This is in regards to a trip I'm trying to set up for some family. The basic plan is to go from Canada to Bangalore, India. The cheapest flights are with Air Canada Toronto to Frankfurt, and then Lufthansa on to Bangalore.
I took this flight myself a few years ago. I remember the Air Canada going portion being fine, and the second leg to Bangalore being miserable. Then the return trip basically reasonable. All economy. That was in 2007. Fast forward to now, booking for this summer, looks like the first leg of the trip is on a 777-300, and the second on a 747-400. On the return, it's a 747-8i then a 777-300.
Putting this together, I conclude the 777 was the more comfortable plane vs the 747. Looking at seatguru, looks like the economy seats are wider on the 777, is this why I remember it being more comfortable? Can anybody confirm this with their experience? I want to avoid the least comfortable plane for my family if possible. Keep in mind this will be all economy. Any input greatly appreciated.
Economy: 777-300 vs 747-400 - which more comfortable?
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I would check www.seatguru.com. The 777 is a newer plane and often has better video at the seats. However, some airlines are placing 10 across on the 777's. This makes the seats rather tight.
What other flight options are you considering?
The other option would be to go British airlines. On the routes I would be booking they fly a 777-200 both legs to, and a 777-200 and 747-400 in the way back. Looking at their seating chart, looks like the their 777 is step up with narrower seats than air Canada. But maybe it is a more comfortable journey anyway? Any experience?
Seriously, you are over thinking all of these. Yes, a 9-abreast 777 has slightly wider seats and/or aisles and/or armrests than a 10-abreast 747. But comfort level on AC, LH, and BA are not that different in coach anyways. While LH's 744 are kind of old and may not have personal entertainment, their 748 are brand new.
So, I'd just go with th cheaper options or one with the best connection. Again, coach is coach, and none of the flights involved are ultra-long.
Canada to India is not ultra long??? It's half way around the world!
Have you considered Turkish airlines? We flew them last yr. Chicago to Istanbul NS and it was about,an 11 hr. flight in coach and it wasn't bad really and their service was excellent.
Its your trip so get the info you need as it is a very long way to be in a plane, esp. In coach.
Neither Canada-Europe nor Europe-India is ultra-long.
YVR-FRA is scheduled for 10:10. LHR-BLR is scheduled for 9:35. A little longer for westbound in winter. Still...
No but back to back they are.
Could be I'm over-thinking it, but it's not only seat space that matters. Also things like whether seat posts get in the way of your feet and things like that. I'm looking for feedback from those with specific info on both planes and airlines. Would there be any reason BA would be better than Lufthansa?
hitops -
You're not over-thinking it, you're being an informed consumer.
As mentioned above, SeatGuru is your best bet - they have an airline comparison chart which lets you compare airline by airline, plane by plane. It provides seat pitch, width of seats, type of video, etc. I use it all the time and find it very helpful. After you settle on which airline/plane to fly, you can research individual seats.
http://www.seatguru.com/charts/longhaul_economy.php