I had an economy row on intercontinental flights for myself a couple of times (back in 2009 during the financial crisis, when flights were routinely half empty)

I had an economy row on intercontinental flights for myself a couple of times (back in 2009 during the financial crisis, when flights were routinely half empty). It definitely helps, but you can't fully stretch out if you are taller than 5ft and it doesn't compete with business class.