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American Airlines recently entered the trans-Pacific market, offering daily flights to Sydney on their flagship Boeing 777 aircraft. Our member casanovawa recently tested the new AA73 service from Los Angeles to Sydney in Business class. They have taken the time to review all aspects of the service, from check-in right through to arrival into Sydney.
American Airlines uses Terminal 4 in Los Angeles, rather than the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) favoured by Qantas. While terminal 4 is home to an American Airlines lounge, the Qantas First Lounge in TBIT is considerably better. The Qantas Lounge features a dining area, well-stocked bar, showers and several seating areas, including a space for children. In order to utilise the Qantas Lounge our member did have to clear security again when returning to Terminal 4. However, a walkway connecting the two terminals has recently opened, allowing for a much more seamless terminal transfer in future!
At LAX as long as you have a boarding pass for one of the terminals you are able to enter other terminals. This has thankfully been made a whole lot more hassle free as a walkway connecting T4 and TBIT has just been opened so now AA passengers once they have gone through the bag searches and other security procedures can then by-pass the rather long security lines in TBIT and walk back and forth.
Once on board, our member was suitably impressed with the hard product. Business class features 52 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The seats can be adjusted into a fully-flat position, and a blanket, pillow and thin mattress are provided to assist with a good night’s sleep on board. Each seat is also equipped with power outlets, a large TV screen and ample storage space.
Any airline that can supply a 1-2-1 arrangement in business class is always on to a winner and American Airlines (AA) does this with their Zodiac Cirrus seat which is also lie flat.
Our member was also fairly happy with the soft product. The meals were tasty and the levels of service met expectations.
American offers pyjamas to passengers in Business and First class. This is unique to the airline’s Sydney flight.
Overall, the flight lived up to expectations. Although the product may not be the best in the world, it seems that American does offer a competitive Business class product across the Pacific.
This American Airlines Los Angeles to Sydney flight was an enjoyable one. The hard product is certainly very competitive if not near class leading with what is on offer on Trans-Pac business class routes between Australia and the USA.
You certainly wouldn’t confuse AA’s service offerings with some of the high end Asian carriers (nor most other US legacy carriers), but still I found it met my requirements and those of my sons.
View the trip review HERE.
