Originally Posted by
MAH4546
"Downgauging" is a factor of aircraft utilization. With the 757 refurb program in full swing and a concentration of 757 flying internationally, get used to seeing 757s a lot less domestically. The 738 is the domestic workhorse, that's why it is getting WiFi.
A switch between a 757 and 738 is barely indicative of a route's performance, and LAX-EWR does do well.
I'm guessing the WiFi is a big factor in switching to a 738. It will be AA's only 738 at EWR, so it will make it more difficult if anything to cycle aircraft through the system (MIA is all 757, DFW is all S80 and ORD is S80/CR7). Even if they wanted to downgauge because of performance, I'd think not adding an extra aircraft type would justify keeping the 757 to maintain more commonality.