When is the "sweet spot" time to book an airline ticket with good legroom?

Hey guys, I am a 6’4" dude who is hoping to do a bit of travel this next year to catch some baseball games across the US. So far, I have confirmed two coastal games (one in Seattle and the other at Yankee Stadium). That said, I hate being crammed into tiny airline seats, so I want to travel a bit more comfortably when I fly since my airport is direct to these places.

That said, is the 2-month rule the best rule of thumb for looking at cheap airline tickets, or how do you recommend getting cheap tickets? Secondly, what airlines actually have good legroom for tall people? While my airport is a Delta Hub, I would like to believe there are better options out there.

Buy ahead, pay for exit row seating and you will be fine.

Pay for a better seat.

Google Flights. The 2-month rule doesn’t really hold anymore. The algorithm updates prices daily. Just monitor prices, set up an alert on Google Flights, and book as soon as you see a good fare. Also, opt for an aisle seat if you can.

@Grayson
My dad loves using Google Flight notifications. I have one set up for Seattle, and I always aim for an aisle seat because I hate window seats!

Noel said:
@Grayson
My dad loves using Google Flight notifications. I have one set up for Seattle, and I always aim for an aisle seat because I hate window seats!

Also, use incognito mode. Kayak is a great search engine too. Use flexible dates if possible. 6-12 weeks is a good lead time. The idea of booking on Tuesday afternoon for the best price no longer holds true. Always book directly with the airline.

There is no best time. Just pay for the upgrade.

Just pay the extra money to sit in the front row of economy.

Airline pricing has changed post-Covid. For the routes I fly, the best price for premium seats is usually found 4 or 5 months in advance. More people are willing to pay for premium seating now.

Check out the ‘Legrooms’ extension for Google Chrome. It adds a column on Google Flights showing legroom next to prices.

You’ll need at least premium economy seating. Alternatively, you could buy two economy class seats. Otherwise, anything else will likely be uncomfortable.

I feel your pain, being the same height. I often joke with my wife that I wish I were shorter so I could afford to travel more frequently with less hassle. But Google Flight alerts are definitely useful.

Do you pay extra for a seat with additional legroom, or do you rely on fellow passengers to switch seats with you?

JenWilliams said:
Do you pay extra for a seat with additional legroom, or do you rely on fellow passengers to switch seats with you?

YOU PAY for the guarantee. It shouldn’t be up to anyone else to switch with you. If you want the legroom, then pay for it.

JenWilliams said:
Do you pay extra for a seat with additional legroom, or do you rely on fellow passengers to switch seats with you?

It’s unreasonable to expect someone to give up their paid seat. People pay for the exit rows, and asking for their seat is like asking them to just hand over $79 (or more).

JenWilliams said:
Do you pay extra for a seat with additional legroom, or do you rely on fellow passengers to switch seats with you?

I’ve only booked my own flight once and always sought aisle seats. However, I might splurge on an extra legroom seat just to say I’ve done it once. Recently got TSA PreCheck and that has been a luxury for me.

@Noel
PreCheck is definitely worth the money. I’ll also be purchasing extra legroom. I’ve decided comfort is a priority at this stage in my travels!

JenWilliams said:
@Noel
PreCheck is definitely worth the money. I’ll also be purchasing extra legroom. I’ve decided comfort is a priority at this stage in my travels!

If you have the United Explorer Mileage Plus Credit Card, they’ll reimburse you for TSA PreCheck every 5 years.

@Noel
Caution: Emergency exit rows with extra legroom don’t always recline, which can be annoying on long flights.

Lennox said:
@Noel
Caution: Emergency exit rows with extra legroom don’t always recline, which can be annoying on long flights.

The tray table can also be uncomfortable if you have a belly. I once weighed 300 lbs., and the table wouldn’t go down completely. At 240 lbs., I found it easier, but I’m still a big guy.