Also note that United has another version of the 777-200, as well as a completely new 777-200 with seats that are 3-3-3 instead of 2-5-2. It is difficult to tell which aircraft will be used on your route, as the reconfiguration from 2-5-2 to 3-3-3 is underway and the fleet will not be done until most likely sometime in 2012.

Compared to a standard domestic coach seat with a typical pitch of around 31-32 inches, these First Class seats have about 6 inches more room. However, keep in mind that since the recline is slightly more in First Class, the window seat passenger will have a tough time getting to the aisle if either seat in front is in the reclined position.

Most knowledgeable travelers will select the aisle seat in row one. Keep in mind though that row one does not have any underseat storage in front, and the overhead bin in this area is often reserved for emergency equipment. Board early and find space for your carry-ons if you are seated in row one. Also note that on the 1A and 1B side, there is usually a cutout in the bulkhead that provides a little more toe room. The 1E and 1F side does not have this. Passengers with large feet sometimes complain of restricted toe-room in the 1EF side.

• Great legroom
• Side storage bin makes getting to personal items handy, plus the top makes a nice additional side table
• Overhead bins although small, are directly overhead, whereas 1A does not have bins – the bins start around row two

Seat 1A, however, does have some positives, and 77A has a few drawbacks as well:

• There is basically no traffic at seat 1A – very private
• 77A is opposite the flight attendant jump seats (although I suppose this could be viewed as a positive if you like to get to know the FA during the take-off and taxi)
• The pre-flight beverage cart is often parked in front of 77A
• Seat 1A offers an interesting semi-forward view, although if you wear glasses like I do, you might not be able to really see ahead as the glasses might prevent you from getting your face close to the window
• Most of the time, passengers from the nose will be off the plane before the upper deck, so less chance of a line at Immigrations

We always suggest to our users that if they have a chance to sit in the nose or on the upper deck of a 747, do so because 747s are getting fewer and fewer. You are very fortunate that you have a choice. Overall, we recommend seat 77A, mainly for the convenience of the side storage bin.

1. Increase in the MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) in order to handle the extra weight of the fuel
2. Related increase in maximum taxi-weight, maximum ramp weight, zero fuel weight, and also possibly maximum landing weight
3. Strengthening of landing gears
4. Possibly stronger brakes and higher rated tires
5. Stronger wing spars and wing skins, such as using thicker aluminum/titanium for the critical load-carrying structure components
6. Additional space for fuel tanks, such as in the belly cargo hold, vertical stabilizer, and other available areas
7. Possible wing-tip extensions and/or other aedrodynamic changes

While we have heard of injuries from sharp edges under the seats, or fingers pinched by the tray table brackets, we have not heard of a specific injury similar to that you described. Anything moving around a baby could be hazardous. A door, escalator, luggage cart, car window, and many other things are all danger items when an infant is near, and we as parents definitely have to have very sharp eyes.

Since we do not have special training in law or product liability, our best advice is to contact a reputable attorney to seek their professional opinion. The design difference you note on other seats might be a good starting point to discuss with your attorney.

Very likely, your trolley won’t fit in the overhead bin ends-in (either wheels-first or handle-first), so the only option is sideways. The problem could be that the overhead bin opening is too small, even though the interior space might be sufficient.

Furthermore, with the polycarbonate shell, even if the case can get in the door, the door might not be able to close since the trolley shell is not compressible.

Our experience on Virgin Atlantic is that the gate agents are very, very watchful on cabin luggage. On many occassions when our staff have traveled in Upper Class, the gate agent still questions whether the case will fit. We typically have to tell the gate agent that we have flown Upper Class often, and never have had any problem.

In addition to the size, the gate agents have told our staff that the case is too heavy. Note that the stated limit for economy hand luggage is 13 pounds, or 6kg, barely over the weight of the empty case itself.

If I were traveling in your shoes, I would be mentally prepared to have to check the trolley.

Advantage to Lufthansa

1. The Lufthansa A340 coach cabin is configured in 2-4-2, with pairs of seats along the side. Most passengers prefer these pairs along the fuselage, since there is no middle seat.
2. There should be an AVOD IFE (Audio Video On Demand In-Flight Entertainment) system installed at every seat on Lufthansa.
3. Lufthansa might still serve free alcoholic drinks on trans-atlantic flights, though I am not absolutely sure about this so please check with LH to confirm.
4. Lufthansa allows two piece of free checked luggage, up to 50 pounds.

Advantage to United

1. United’s Mileage Plus frequent flyer program is better than Lufthansa’s Miles and More program, especially if you have status.
2. United has no enforced weight limit for cabin luggage, while Lufthansa often enforces an 18 pound limit, even for first or business class passengers.
3. United offers an economy plus section, where seats have about 3-5 additional inches of legroom. There is an additional charge for this section, but if the plane is full and UA has no other seats in standard economy class, you could get to enjoy this section for free.
4. We feel that the service on United is overall slightly better than on Lufthansa. Keep in mind that each flight and each flight attendant is different from one day to the next; either airline could be very bad, but we have had proportionally more good flights on UA than on Lufthansa

If you are flying a round trip, perhaps you can try each airline in one direction. Lufthansa and United have marketing agreements for trans-atlantic flights, so you should be able to buy a ticket for mixed flights from both airlines.

It is frustrating that there is not a standard policy amongst airlines, and the rules of individual airline are not applied consistently, leaving a lot of discretion to the agents at the airport. That said, Southwest Airlines is probably more consistent in dealing with this issue, as their policy indicates that oversized passengers are required to buy two tickets, but if the plane flies with an empty seat, the cost of the second ticket is refunded.

In general, if a passenger can fit between the arm-rests in their lowered position, without any parts of their body beyond the space defined inside the arm-rests, then there is usually not a problem flying on any airline. Of course, in borderline cases, that is where the gray area and rules come in.

If a passenger is significantly oversized, intruding into the space that belongs to the adjacent passenger, then a second ticket, and in some cases a ticket in First Class, is probably the best alternative. In some situations, a First Class ticket is actually a reasonable cost option.

One of our staff member encountered this exact same issue flying over the 2010-2011 New Year holiday, and she bought a First Class ticket on Virgin America for less than $200 one way from San Francisco to Los Angeles. When all of the fees and taxes were included, this came out to just a little more than the cost of a coach ticket on the same route. And, with the First Class ticket she was allowed two free checked bags. So in this scenario, the First Class option could be had for a very small additional cost.

Of course, on other airlines and other flights the cost difference could be significantly different.

Here are more suggestions that can help mitigate any potential problems:

Work With, Not Against, the Gate Agent
If there are multiple gate agents, choose the one that is likely to be more sympathetic. Identify yourself as a person of size and offer to take the next available flight if the agents feel that there is a problem. By offering to be a part of the solution, you make yourself an ally, and head off any potentially embarrassing moments.

Sample dialogue:
“Good morning, how are you?”

The agents are usually not expecting to be greeted nicely, so you already start with a positive note.

“I am a bit larger than normal, but I have been able to fit safely within my seat on previous flights. If this flight is completely full and you think there is a problem, I am willing to work with you to confirm a later flight that is less full.”

Saying this tells the agent that you are considerate, an experienced traveler, and willing to work with them.

Gate agents have enormous power, and can really make your life miserable if they decide you are an adversary.

Choose Your Flight Carefully
Try to book an early flight on an airline that has later flights to the same destination, and when possible, book non-stop flights rather than flights with connections. This makes it easier to find reasonable options.

Most early morning flights or red-eye flights are full these days, as people want to avoid hotel expenses, and/or want to get to their destination and still have time to get some work in. Mid morning flights probably work best for your needs.

Try to determine the actual equipment used for your flight. You will tend to have more issues with flights on smaller regional jets that have a narrow cabin. Also, Airbus narrow-body jets (A318, A319, A320, A321) tend to have about half an inch more seat width space than the Boeing 737 and 757s. Boeing 767s, while used infrequently on domestic US flights, are another good option. Their coach cabins are typically configured as 2-3-2 (two seats, aisle, three seats, aisle, two seats). A large person is less conspicuous in a larger cabin

Manage Your Seat
Most larger passenger dislike window seats, as it is difficult to get to the aisle. However, the window seats do have a bit more shoulder room available, and slightly less leg room due to the curvature of the fuselage. You will have to decide what works best for you.

If possible, choose a seat toward the back half of the plane so that you can board sooner. Boarding sooner will mean more overhead bin space available. Stow your bags overhead and give yourself as much space as possible within your seat.

If you have a seatmate, tell them they can have the arm-rest. This lets them know you are considerate and concerned for their comfort. Once you are onboard, the most likely person to raise an issue is the adjacent passenger, not the flight attendant. By getting your seatmate on your side, you are likely to have a reasonable flight.

If First Class is not a viable option, consider paying extra for an exit row or bulkhead row. By paying the extra fee, you are making it less likely the airline will work against you. Most agents automatically look at the seat assignment.

Keep in mind that bulkhead rows usually have the trays in the arm-rest, making the seats somewhat narrower.

If you do not need a seat-belt extender, mention this at the appropriate time, hinting that you are actually not that big after all.

Dress for Success
Most agents do not admit to this, but a neatly dressed person that carries a smile will more likely get what they ask for. As the saying goes, it is easier to attract bees with honey than vinegar. Business casual will probably work the best. Think of something you might wear to an interview, and it will probably be reasonable. No need to really over-dress, in fact, it might actually do more harm than good.

If possible, do not check any bags, BUT don’t overpack your carry-on luggage either. If you don’t check bags you can switch to a later flight and the airline won’t have to find your luggage and remove it, saving you the chance of having a lost bag. An efficiently packed carry-on also projects a neat image. And in keeping with the neat appearance, refrain from bringing food or drink onboard.

Do not carry any shopping bags, backpack, or shoulder bags. The most professional luggage is a standard size rollaboard (9x14x22) and a matching smaller bag that sits on top of this rollaboard. It projects neatness as well as seasoned traveler

Nothing else in your hands, except your boarding pass. No coat, nothing. One hand to hold the handle of the rollaboard, and the other hand your boarding pass, that’s it.

Always keep your calm, do not raise your voice, do not make threats, and you will diffuse any volatile situation before they become a problem. We have talked to a number of airport police officers about this. Usually when they are summoned by gate-agents, the passenger is the one with the most to lose.

Our staff members have used many of the above mentioned techniques sucessfully for years.

You might want to call Continental, and ask about the blacked-out seats to see if they are actually available for assignment. Otherwise, monitor the seats daily. Sometimes there are equpment changes and the seatmap can fluctuate between assigned and available. If you’re lucky, you might catch it in the middle of the change and grab yourself better seats.

The best choice for your family of three is probably to go for the pairs of seats along the rear fuselage on the Boeing 747-400 serving your route. Due to the tapering of the fuselage, there is not enough room for the standard three seats at the last few rows. This means that there is no middle seat, just a window and aisle, so these are naturally more comfortable.

However note that their location near the back of the plane also has its negative points:

1. Later meal service, which means they might not have your choice of meals available
2. Last to deplane, hence longer queue at Immigrations
3. The further back on the plane you sit, the more sideways motion you are likely to experience during turbulence
4. You are more likely to be seated amongst tour groups or families traveling with children
5. Sometimes the bins above the last few rows are used for emergency equipment, making it harder to find overhead bin space

Also, depending on the specific row, the window seat is mounted farther from the window than normal, making it a little harder to see out. This also means that there is some room to put your personal belongings between the seat and the fuselage.