Originally Posted by
SuperDeluxe
The hard product is just not comparable to a quality transatlantic product and that is "so what".
If you prefer a cheap J with 150 degrees of recline and a 54" pitch, that's your choice, but it's not a great boon for Oneworld. For most, the relevant comparison is to LH, UA, BA, etc. (not AA domestic!). In transatlantic J, I compare fully flat beds on UA (at 77" pitch) or BA (at 73" pitch) with AB's pathetic 54" pitch and extremely limited recline for a 7 hour flight. Not in the same league.
If my choice is 1800 Euro for 150 degrees compared with 3000 Euro for 180 degrees for a six or seven hour flight and if that flight departs from my home airport I certainly consider this. I survive in a US transcon flight, so I survice on a similar length TATL flight- Its good to have choices.
And the same league is not the issue here. They never planed to be in the "same league". The AB long hauls were originally LTU tourist destinations. It is an upgraded tourist class not a downgraded business class.
I used them a couple of time on the JFK route and the service was great, the seat was bearable. This winter I flew them to HKT for 1800 Euro directly from TXL - the alternative would have benn 2800 Euro TXL - FRA - BKK - HKT and an eight hour longer travel time.