LisaFPA

Hello, I am trying to book a ticket for my employer who is paralyzed. Domestically, she charters private jets and this is the first time she's wanted to go to Europe since I've been in her employment. She lives pretty close to PHL (just south) so that would be the preferred airport. She is flying to Madrid at the end of Feb 2016.

So I searched for nonstop flights to Madrid from PHL< JFK< EWR< BWI or Dulles in first class. I learned there are none. She can fly on a few airlines to other airports in Europe and then on to Madrid (seems like it would be harder for her after spending a night flat on her back to then have to put up with a plane change,) or she can fly PHL to MIA and then on to Madrid on American in a Boeing 777. Or she can fly direct on American from PHL in business class in a Airbus A330. My research leads me to believe that the 777 out of MIA is an older version and that the seating isn't much different than Business class A330. Can anyone help me to figure out the differences?

The first class seating in the 777 300-ER that flies JFK to Heathrow looks great because having a space that is semi-private is important. Am I right that that plane would provide some privacy?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

Often1

You may also want to check Business Class. By way of example, US (which will be AA by next February) serves PHL with 2-class aircraft. However, the seats are either lie flat or close to lie flat.

I would suggest expanding the search and then researching the specific product rather than worrying about the class of service. You might then call the carrier with any specific questions if she has specific special needs while onboard.

LisaFPA

Thanks. I did check Business Class. The AA direct flight from PHL to MAD is BC in an A330. I'm pretty sure that that will be almost the same as the F on American's flight from MIA in an old version 777, but it wouldn't be as good as a refurbished F on AA. I'm just not certain which version of the 777 flies from MIA to MAD.

perseus11

PHL-MAD in Feb 2016 should be a 332, which has individual Pods for Business Class. The seats are Lie Flat Beds - Length = 80", Seat Pitch = 48 / Width = 20.

LisaFPA

Can you direct me to any images of that cabin? That would be really helpful. It looks like that flight might be operated by FinnAir and Seat Guru doesn't list a FinnAir 332 (I'm assuming that's a 330-200?)

wrp96

PHL-MAD would not be operated by FinnAir.

You just need to look for the current US 332. That's what is currently scheduled to operate PHL-MAD.

In this case, a non-stop flight in flat bed J, is going to beat out any option that requires connecting.

LisaFPA

The more I research, the more I agree about going direct vs connecting.

It's SeatGuru that shows a FinnAir flight but I looked again and it says "operated by American Airlines." Thanks for the help.

JDiver

There will be no "refurbished F" on the refurbished 777-200ER, as there will be no First class.

The F on the 777-300ER (77W in AA's schedule) is nice but perhaps slightly less spacious than the older 777-200ER / 772 / 77A.

The A330, 77W, refurbished 767-300ER and refurbished (not many of them yet) 777-200ER have lie flat all aisle across.

But the best thing would be to contact AA Disability Services:

carlosdca

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...-class-review/

JDiver

They sell FinnAir coded tickets on that flight, which is currently operated by US Airways. By October 18, the US Airways brand disappears disappears, operated by American Airlines. Just forget the FinnAir stuff you are reading as an unnecessary distraction.

LisaFPA

Thanks very much for all of your help. I actually tried calling AA Disability Assistance a few days ago. I was on the line with a regular customer service rep who tried putting me through but gave up after about 10 minutes. She left a message with the department to call me, but I never heard from them. I will try again.

Col Ronson

The business class on the US A330s are a slightly older version of the same J seats used by AA on the 77W and CX. They are top notch.

milesandmoremiles

Just a thought (and I realize this may be getting personal), how paralyzed is she? Can she care for herself, get to the lavatory with just the use of an aisle chair (but not with assistance in/our of her seat), evacuate with limited assistance in the event of emergency, etc.? If she is unable to do so, she would most likely be required to travel with an assistant unless you were planning already to be with her.

JDiver

Why not use the link I provided above?

cxfan1960

I think OP likes to check out before booking the flights. She may not get any response filling the form online (without a booking).