How to turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse

You know the story by now: No two seats are created equal, even within the same airline. Sometimes seats even vary flight to flight on the same route (see table below). That’s the case with Continental to Europe as detailed in FCF’s Jan. 2007 issue.

But here’s the wrinkle no one has told you about: The dismal international Business Class seat can be the desirable one domestically (where it’s usually called First Class). Premium domestic seats are generally so lackluster that just about any premium international seat is better.

Such is the case with Continental: Its least-desirable international Business Class seat reclines only to 156 degrees—the best one reclines to 170. However, its best domestic seats are so poor that the carrier doesn’t even publish recline numbers. But what I (and you, certainly) can’t measure in inches and degrees, we can measure in comfort. I don’t need a tape measure to tell me that these two seats are night and day.

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So where are they?

On Continental, the good domestic seats are on flights to Hawaii, on several transcon routes, and on some short-haul routes from the carrier’s hubs in Cleveland, Houston, and Newark/New York. Here’s one example: You’d be far happier flying Cincinnati-Houston-Honolulu aboard the airline’s 767, than taking most other carriers.

Knowing which airline has the best seats on a given route can help you choose where to place your loyalty, too. Let’s say you’re a OnePass member (Continental) and a SkyMiles member (Delta). If you’re flying New York-Los Angeles, you’d be much more comfortable on Continental’s 757-200 than on Delta’s offering, while you can earn miles in either program by flying with either carrier.

And if you’re booking economy in hopes of a free elite upgrade, you’re better off being a member of Continental’s OnePass.

Los Angeles-Honolulu: You wouldn’t think so, but most carriers’ First Class cabins on this route are disappointing, whereas Continental’s is quite reasonable (although one carrier has it beat—see April 2008’s FCF, page 2). Historically, Continental has had good mileage availability, too, unlike most of its competitors. So, if you’re an American Express

Membership Rewards member, this is a great opportunity to cash in points.

New York-Honolulu: This is one of the most difficult routes on which to use miles, as it is the only NYC-Hawaii non-stop. Pay the fare, even though at $1,890 it’s not the least expensive one—but it’s certainly the most convenient and more comfortable option. (Break up your trip in LA for only $55.)

New York-Los Angeles: Delta is your last resort on this route. Opt for Continental and you’ll arrive in much better shape.

Houston-Honolulu: Most Northeasterners and many Midwesterners must make a connection to get to Hawaii. If you’re a SkyTeam mileage hound, this is the flight to book.

Last Word: Don’t Confuse the 757-300 with the 757-200. As the chart on page 2 shows, First Class seats on the former recline little and have much less legroom.

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