After buying three RGN/Korean Airlines mistake F fare tickets last month ($426 RT First), I booked CX First award seats on positioning flights. A last minute trip to DTW and a $700+ one way DTW-SFO fare seemed like a perfect time to take advantage of my free TPAC/TATL AA award ticket stopover, since JFK-SFO-HKG-BKK is the same 67,500 miles as SFO-HKG-BKK. I bagged the one Z seat on the wide open JFK-SFO evening flight. Total extra charge: only $2.50 for the extra segment. Another 4,500 Avios miles and $2.50 and I was set for DTW-LGA.
DTW-LGA
AA 4447
11:05A-12:55P (sked)
11:35P-1:35P (actual)
May 21, 2012
All coach Embraer ER3
Refreshments
One class Eagle flight but at least I had the exit row, and my complimentary EXP snack.
I hadn't been to LGA in at least 15 years. It was a crowded dump then and is still a crowded dump today. But no queue in the taxi line and 20 minutes and $27 later I was at T-8 at JFK with nearly 5 hours to kill before my flight. I printed off my BP in the Premium check-in area and headed to Priority Security lane, where most pax were being directed into the lengthy queue. Priority lane checker scanned my BP and I heard the magic Pre-Check trusted traveler Beep-Beep-Beep. I was directed to the empty Pre-Check area where I placed my back-pack on the conveyer and walk thru the metal detector, shoes, jacket and all. Total elapsed time from ID check thru security: about 45 seconds. ^
Made the mistake of telling Mrs. SFO about this, who naturally wanted to sign up. Told her she didn't fly enough to put up with the interview process. I say mistake because we were going thru T-5 DL security at LAX five days later and, naturally, my BP scan beeped the Pre-Check beep and I was sent in the opposite direction to the promised land. TSA agent and I got a good laugh as she pleaded "can I go with him?" in vain and then skulked off for the perp walk. 10 minutes later she emerged muttering something that sounded like "I hate you" :cool:, followed by "when are we going to start flying private again" :eek:
American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK
As at LAX, the JFK FL is part of the Admirals Club.
Pleasant AAngel welcomed me, scanned my BP and gave me my key card for access to the Flagship Lounge.
Pleasant lounge with comfortable seating areas although a strange business center with lots of cubicles with AA computers but only two cubicles where one can use your own laptop, spread out and work.
I arrived early enough to have lunch and see three separate food settings. OK, its not LH, CX or SQ, but adequate booze and food spread for a domestic carrier.
Enjoying this as I enjoy all your reports, looking forward to the flights!
hndflyer
May 29, 12, 4:02 am
Great start can't wait for the rest! What do you recommend for 3 class transcons P.S, Delta, or AA?
eponymous_coward
May 29, 12, 10:18 am
Great start can't wait for the rest! What do you recommend for 3 class transcons P.S, Delta, or AA?
Delta doesn't have three-class transcons (unless you consider Economy Comfort a separate class instead of coach with additional legroom).
SFO777
May 29, 12, 10:23 am
JFK-SFO
AA 17
3 Class First Class
7:30P-11:05P (sked)
7:35P-11:40P (actual)
May 21, 2012
767-200
Wi-Fi
Dinner
5/10 tonight let me move around in the F cabin. I had originally selected the middle Captain Kirk seat but quickly moved to 3A during boarding as 3D became a combat zone with everyone boarding thru 1L, and all manner of luggage whacking me from both aisles. Unlike other US airlines, AA does not upgrade into a 3 class First. This policy stumps some including tonight, with one rumpled suit DYKWIA tonight complaining to the FA that he was #2 on the UG list and should have been upgraded to one of the empty F seats. LOL.
Excellent service from a very attentive crew. Great seating tonight as the other 4 pax where all on the right side if the cabin, leaving the entire middle open and left side of the cabin all to myself.
Pre-departure beverage of water, juice or "champagne" served in a classy plastic wine glass.
FA apologized that catering did not load the full size wine glasses. But she brought the merlot in a cocktail tumbler. I drank the water in the mini wine glass and then transferred the wine to the wine glass.
Fresh seasonal greens with sour cream and herb dressing (lots of it), mozzarella, cherry tomato and fresh basil, with a slice of rosemary thyme chicken.
OK, for those that don't believe you can get great beef at 35,000 feet, tonight's beef filet was very, very good... served with a béarnaise style glace de viande, celery chive purée and mixed veggie including baby haricots verts, red onion and pepper.
Choice of made to order ice cream sundae or Grand Marnier Fruit Salad, fruit and berries with a light Grand Marnier sauce.
And a selection of after dinner drinks.
All in all a most pleasant flight especially with no seat mate, a half empty cabin, closed curtain to J and "use the lav in your ticketed cabin" announcement.
Even got a couple of hours of sleep in the almost fully lie flat seat.
But at a one way retail price of $3,300, not even close to being worth it... even with the furthest seat from the chattering FA's in the galley.
And not impressed that in the last hour of the flight, a couple FAs sat down in 2AB with various FA's stopping by seats 2AB to gossip. Not cool.
Enjoying this as I enjoy all your reports, looking forward to the flights!
Thanks very CMK10!
Great start can't wait for the rest! What do you recommend for 3 class transcons P.S, Delta, or AA?
Thanks hkdflyer. My review is below.
Delta doesn't have three-class transcons (unless you consider Economy Comfort a separate class instead of coach with additional legroom).
I've flown all three this year and even without a 3 class First cabin, my choice on this route would be Delta. The biggest thing that made this flight enjoyable was the lack of a seat mate. DL has really upped the ante on this route and their meals, service and BE seating get my vote.
Forget UA. Their p.s. First seats are falling apart and the meals sub-standard, and that was even before the March 3 merger debacle. Not surprisingly, UA is throwing in the towel and have announced plans to discontinue three class First service when they refurbish the p.s. metal later this year.
Robt760
May 29, 12, 11:23 am
JFK-SFO
AA 17
3 Class First Class
7:30P-11:05P (sked)
7:35P-11:40P (actual)
May 21, 2012
767-200
Wi-Fi
Dinner
Very good meal tonight, but as usual, with the exception of the marinated cheese antipasto, exactly the same meal as Business Class.
One difference = First Class has three entree choices, J has two. Salmon was the other choice for F according to your menu. It looks like your filet was bigger than what I got in J on recent flights
Not exactly vintage pours here, exactly the same as available in the FL. The 181 Merlot was passable.
Bushman's Gully Cab and the same 181 were the J choices this month. 181 was better IMO
FA apologized that catering did not load the full size wine glasses. But she brought the merlot in a cocktail tumbler. I drank the water in the mini wine glass and then transferred the wine to the wine glass.
Jokingly, when my FA asked if I wanted wine in the small glass or tumbler, I said, anything but the thimble. She didn't get it
OK, for those that don't believe you can get great beef at 35,000 feet, tonight's beef filet was very, very good... served with a béarnaise style glace de viande, celery chive purée and mixed veggie including baby haricots verts, red onion and pepper.
The beef was perfectly prepared, medium rare and still bleeding. ^
I had the steak on three flights this month. Requested Med Rare, and either got well done or medium. That looks great. Sad to have steak like this ruined by cooking it well
Although I was not impressed that in the last hour of the flight, a couple FAs sat down in 2AB with various FA's stopping by seats 3AB to gossip. Not cool.
Agreed, not cool
dat4life
May 29, 12, 11:32 am
Thanks for another great report SFO777.
Since you're a veteran of a few CX 889 flights, I thought I would ask you this: I am connecting in JFK from DFW, with an 8 hour layover, to CX 889 (to HKG) in F this December. Due to the long layover, I thought I would head into the city as I have never been in NYC around Christmas time. Is it possible or even worth it to visit the Flagship Lounge after I return to the airport. If I understand correctly, the FL is in different terminal...
eponymous_coward
May 29, 12, 11:34 am
I've flown all three this year and even without a 3 class First cabin, my choice on this route would be Delta. The biggest thing that made this flight enjoyable was the lack of a seat mate. DL has really upped the ante on this route and their meals, service and BE seating get my vote.
That's what I've heard, that DL has upped their game to take the lead from AA/UA on transcon premium service, with some dissenting votes for VX, who tends to lose out because of an informal service style and elevate's uselessness for FF redemptions, even when compared to SkyPesos™. I rather like VX F, though- on my last flight, the chimichurri steak they served was one of the most flavorful/spicy things I've ever had on an airplane.
Of note is that DL will occasionally put transcon BE-config planes on SEA-JFK- something UA and AA don't do...
avm2806
May 29, 12, 12:19 pm
Couldn't agree more with your TR. The difference between Biz and First on the Transcon is not worth the fare difference. The fAA's on AA are always friendly but far from the pros on CX,BA,QF etc - Always chatting in galley and using free F seats to socialize once they are done with the "service".
will2288
May 29, 12, 1:36 pm
Great report from SFO777, as always.
I really like that AA has decided to preserve the integrity of the 3-class F product by not allowing free upgrades. I think it is appropriate, especially as elites can still be put in J.
Which makes it that much more disappointing that FAs use the cabin as a break room.
JGfromOC
May 29, 12, 5:50 pm
Nice TR SFO777! The more I read your TR's the less likely I am to do a TR of mine - I just don't think I could do my trips justice like you do. Keep 'em coming. :D
gohima
May 29, 12, 9:15 pm
If cheese is your thing for dessert, you can usually talk the FA into grabbing one from J. Big step up from the sundae only offering on UA.
I too was a bit disappointed to find they served the exact same wines in the lounge as on the plane. I was hoping for a slight upgrade, especially in the bubbly category.
SFO777
May 30, 12, 1:07 am
Thanks for another great report SFO777.
Since you're a veteran of a few CX 889 flights, I thought I would ask you this: I am connecting in JFK from DFW, with an 8 hour layover, to CX 889 (to HKG) in F this December. Due to the long layover, I thought I would head into the city as I have never been in NYC around Christmas time. Is it possible or even worth it to visit the Flagship Lounge after I return to the airport. If I understand correctly, the FL is in different terminal...
Thanks harrison1186. You will definitely enjoy CX First. Yes, AA and the FL are located in T-8 while CX departs from T-7. IMO, the FL is much nicer than the BA First lounge... better seating, atmosphere and actual views. But the BA Terraces dining room makes the two even in my book. I wouldn't bother with the FL on your return from the city. You can always pop in for a visit on your arrival from DFW.
That's what I've heard, that DL has upped their game to take the lead from AA/UA on transcon premium service, with some dissenting votes for VX, who tends to lose out because of an informal service style and elevate's uselessness for FF redemptions, even when compared to SkyPesos™. I rather like VX F, though- on my last flight, the chimichurri steak they served was one of the most flavorful/spicy things I've ever had on an airplane.
As much as I try, I'm not a VX fan. The seat is essential the Delta BE seat but the FAs are a little too casual and unpolished for my liking.
Couldn't agree more with your TR. The difference between Biz and First on the Transcon is not worth the fare difference. The fAA's on AA are always friendly but far from the pros on CX,BA,QF etc - Always chatting in galley and using free F seats to socialize once they are done with the "service".
A world of difference. CX FAs wouldn't even think about sitting down anywhere visible to pax let alone in an F seat.
Great report from SFO777, as always.
I really like that AA has decided to preserve the integrity of the 3-class F product by not allowing free upgrades. I think it is appropriate, especially as elites can still be put in J. Which makes it that much more disappointing that FAs use the cabin as a break room.
Thank you will2288. Unfortunately, "break room" is a prefect description for those FAs sitting, lounging and yapping in the F cabin.
Nice TR SFO777! The more I read your TR's the less likely I am to do a TR of mine - I just don't think I could do my trips justice like you do. Keep 'em coming. :D
Thanks JGfromOC. I appreciate your comments but trip reports are really pretty easy to do once you've done a few. Give it a try. They can be fun.
If cheese is your thing for dessert, you can usually talk the FA into grabbing one from J. Big step up from the sundae only offering on UA. I too was a bit disappointed to find they served the exact same wines in the lounge as on the plane. I was hoping for a slight upgrade, especially in the bubbly category.
If I were paying full fare on this route, I'd go with DL Business before AA First even if it wasn't half the price. And there is no contest between DL BE and AA J. DL by a mile. For those that missed it, here's my report on DL's JFK-SFO service...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles/1307761-shock-awe-delta-jfk-sfo-lunch-best-domestic-meal-any-na-airline-10-yrs.html
amolkold
May 31, 12, 10:33 pm
After reading your 3 TRs about UA ps F, AA FS F, and DL BE, I have to say that DL definitely looks the best (even if it is just a J product).
It makes the 80K Skypesos they always want for LAX-JFK r/t seem a bit more worth it, considering I've only gotten the upgrade once as a GM. Though I can never bring myself to pay that when I can do AF A380 J for 100K from LAX to CDG and beyond ...
flaii
Jun 1, 12, 1:54 am
Very impressed with the three different menus presented at the Flagship Lounge, and that you were able to experience all three in one visit! Those are impressive spreads, especially for a US carrier!
Flyingfox
Jun 2, 12, 3:24 pm
Great report from SFO777, as always.
I really like that AA has decided to preserve the integrity of the 3-class F product by not allowing free upgrades.
They aren't preserving the integrity of the cabin by allowing their FAs to sit there and talk.:td:
Genius1
Jun 3, 12, 10:27 am
Nice report!
The transcontinental F product does not look much different from the J product.
To be honest, I think I'd rather fly on a 763 with the lie-flat international J product than the 762 with the old cradle seats.
ijgordon
Jun 3, 12, 7:41 pm
The transcontinental F product does not look much different from the J product.I think that seems to be the trend on a lot of carriers. Some might even say that SQ F on the 77W isn't that much different from J. That said, you do get more width, more recline, more personal attention (which is important to some...) and a somewhat more substantial meal service. Seat-wise, in F you can lie on your side, in J you cannot. That may be important for many people.
To be honest, I think I'd rather fly on a 763 with the lie-flat international J product than the 762 with the old cradle seats.You're probably not alone in preferring 763 J/F over 762 F, in terms of the hard product. There are pros and cons of oth.
If I were paying full fare on this route, I'd go with DL Business before AA First even if it wasn't half the price.FWIW, full fare J is not half the price of 3-class F. Looks like 3-class F is about a 15-30% premium over refundable J (on AA or DL). Not saying that would change your viewpoint, though.
Genius1
Jun 4, 12, 4:35 pm
On the JFK-SFO/LAX route, where a 763 is used, is Domestic First Class classed as a Flagship Service? Or is Flagship Service only offered in the 762 First and Business Classes?