My First DONE4 in the planning

[simongr]

This was true in 2004; these days it's "The ex-TWA MD80s did not have inseat power, but have since been renconfigured and now do".

There's a contemporary reference in FT here: MD-80 vs. MD-83

Cheers ...

Ooops - interesting that people (like me) are still making reference to the ex TWA birds...

 

[NM]

2. If you are in first on an AA flight(codeshare with QF) do you get first class status credits?

If you book the QF codeshare on a 2-class AA flight, you will be booked in D inventory (QF will load D while AA do not), and will sit in an F seat. Note that this means you will only earn Business Class status credits and cabin bonus. If you book the AA flight number you will be booked in A and have a first class seat and earn first class status credits and cabin bonus. So for the same cost, better to book the AA flight number unless you are relying on that flight as an eligible QF flight to make the 4 min for the membership year.

3. How comfortable are the AA first seats (obviously not as nice as the genuine business class as they are much smaller)

This caries greatly between aircraft types. The 777 (rare now on domestic segments) or 763 have the best seats. Note that the 763s are progressively being upgrades to the new AA lie-fat (but not horizontal) beds. For a daytime domestic flight I prefer the older seats are the cabin is much less cluttered.

The 737-800s have similar seats to QF's 73H aircraft. These are ok, but don't have the huge pitch (60") of the 777 or 767. The MD80 is similar pitch to 737-800, but typically older. The 757 is probably the worst of the bunch. Similar seats to MD80 but old and drab and generally in need of a refresh.

So I always look for 763 flight where I can get them. Significantly better experience over the MD80, 737 and 757. It is similar to the difference between an international config QF 767 or 747 verses a domestic config 767 or 737.

But the food and service will be the same. And note that the F menu never changes. Its been the same for several years and extremely predictable. The only variation is on dinner flighst where there are about 3 different menu offerings. Breakfast and Lunch are always the same.

 

[Rae]

Well having stepped off 4 AA flights in a row 2 hours ago, (none of which were required) I can safely recommend avoiding these flights unless you really need to increase your SC's. There's not even a foot rest, which for 5'3" me means I now have rather sore legs. No real recline, and even though 2 flights were over 6 hours long - no pillow. Next time I'll live without the F class extra SC's and stick with QF, BA, CX. Oh - no special meals either, which is fine if you don't require, but make sure you eat beforehand otherwise!

P.S. It should be noted that I really hate AA anyway but I still think this is sound advice.

 

[Dave Noble]

I have had to use AA this week from MAN-ORD-MSN and was surprised at how good they were. To start with the cabin crew in the business cabin were very good and professional , often coming through the cabin and seeing what was wanted

The seating was v comfortable and definately better than QF Dreamtime seats; I haven't seen their new J seats to compare against skybeds

The meal service was definately better than QF

The course ( eached served separately) were

Warmed mixed nuts

Seafood Appertiser

Salad with French dressing plus the bread basket started coming round

The main courses were of a v decent size and choice was between
Ginger-Soy Salmon
Fillet of Beef
Roasted Chicken
Penne Pasta with Basil and Tomatoes

Cheese plus fruit and biscuits

Desert was choice of
Ice Cream sundae with choice of Hot Fudge, butterscotch or berry topping served with whipped cream and crushed pecan nuts
Mixed Berry Tart

AY had managed to misplace my luggage on the flight from HEL on AY the previous day and was supposed to be coming in on AA; the AA staff in MSN were incredibly helpful in dealing with UA and trying to track it down over the couple of days I waited in MSN for it

I am v surprised to say it, but this week, I have found AA international service and the Beagle service to have been very good; came as a very pleasant surprise to have such a good trip on AA

Dave

 

[NM]

Well having stepped off 4 AA flights in a row 2 hours ago, (none of which were required) I can safely recommend avoiding these flights unless you really need to increase your SC's. There's not even a foot rest, which for 5'3" me means I now have rather sore legs. No real recline, and even though 2 flights were over 6 hours long - no pillow. Next time I'll live without the F class extra SC's and stick with QF, BA, CX. Oh - no special meals either, which is fine if you don't require, but make sure you eat beforehand otherwise!

P.S. It should be noted that I really hate AA anyway but I still think this is sound advice.

You must have chosen the wrong flights. Always look for the 767 operated flights. Then you get 60" pitch, about 160 degrees recline with footrest, nice pillow and blanket. Much better than the MD80, 737, 757 aircraft. That is why I routed ORD-DFW via LAX so I could score two 767 flights.

 

[serfty]

... The seating was v comfortable and definately better than QF Dreamtime seats; I haven't seen their new J seats to compare against skybeds ...

Having just got of a NGBC 763 from BOS I can say the new seats are about equiv as SkyBeds for sleeping. Interesting move seat back/forward functions and a large table can be made from the fold out in front and the lift out in the armrest.

I certainly had no problem napping for 1.5 hours of the 3.5 hour flight to DFW.

However, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as the skybeds, but still quite functional.

One point is that I was in "First class" and these days is somewhat better than QF Business class in catering and service - both international and domestic. This has not always been the case.

 

[JohnK]

No real recline, and even though 2 flights were over 6 hours long

Absolutely fantastic news for my upcoming trip through the USA. At least I don't have to worry about serial recliners during my 8 flights in the USA.

Now if only QF and other airlines implemented this feature.

 

[NM]

Having just got of a NGBC 763 from BOS I can say the new seats are about equiv as SkyBeds for sleeping. Interesting move seat back/forward functions and a large table can be made from the fold out in front and the lift out in the armrest.

I found the AA NGBC seats made the cabin much more cluttered than the old seats with their 60" pitch.

Yes, the back/forward movement is interesting. It took me a little "driving" of the seat to find the best position for the meal service.

I also found it easy to crush my feet under the seat in front if not careful when moving between seat and bed positions.

 

[Reggie]

The meal service was definately better than QF

The course ( eached served separately) were

Warmed mixed nuts
........

Dave

I must say the warmed mix nuts is something I look forward to on the AA flights. However last time I flew them in Jan/Feb, no nuts, just pretzels

 

[Keith009]

I've only flown AA J internationally FRA-ORD and DFW-FRA and can concur with Dave's assessment. Perhaps I got their best crew but I was pleasantly surprised by the service on both flights. Or maybe I was expecting too little given my prejudice against US carriers. But I was very happy with both flights.

On FRA-ORD I even had the new angled flat seats. Given that the NGBC had only been recently introduced then I think I did pretty well. They aren't as comfortable as the Skybeds unfortunately as they were at a steeper angle while flat. However - no worse than CX's seats or the Recaro-manufactured ones on TG/JL/MH. No PTV though. But as I'd been traveling for more than 30 hrs by that point I crashed straight after meal service.

The menu posted looks almost identical even though my flights were back in December...:-|

 

[simongr]

Having just got of a NGBC 763 from BOS I can say the new seats are about equiv as SkyBeds for sleeping. Interesting move seat back/forward functions and a large table can be made from the fold out in front and the lift out in the armrest.

One point is that I was in "First class" and these days is somewhat better than QF Business class in catering and service - both international and domestic. This has not always been the case.

Bit confused serfty - you were in the new seats but you were in First class? I thought the new seats were just in Business class?

 

[Keith009]

Bit confused serfty - you were in the new seats but you were in First class? I thought the new seats were just in Business class?

Business cabin sold as F - it sounds like he was on a domestic service.

 

[simongr]

I hadnt heard of two class flights on three class config in the US. I wonder if people are talking about the same seats... flagship suites vs. NGBC

 

[Keith009]

I hadnt heard of two class flights on three class config in the US. I wonder if people are talking about the same seats... flagship suites vs. NGBC

Now I'm confused... I thought we're talking about NGBC?

They're only fitted on the 763s so far which are 2 class. They morph into 'First Class' when on domestic routes.

There are also a few 777s flying around on domestic routes - and they are 3 class config sold as 2 classes. One of the LAX-MIA flights is served by these planes.

 

[NM]

I hadnt heard of two class flights on three class config in the US. I wonder if people are talking about the same seats... flagship suites vs. NGBC

no, no no. The AA 767-300s are all configured as two class. When the operate a domestic USA flight, the front cabin is called First Class. When the same aircraft operates in international flight (including to Canada), the same front cabin is called Business Class. So same seats for business class or first class depending on if the flight is international or domestic.

When a 777 operates a domestic segment (not very common these days), it operates as 2-class, with the front cabin sold as Fist Class and the rear two cabins sold as coach. So some lucky coach passengers get 60" pitch seats.

 

[Reggie]

it operates as 2-class, with the front cabin sold as Fist Class and the rear two cabins sold as coach. So some lucky coach passengers get 60" pitch seats.

I dont now about you but I think I would rather fly economy and have to pay for food and drink in a smaller seat.

 

[serfty]

I actually flew BOS-DFW, late substitution for a 757.

Also, went on one of the old config. 763's HNL-LAX. Those mothers really do have some recline in the front cabin. :shock: ... John I suggest you try to preallocate a front row if on a 763.

 

[JohnK]

John I suggest you try to preallocate a front row if on a 763.

No 763's are offered on my planned routes.

 

[serfty]

No 763's ...

Doesn't mean it won't happen. (See the link in my previous post.)

FWIW, of the AAircraft used on domestic trips, of those I have taken I rate the front cabins in the following order: 763, 738, 757, S80.

 

[adrian]

Ok. Well here is my first attempt at an itineray. Gets me to all the places I want to see and visit and I think maximises my milage and status credits. 20 flights and 4 continents. Please tell me if anyone sees any problems with it. Here goes....
(NRT-LAX, LAX-ORD, ORD-MIA, MIA-POS, POS-MIA, MIA-JFK, JFK-LHR, LHR-DXB, DXB-LHR, LHR-MAD, MAD-FRA, FRA-SYD, SYD-PER, PER-ADL, ADL-BNE, BNE-CNS, CNS-HKG, HKG-BOM, BOM-BKK, BKK-NRT)

According to Oneworlds explorer planner it is OK but I would really appreciate your thoughts on the eligibility of this routing.
Thanks

Sorry to be reviving an oldish thread, but I note that you've got FRA-SYD as on of the sectors. Is that allowed under the rules of this fare. Technically doesn't that mean that you are travelling thru Asia twice? I'm looking at doing one of these Japan based fares next month, and if this is okay, then seems you'll be earning a whole lot of extra miles than I expected. Which is good!