As someone who sits down the back of a 717 on a daily basis it isn't that bad in the last two rows (it's worse where the rear jumpseats are!). And apart from takeoff and reverese thrust on landing it is comparable to sitting over the wing on a 762. Also I would say it is quiter on takeoff in the last row on a 717 that the last row of a 733. Seriously. Most last row pax that ask to move before takeoff say don't worry after takeoff as they realise it isn't bad at all. There is still the precious ones that need a window...
Some aircraft are worse than others though. Flew on VQI the other night and it was VERY quiet. IMP would have to be the worst. (Read still bareable!)
cunninglinguist...
A 20 minute time saving on a 1-1.5 hour sector is heaps! Even an 8 minute saving is considerable, in my opinion. As someone who deals with the punters they do notice.
Capt. Claret...
I agree totally.