AA72 - SYD-LAX - 15 Jan - business class
Service - the crew aren't the youngest out there, but they are experienced and they know what they are doing. I hear a lot of people complain about AA crew, but that hasn't been my experience at all - I generally find them fast, efficient and friendly, and the crew on this flight were no exception. Maybe it is because they are used to dealing with over-demanding Americans that they appreciate half a smile. I have a lot of friends who fly for QF, so if anything I should be biased in their favour, but the QF service I find very hit and miss, particularly on the 747's. I find CX service is generally good, but robotic. BA is also hit and miss.
Aircraft - I think that the 777-300's are new. If not, they are at least newly refurbished. The plane was in excellent condition, no signs of wear and tear, and very clean. The bathrooms were cleaned throughout the flights
Seats - same as the CX seat, so excellent.
Food - I've been a fan of AA food for a while. I almost always order the steak, and it is consistently good. The portions are generous - I am not usually a big eater, but I'm usually pretty hungry still after a QF meal.... especially when offered a "supper service" on a 7.50pm flight out of Narita (soup as a main, anyone???).
The self service bar and snack area wasn't as good as on previous AA 777 flights I have taken - the selection wasn't great, to be honest, mostly a bowl of fruit, some tiny chocolates, and potato chips. On the other hand, there was a mid-flight snack available that I haven't noticed before on AA flights before (maybe this was because it was a longer flight than I usually take). The mid-flight choices were a mezze plate or a steak sandwich, and the steak sandwich really was excellent. Really excellent.
Breakfast was good, standard fare, no complaints.
Other stuff - PJs were offered in J (but they only had L/XL avail, so I passed). They have a mattress topper, similar to QF, that I hadn't been offered before.
All up, it was a very good flight. I'd give it a 9 out of 10. Price being the same, I'd choose AA over QF.