737, Row 1 vs Row 4 legroom

[trippin_the_rift]

Today I had a points upgrade come through on a 737, which took me from Row 4 (with shadow) with enough legroom for my 2 metre body to row 1, which is cramped and uncomfortable. Was told by QF Premium agent "I'm 6'2 and theres plenty of legroom in row 1 for you", and that I couldn't be moved back to Row 4 without losing points.

I actually consider Row 4 -> Row 1 is a downgrade in terms of legroom for a tall person.

What do you think?

 

[Austman]

It's why I always pick QF 738 J-class rows in this order: 2,3,1. Row 4 is the pick if in Y-class.

 

[pyffii]

I wholeheartedly agree

 

[Hvr]

I'd not even consider putting if for a points upgrade from row 4. Especially if row 1 was the only row available.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I'd not even consider putting if for a points upgrade from row 4. Especially if row 1 was the only row available.

Totally agree. I upgraded as my shadows always disappear and both rows 2 and 3 were available 12 hours before the upgrade. Feeling rather screwed now.
If row 4 has only 2 people I'll see if they want to trade on board. Row 1 is a fail imo.

 

[danny09]

Row 1 in J is my first pick, then row 2. Only do points upgrade if I cant get row 4 also (with exception of only having middle seat to pick from)

 

[mono88]

It's why I always pick QF 738 J-class rows in this order: 2,3,1. Row 4 is the pick if in Y-class.

+ 1 to this. Although on shorter flights I would have 1 over 3 as second choice due to the slowness of meal catering for row 3.

 

[boomy]

I always choose row 1 in J but I'm only 1.90cm so no legroom problem there.
I can understand that for taller people it can feel a bit uncomfortable.
On the 738 row 4 is good enough IMHO (better with shadow )

 

[Hvr]

I always choose row 1 in J but I'm only 1.90cm so no legroom problem there.
I can understand that for taller people it can feel a bit uncomfortable.
On the 738 row 4 is good enough IMHO (better with shadow )

Strewth 1.90cm is tiny. You'd fall between the cushions at the back of the seat. You could sit anywhere with no leg room problems.

 

[drivatruk]

I actually think all the rows in J on a 738 are pretty lousy for room. Maybe the high back seats make it seam worse.

 

[boomy]

Strewth 1.90cm is tiny. You'd fall between the cushions at the back of the seat. You could sit anywhere with no leg room problems.

Not tiny but also not 2 metre like the OP so row 1 on the 738 J is ok for me.

 

[Pleb Status]

I'd not even consider putting if for a points upgrade from row 4. Especially if row 1 was the only row available.

Agree on not getting the J points upgrade from row 4, especially if you have a shadow. However, IMHO, row 1 is the only row to be in J (at 185cm however). If the person if front reclines their seat, you might as well be in Y.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

If the person if front reclines their seat, you might as well be in Y.

The recline would not impact your leg room unless you're extremely large and tall...Legroom in row 2-3 is better than row 1,4,5+ as the underseat space is around 1.5m

Row 1 is impossible to lock your knees out unlike 2,3 and 4.... I'd guess another 20cm would be needed for me to lock my legs out so surely those over 180 would have similar problems with row 1.

 

[serfty]

...
Row 1 is impossible to lock your knees out unlike 2,3 and 4.... I'd guess another 20cm would be needed for me to lock my legs out so surely those over 180 would have similar problems with row 1.

@183cm I have few problems with row 1, but yeah - generally domestic east coast flights are not really worth upgrading, especially if you have 4D or 4C.

 

[Austman]

Those less than 188cm (6' 2") or so probably don't understand the issue as much. Most check-in agents have no idea. Seat map sites are often misleading too when they claim bulkhead seats have "extra leg room". Ha! Most often not! Extra space perhaps (due to no recline) but not always extra leg room and often less.

 

[serfty]

Loved the 1E/F on the 734

 

[straitman]

Loved the 1E/F on the 734

... and even better in 1E/F on the VA 737-700.

 

[Mr_Orange]

I'm 183cm and I have found row 1 to be restrictive. Rows 2 or 3 for me. Although not the tallest I think I have long legs. I had the same problem in row 23, I think, on the 333.

 

[JohnK]

I would stick with row 4.

 

[kelvedon]

Flew across the Tasman this weekend, 1 on outbound and 4 inbound, and can confirm that row 4 offers much more stretch room for my 185cm, most of which is legs, with the added excitement of seatbelt airbags!