upgrade is the only way to go, especially row 31 on the bulkhead. Problem is, all of row 31 is sold out. Question: Given 31 has no seats available, is economy comfort still worth it, and would you choose an aisle, window, or what? What other flight options should I be considering? I appreciate all the help, again.

I guess I'd book a window so you can possibly lean your head somewhere to sleep. The aisle seat is convenient for bathroom breaks but you get bumped a lot.

Everyone who has paid the extra bucks, save extremely small people, say it is worth the money.

I like the aisle so I don't have to inconvenience anyone for the bathroom. Bring a pillow...15 hours on a plane is a long time no matter what seat you're in. Safe travels buddy

Aisle is ok but the carts and people constantly walking up and down makes it hard for me to sleep. I don't like being crammed against the window but i like it better than the sore elbows from the drink cart.

Oh I get an isle and a bunch of sleeping pills. Delta is the way to go.

Aisle is the way to go.. allow you to stand up and take short walks to un cramp your legs...

In my flights i think i have slept an hour, do not sleep on the airplane...

Now if you are a sleeper the window is the way to go. pillow and double blankie and you are all set.

Originally Posted by enysse

I guess I'd book a window so you can possibly lean your head somewhere to sleep. The aisle seat is convenient for bathroom breaks but you get bumped a lot.

Same here and the wife leans on me, now you may get a few funny looks if you book a window seat and your Buddy is leaning on you but then again these are modern times maybe not!

We went with the economy comfort the last time we went in 2011. I thought it was worth it. I'm a window guy but that's me. Out of 3 times there was once where it wasn't a full flight. Me and the wife had a empty seat between us. That was heaven. I would recommend you and your buddy getting a window and aisle seat. Can switch up if you want and maybe you'll get super lucky and have no one between you.

I go with the aisle or a door if available for full stretch out. As to the window, I personally dont like it because I hate to disturb others to get up, but dont mind the reverse. I have to get up often to stretch and walk and since I cannot sleep on the plane it makes more sense to be on the aisle though its true you get beat up a bit.

Who gives a shit where you sit, brother, YOU ARE GOING TO AFRICA..... Congrats, the flight from ATL to J'berg is 15 hrs. Sleep (if you can) if you can't sleep, liquor up then sleep. Tell Willem and Renier I'll see them June 2014. All the best too you and enjoy the hunt. Don't sweat the little things, like the seating arangement. Hell I would ride coach on a train to get back, (if it exsisted).

A full hunting report will be required upon your return....

I have been a 21+ hr flight the first time because of a # of delays and yes when I got off the plane I was ready to hunt...tired as hell though.

35Bore u nailed it

Originally Posted by 35bore

Who gives a shit where you sit, brother, YOU ARE GOING TO AFRICA..... Congrats, the flight from ATL to J'berg is 15 hrs. Sleep (if you can) if you can't sleep, liquor up then sleep. Tell Willem and Renier I'll see them June 2014. All the best too you and enjoy the hunt. Don't sweat the little things, like the seating arangement. Hell I would ride coach on a train to get back, (if it exsisted).

A full hunting report will be required upon your return....

It's true...who really does gives a shit when your going to Africa. Thanks for bringing us back to reality. I'd ride tied down to the wing if I had to at another chance to go to Africa.

JG as some one who is fortunate enough to fly there quite a lot, only just under 10hrs for me, but if you cant go business class , then the economy plus/world traveller plus depending on airline is very worthwhile doing. it gives you the extra leg room which is very welcome (the bulkhead seats do give you a little bit extra but no panic). go for the aisle seat as you will want to go stretch your legs/exercise them, which is important on long haul flights to keep the circulation going well. the seats are usually a little bit wider than economy so keep your elbows tucked in and you shouldnt get bumped, i am not that slender and dont have a problem. the anticipation of getting there will make the trip going lot easier, but better to be as comfortable as possible both ways. enjoy

Originally Posted by 1ObsessedHunter

It's true...who really does gives a shit when your going to Africa. Thanks for bringing us back to reality. I'd ride tied down to the wing if I had to at another chance to go to Africa.

Its not unrealistic to try to be as comfortable as possible. Not a stupid question at all. I for one do give a shit, it matters.

The plane ride there isn't too bad but the flight back to reality sucks. Africa withdrawal starts.

Airline Seat Maps, Flights shopping and Flight information- Best Airplane Seats - SeatGuru

This might help choosing your seat.

Originally Posted by enysse

The plane ride there isn't too bad but the flight back to reality sucks. Africa withdrawal starts.

I have no cushion where some do, low back pain, cant sleep and have sciatica and next time I go I will be over 60. And dont forget, I start out on the left coast near Canada and so I have 8 hours on the plane before even heading for Africa! Anyway you slice it, the 16-18 hours flight to RSA on that plane, any plane just plain sucks!!

Originally Posted by sestoppelman

I have no cushion where some do, low back pain, cant sleep and have sciatica and next time I go I will be over 60. And dont forget, I start out on the left coast near Canada and so I have 8 hours on the plane before even heading for Africa! Anyway you slice it, the 16-18 hours flight to RSA on that plane, any plane just plain sucks!!

I can't sleep either, other than a short nap between delays. You have it rough though, flying across the US first.