gordo6

Hi everybody,

I'm about to book flights to PHX (from TLV), on business/first class, in November.

On the way back, I can choose out of two options:
1. Leaving PHX with US1704, which seems to be operated by a 757. It seems to be using an international aircraft (i.e. it has 2 rows of F, with 3D non-existent). Am I correct in assuming that this flight will have the (old) international business class for first class seats?
2. Leaving PHX 1:20 hours later with a regular A321 (flight US839).

In the first option the connection in PHL is 2:55, in the second it's 1:35. I really don't care to take the flight with the longer connection, if it means that I'll have better seats between PHX to PHL. Is my assumption that US1704 will be operated with an international aircraft correct? Which flight would you take, if you were me? Thanks

ACA321

Unless you have Global Entry to fly through customs, I'd take the longer connection regardless of aircraft type. You'll have lounge access, so would make the wait easier if you're not held up at customs, but IMO 1:35 is too tight. If anything gets a little delayed on the flight from TLV you'll be on the next one anyway (hopefully).

IADCAflyer

He's talking on the return to TLV.

I'd take the 75 actually. You can actually sleep on the 75, and you can spend the rest of the time in the US Airways Club in A west. Given that PHL-TLV is done once daily, I would prefer enough cushion to ward against mechanical or ATC delays.

Anyone know if the Envoy config 75 has power?

FlightNurse

Yes the 757 is the Envoy equiped bird, and this is the one I would take, after breakfest you can recline back and get a couple of hours of sleep, it's a nice ride. I have personnaly have taken this flight a couple of times and like it...

FlightNurse

He was talking about GOING to TLV, reread his post, "Leaving PHX with US1704, which seems to be operated by a 757 or an hour later on a A321."

The international configed 75 have a "standard 110v" outlet.

IADCAflyer

I think that's what I said, no?

gordo6

Exactly. In case it wasn't clear, I'll be flying PHX-PHL-TLV (i.e. returning from PHX to TLV).

On the outbound (from TLV to PHX), the times of the US flights don't work for me so I'll be taking BA...

gordo6

BTW, which seat is preferable - 2F or 3F? The rest of rows 2,3 are already taken...
Also, is there anyway to be seated in row 1 in advance? Thanks.

dtremit

Keep in mind that there's a nonzero chance that the plane type will change by November. Not certain, but they tend to swap around the international config planes fairly often.

IADCAflyer

Go with 2. IIRC, Envoy in Row 3 on a 752 has a recline limitation.

gordo6

Unfortunately I know it's possible, but hopefully it won't happen... As I understand from other threads the 757 has been used on PHX-PHL for years on the flight that departs around 12pm, and hopefully it will be like that at least until I have to take that flight.

ACA321

Yes, sorry I misread that! Read/posted a little too early today

ericcheung

I would take the longer layover regardless of seat. always good to have extra time before an international flight. the a west concourse is long and will take a while to walk. the earlier flight has better seats and as it's internationally configured, more likely to arrive in A than a domestic a321.

FlightNurse

I doubt it, since US has been flying this bird on this route for a few years. It goes Europe-PHL-PHX-SAN-PHX-PHL-Europe.

FlightNurse

I like Row 2 on this bird, you get full recline...