Feb 20, 2015, 8:49 am
Last edit by: JDiver
(LAA) 777-300ER / "77W" Experiences & Questions AA 137 / AA 138 DFW-HKG-DFW
NOTE: Changing to AA 125 and 126 Nov 2016
NOTE: Changing to AA 125 and 126 Nov 2016
(with thanks to Dr. HFH for starting this thread)
Originally Posted by Dr. HFH
There's a thread for upgrade experiences on these flights, but none for experiences actually taking these flights, so I thought that I'd start one. These are arguably AA's premier flights right now, -- longest route, new aircraft, etc. So share your onboard experiences here, good, bad and otherwise!!
Discussion about upgrades on the DFW-HKG flights are here: 77W DFW-HKG AA 137 / 138 Upgrade & Waitlist Discussion
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AA flight DFW-HKG-DFW experiences, questions
Jun 12, 2014, 2:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
AA flight DFW-HKG-DFW experiences, questions
I was aboard Flight 137 on June 11th and wanted to share my experience. Because I dreaded the thought of flying three hours to DFW from LAX and then boarding a sixteen plus hour flight to HKG, I decided to leave for DFW on June 10th and stay overnight at the Grand Hyatt at Terminal D. Even though I have no status with Hyatt, a desk agent by the name of Taylor was very helpful in securing a room facing the western runways on a high floor (it is service such as Taylor provided that makes me rethink my loyalty to Hilton). I enjoyed a room service meal and had a great time watching airport operations for a large part of the evening.
The next morning I left for the terminal at 10:30 AM. I quickly cleared security through pre-check and headed for the Admirals Club but my path was interrupted by a couple of dragons chasing evil spirits (part of the inaugural festivities for both the Hong Kong and Shanghai flights). After placating my evil spirits the dragons allowed me to continue to the Club. There I was issued three drink chits. I used one for a bottle of water and hid two others under the keyboard of a computer in the cybercafé.
Headed for gate D25A (a gate change from D23) at noon and boarded fairly quickly. The captain came by my seat (2A) and introduced himself. I learned that we had four pilots on board (three of whom were captains and one an extremely experienced first officer). The purser (Ginny) then came by and decided I was a small/medium in jammies. Prior to pushback the purser had announced that our flying time to Hong Kong would be fifteen hours and twenty-seven minutes, a bit under the sixteen hours and twenty minutes AA had allotted for this flight.
Pushback from the gate was right on schedule at 12:45 PM and we were treated to a very cool water cannon salute by the DFW fire department.
Lunch service commenced shortly after takeoff and, as usual, AA overfeeds you on these international flights. I said no to the amuse-bouche, yes to the Thai chicken starter, no to the hot and sour soup, and yes to the salad. For my entrée, I had preselected the cashew chicken. It was excellent as was the baby bok choy, the rice not so much but, then again, I don’t expect perfection in dining when I fly on any carrier. There were two more food services after lunch but I only ate a little of the third service. It was actually quite tasty consisting of dim sum and some noodles.
The cabin crew (Ginny, Sandra, and Ron) in first class was excellent. They were attentive to our needs without being obsequious and obviously took pride in this new international flight. I thought there would be one snack bar back in business for both first class and business class on this flight but Ron the FA came by and told me to come up and take a look at the spread they had put out for first class in the first class galley.
At approximately 6:30 PM (central time) we crossed from Canada into Alaska. At first thought it was surprising that after almost six hours on a flight from DFW to HKG we were still over land but not so surprising when you realized we were on a polar route. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of the route is over land. At about 7:34 PM (central time) we started over the Bering Sea. At about 8 PM (central time) we entered the Russian Federation. Entered China from Russia at about 11:50 PM (central time) and soon lost internet access. I assumed this was due to the “great firewall of china”.
Shortly before landing, Ginny came by and gave me back my first class menu which she had every member of the flight crew autograph. That was really cool on her part and that menu will always be a memento of this flight.
We landed in HKG about 5:47 PM (Hong Kong time) which was about twenty minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival. Arrival formalities went very quickly and I was soon on my way to the Conrad in Central. This was an historic inaugural flight and I truly hope it augurs well for American Airlines growth in Asia.
The next morning I left for the terminal at 10:30 AM. I quickly cleared security through pre-check and headed for the Admirals Club but my path was interrupted by a couple of dragons chasing evil spirits (part of the inaugural festivities for both the Hong Kong and Shanghai flights). After placating my evil spirits the dragons allowed me to continue to the Club. There I was issued three drink chits. I used one for a bottle of water and hid two others under the keyboard of a computer in the cybercafé.
Headed for gate D25A (a gate change from D23) at noon and boarded fairly quickly. The captain came by my seat (2A) and introduced himself. I learned that we had four pilots on board (three of whom were captains and one an extremely experienced first officer). The purser (Ginny) then came by and decided I was a small/medium in jammies. Prior to pushback the purser had announced that our flying time to Hong Kong would be fifteen hours and twenty-seven minutes, a bit under the sixteen hours and twenty minutes AA had allotted for this flight.
Pushback from the gate was right on schedule at 12:45 PM and we were treated to a very cool water cannon salute by the DFW fire department.
Lunch service commenced shortly after takeoff and, as usual, AA overfeeds you on these international flights. I said no to the amuse-bouche, yes to the Thai chicken starter, no to the hot and sour soup, and yes to the salad. For my entrée, I had preselected the cashew chicken. It was excellent as was the baby bok choy, the rice not so much but, then again, I don’t expect perfection in dining when I fly on any carrier. There were two more food services after lunch but I only ate a little of the third service. It was actually quite tasty consisting of dim sum and some noodles.
The cabin crew (Ginny, Sandra, and Ron) in first class was excellent. They were attentive to our needs without being obsequious and obviously took pride in this new international flight. I thought there would be one snack bar back in business for both first class and business class on this flight but Ron the FA came by and told me to come up and take a look at the spread they had put out for first class in the first class galley.
At approximately 6:30 PM (central time) we crossed from Canada into Alaska. At first thought it was surprising that after almost six hours on a flight from DFW to HKG we were still over land but not so surprising when you realized we were on a polar route. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of the route is over land. At about 7:34 PM (central time) we started over the Bering Sea. At about 8 PM (central time) we entered the Russian Federation. Entered China from Russia at about 11:50 PM (central time) and soon lost internet access. I assumed this was due to the “great firewall of china”.
Shortly before landing, Ginny came by and gave me back my first class menu which she had every member of the flight crew autograph. That was really cool on her part and that menu will always be a memento of this flight.
We landed in HKG about 5:47 PM (Hong Kong time) which was about twenty minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival. Arrival formalities went very quickly and I was soon on my way to the Conrad in Central. This was an historic inaugural flight and I truly hope it augurs well for American Airlines growth in Asia.
Last edited by JDiver; Feb 23, 2015 at 9:38 am Reason: Paragraphing
Jun 12, 2014, 8:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BTR/MSY
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,258
I was aboard Flight 137 on June 11th and wanted to share my experience. Because I dreaded the thought of flying three hours to DFW from LAX and then boarding a sixteen plus hour flight to HKG, I decided to leave for DFW on June 10th and stay overnight at the Grand Hyatt at Terminal D. Even though I have no status with Hyatt, a desk agent by the name of Taylor was very helpful in securing a room facing the western runways on a high floor (it is service such as Taylor provided that makes me rethink my loyalty to Hilton). I enjoyed a room service meal and had a great time watching airport operations for a large part of the evening. The next morning I left for the terminal at 10:30 AM. I quickly cleared security through pre-check and headed for the Admirals Club but my path was interrupted by a couple of dragons chasing evil spirits (part of the inaugural festivities for both the Hong Kong and Shanghai flights). After placating my evil spirits the dragons allowed me to continue to the Club. There I was issued three drink chits. I used one for a bottle of water and hid two others under the keyboard of a computer in the cybercafé. Headed for gate D25A (a gate change from D23) at noon and boarded fairly quickly. The captain came by my seat (2A) and introduced himself. I learned that we had four pilots on board (three of whom were captains and one an extremely experienced first officer). The purser (Ginny) then came by and decided I was a small/medium in jammies. Prior to pushback the purser had announced that our flying time to Hong Kong would be fifteen hours and twenty-seven minutes, a bit under the sixteen hours and twenty minutes AA had allotted for this flight. Pushback from the gate was right on schedule at 12:45 PM and we were treated to a very cool water cannon salute by the DFW fire department. Lunch service commenced shortly after takeoff and, as usual, AA overfeeds you on these international flights. I said no to the amuse-bouche, yes to the Thai chicken starter, no to the hot and sour soup, and yes to the salad. For my entrée, I had preselected the cashew chicken. It was excellent as was the baby bok choy, the rice not so much but, then again, I don’t expect perfection in dining when I fly on any carrier. There were two more food services after lunch but I only ate a little of the third service. It was actually quite tasty consisting of dim sum and some noodles. The cabin crew (Ginny, Sandra, and Ron) in first class was excellent. They were attentive to our needs without being obsequious and obviously took pride in this new international flight. I thought there would be one snack bar back in business for both first class and business class on this flight but Ron the FA came by and told me to come up and take a look at the spread they had put out for first class in the first class galley. At approximately 6:30 PM (central time) we crossed from Canada into Alaska. At first thought it was surprising that after almost six hours on a flight from DFW to HKG we were still over land but not so surprising when you realized we were on a polar route. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of the route is over land. At about 7:34 PM (central time) we started over the Bering Sea. At about 8 PM (central time) we entered the Russian Federation. Entered China from Russia at about 11:50 PM (central time) and soon lost internet access. I assumed this was due to the “great firewall of china”. Shortly before landing, Ginny came by and gave me back my first class menu which she had every member of the flight crew autograph. That was really cool on her part and that menu will always be a memento of this flight. We landed in HKG about 5:47 PM (Hong Kong time) which was about twenty minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival. Arrival formalities went very quickly and I was soon on my way to the Conrad in Central. This was an historic inaugural flight and I truly hope it augurs well for American Airlines growth in Asia.
Jun 12, 2014, 10:16 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
I think there were a few speeches from some dignitaries but I only cared about the dragons so after watching them a bit, I headed for the Admirals Club. For years I had to listen to commencement speakers and look interested. Now I skip the speeches and just do the fun stuff
Jun 13, 2014, 2:26 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 179
Just got off the hkg dfw inaugural. Good flight in general also received 500 miles, small tumi branded socket adapter. There was a bit of celebrations at the gate prior to boarding with I assume the same cheerleaders.
Morning was a bit messy at the check in gates. Could definitely tell that this their first day and they were figuring stuff out at hkg.
Will prob post a trip report later.
Morning was a bit messy at the check in gates. Could definitely tell that this their first day and they were figuring stuff out at hkg.
Will prob post a trip report later.
Jun 13, 2014, 3:18 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, National Exec., SPG Gold, AmEx Plat
Posts: 87
For those interested, there is an excellent write-up over on the Trip Reports forum:
Welcome to Hong Kong: American Airlines Inaugural from DFW to HKG on June 6, 2014
Is someone able to confirm the exact mileage posted to their account for the flight? AA's Route Map suggests 8,119 miles, but I find it often disagrees with what I actually receive. Thanks!
Welcome to Hong Kong: American Airlines Inaugural from DFW to HKG on June 6, 2014
Is someone able to confirm the exact mileage posted to their account for the flight? AA's Route Map suggests 8,119 miles, but I find it often disagrees with what I actually receive. Thanks!
Last edited by LondonIce; Jun 13, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Jun 14, 2014, 12:56 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SIN, PIE
Programs: AA-EXP, SQ-PPS, Marriott PP
Posts: 210
DFW-PVG and DFW-HKG Starting Summer 2014
Some observations from AA137 on 6/13.
Big scramble to pull out of DFW on time. We ended up leaving 5 minutes late. Ground crew was pushing hard to get folks seated. Almost to the point it made me think they have bonuses attached to on-time departures. I really have no idea.
First failed SWU in my AA lifetime. J inventory looked good at T-2 days. Still reading through other threads to see if my first leg from DCA also numbered 137 could be the root cause.
MCE isn't bad. Decent seat with pitch. Width is lacking. The main cabin looks incredibly tight. I'm surprised the aisles aren't considered a safety hazard. AVOD is ok with a good amount of content. I found the UI to be counterintuitive.
Wifi didn't work for the first ~3 hours. Technically wifi worked but couldn't connect to any networks outside the aircraft. I slept for 6 hours and found it working when I woke up. $19 charged for the full flight. Works great for text based applications.
First meal, lunch, was standard coach chicken or beef. I saw another MCE pax with beef- totally red including the outside (yikes). I had chicken and it was enough to hold me over until I can get to The Wing at HKG. Only 2 drinks served and a bottle of water. I didn't hound them for more.
Lots of Y pax using the J restrooms at the back of J. Ditto for J pax using Y restrooms.
Looks like we'll arrive just about on time. Will report back with anything of interest. Hopefully the inbound is an improvement.
Big scramble to pull out of DFW on time. We ended up leaving 5 minutes late. Ground crew was pushing hard to get folks seated. Almost to the point it made me think they have bonuses attached to on-time departures. I really have no idea.
First failed SWU in my AA lifetime. J inventory looked good at T-2 days. Still reading through other threads to see if my first leg from DCA also numbered 137 could be the root cause.
MCE isn't bad. Decent seat with pitch. Width is lacking. The main cabin looks incredibly tight. I'm surprised the aisles aren't considered a safety hazard. AVOD is ok with a good amount of content. I found the UI to be counterintuitive.
Wifi didn't work for the first ~3 hours. Technically wifi worked but couldn't connect to any networks outside the aircraft. I slept for 6 hours and found it working when I woke up. $19 charged for the full flight. Works great for text based applications.
First meal, lunch, was standard coach chicken or beef. I saw another MCE pax with beef- totally red including the outside (yikes). I had chicken and it was enough to hold me over until I can get to The Wing at HKG. Only 2 drinks served and a bottle of water. I didn't hound them for more.
Lots of Y pax using the J restrooms at the back of J. Ditto for J pax using Y restrooms.
Looks like we'll arrive just about on time. Will report back with anything of interest. Hopefully the inbound is an improvement.
Jun 14, 2014, 2:47 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plt, Marriott Plt, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 443
For those interested, there is an excellent write-up over on the Trip Reports forum:
Welcome to Hong Kong: American Airlines Inaugural from DFW to HKG on June 6, 2014
Is someone able to confirm the exact mileage posted to their account for the flight? AA's Route Map suggests 8,119 miles, but I find it often disagrees with what I actually receive. Thanks!
Welcome to Hong Kong: American Airlines Inaugural from DFW to HKG on June 6, 2014
Is someone able to confirm the exact mileage posted to their account for the flight? AA's Route Map suggests 8,119 miles, but I find it often disagrees with what I actually receive. Thanks!
All in all it was good flight. I was in Paid J, waitlisted for UPG but did not clear despite being 1st on the list. Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders was a nice touch.
500 miles....better off not doing it all. I mean seriously? Giving everyone a 500 mile UPG sticker or two would have been better.
Jun 15, 2014, 9:40 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
Wow - a CK representative personally escorted me to the Wing and will be back to escort me to the gate (Gate 64) in a bit. Such service!
Jun 15, 2014, 10:42 pm
#12
formerly gemini573
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: LAX, HKG, and BKK
Programs: CX Emerald, WOH Globalist, Marriott Platinum, AA Lifetime Platinum, Virtuoso, Prive, STEPS, STARS
Posts: 2,233
Jun 16, 2014, 7:39 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
No, I am not CK nor have I ever been. This is just one of those examples where my loyalty to AA is rewarded with an unexpected perk.
When I boarded the flight, one of the pilots on board started chatting with me. He told me to go up to the cockpit where they let me sit in the captain's seat. Another pilot asked for my phone and took my picture. I told the guys that I would trade 1A for the jump seat (at least for takeoff) but that just elicited laughter.
Last edited by JY1024; Feb 20, 2015 at 8:11 am Reason: merged consecutive posts
