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Larger passenger seeking best seating option

So my husband is 6'4" and around 450. I'm 5'2" and 250. Are we better off with 3 economy seats, in which he can spread out, or in 2 business class seats. The price difference is only $30 US more for business. The flight isn't long (Sacramento to Vancouver) but I'd like him to be comfortable. I don't think stuffing ourselves into 2 economy seats is wise.

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I would go with business. Seats are wider and there is more leg/body room in front of you. Plus you will get lounge access and priority boarding. A much nicer experience

u/MadTrophyWife avatar

Thank you! I think that's going to suit him best, and a lounge is a nice perk, especially since the timing on the way home is post-cruise and we may be in the airport for a couple hours.

Make sure to check which type of aircraft they're using for that flight and make sure they actually have bigger seats, you can use a website like SeatGuru to check the flight number and date to see the specs on the business seat for that flight.

u/Comprehensive_Baby_3 avatar

Don't use seat guru, it is outdated use aerolopa

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The price difference is only $30 US more for business.

I would call this a no-brainer regardless of your personal statistics.

30$ more for business is a no brainer, you get a nice meal as well, the crj900 u can book the left side of the aircraft the business class seat is individually by itself, keep in mind it’s a crj and it will still be relatively small:)

While I don't mind Air Canada economy offering, for only $30 more, definitely would choose business!

u/Dragonpaddler avatar

At $30 more for business, it’s totally better to go business. Seats are both wider and more legroom. Plus you’ll get fed and free drinks (alcoholic too, if that matters to you) as well as lounge access and priority boarding (and possibly security screening.)

Don't book the front row. I'm not sure about business, but the front row of premium seats in economy have the tray table/media screens that fold into the armrest. He might already do this but don't be afraid to ask for a seatbelt extender too - it makes a big difference.

u/GreaseShots avatar

Keep in mind that although business seats are larger and have more legroom, the sides are solid panels. You guys might be better in premium economy where you have more legroom + the dividers on the third seat come up.

u/almaghest avatar

On this route it’s likely a CRJ, which won’t have premium economy.

u/GreaseShots avatar

That makes sense. Given those factors I would recommend the three seats in emergency exit. Leg room plus arm rests go up

No, he’ll need a belt extension and you aren’t allowed them in that row as far as I know

If it’s a CRJ there is no 3 seats option. It’s 2+2

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Just be conscious of the fact that the tray table may be a hindrance in Business class. Some don't push out as far sadly. But just realising if you're doing Sacramento to Vancouver - I believe its a Jazz plane so a smaller regional aircraft (CRJ). Business class will be a 1-2 configuration while Economy is 2-2.

u/viccityguy2k avatar

This route is usually a CRJ so business isn’t that much wider of a seat. That’s why the price difference is so low.

u/Ostrich6967 avatar

If no one boards your third seat they might put someone in it won’t they ?

Not if they buy and book the seat.

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I would say take business class.

But also these YVR SMF flights are on a CRJ so there isn’t any opportunity to have 3 seats. The aircraft is 2x2. Business class is 1x2.

Business 100%. I think it’s worth every penny (when I can afford it) to upgrade. Especially on long flights. So much room. Faster on and off. Basically all of the things that give me anxiety are quicker or smoother. Happy travels!

Pay more for upgrade if it’s in your budget. It will always be a better trip with extra space and comfort. Plus there’s additional perks!

NB. emergency exit row seats and bulkhead seats are one inch narrower than regular seats and have fixed armrests, whereas regular economy have moveable armrests.

u/otissito16 avatar
Edited

If it's a CRJ-900, I'd book economy - 3 seats in row 13 or 14. 13ACD for example.

The business seats on these planes are narrow compared to most of the others. That combined with the fact that there are rigid dividers between the business seats would mean going business would be a bad idea. As somebody that is not exactly small, I find the economy seats on these planes are extremely narrow, and the business ones to be doable, but I really don't think they would be comfortable for somebody that large. Row 12 is out of the question because the seats have rigid dividers between them.

Rows 13 and 14 have extra leg room. You might actually be able to get some or all of the seat fees waived under the circumstances by calling the medical desk - and only be required to pay for the two seats themselves.

I would not be booking this online in any event. It should only be done by phone. Bear in mind that General reservations agents cannot waive seat fees, so you may need to speak to both reservations and the medical desk.

u/MadTrophyWife avatar

It is a CRJ 900 and our travel agent will book them for us. We're traveling US to Canada, so we'll have to pay for a 3rd seat.

u/otissito16 avatar

Even if you are paying for a third seat, under the circumstances you are better off with this arrangement.

As I was pointing out, the business seats are only about 3 to 3.5 inches wider than those in economy and the arm rests between the seats are fixed. The larger passenger will not be comfortable.

If cost is a concern, you may be able to get the preferred seat fees waived through the medical desk under the circumstances. It does sound as though there may be something that could qualify as a disability, and they will give the additional leg room to those PWDs that need it. I have never once been asked for proof of my disability. They will also waive the seat fee for a companion, so that you'll be able to sit across the aisle.

To do this, just book whatever fare you were going to in economy, and don't pay for a seat selection. Then immediately call the medical desk. But do have your travel agent check to see if one side of row 13 or 14 is clear before booking.

u/MadTrophyWife avatar

This is all good information.

u/otissito16 avatar
Edited

It is also worth mentioning that the circumstances can vary by aircraft. A few other examples:

If this were a 777 or 787, I'd be booking the bulkhead (though specifically 18DE) for the larger passenger. This is because the armrest between these seats does actually go up unlike the others. That and it has extra leg room.

For the A220, I would be asking for 20DEF or 21DEF.

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u/Impressive-Tie-4550 avatar

If this was my problem I would spend the money of a personal trainer and use the vacation time to get in ”shape”

u/PinkCoconut- avatar

Eww

Go cargo