AA 41
CDG-ORD
Depart: 1215pm (schedule) 1243pm (actual)
Arrive: 225pm (schedule) 213pm (actual)
Equipment: 767
Seat: 12B, 13C (Economy)

I was initially seated in 11B with an enpty window next to me i wad asked to move back 1 row to accommodate a couple who wanted to be together i agreed and moved back to 12B. The plane was boarded from the front door. This plane has J but no F. Row 12 is the 3rd row of Y and in the Y mini cabin at the front of the plane. The Y cabin had no seatback TVs, only main cabin screens. The flight was announced as full. A short delay wa announced so the ground crew could finish loading bags. There were tiny pillows and tiny blankets at the seat. Flight time was announced at 8 hours, 32 minutes. On the Tarmac I spotted an Air Mauritius and Malaysia airplanes, as well as an unfamiliar Asian carrier with a name I couldn't read.
They announced that they were short 2 crews members so service would be slightly slower. I wonder if/how it affected service in J. I further wonder if the crew shortage was just a fluke ir if its because AA wants to cut labor costs die to the bankruptcy. Service began not long after take off with Tex-Mex crackers and drinks. AA recently started offering complimentary alcohol in Y on international flights, and my seat ate ordered white wine. This is my first experience in AA long-haul Y. My only previous AA long-haul experience was in F, and do far I'm happy with what I see. Mid flight, my seat mate asked me if I mind switching with her son seated in the aisle across, which I did. Moments after that, cans and cups from the drink service were collected.
The meal service began 10 minutes after. Standard menu choices were chicken and rice or pasta. My usual KSML was hot grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, a lemon dessert, a bread roll, and cold pasta salad with chicken. Catering was by Hermolis of London. It was excellent. Possibly the best KSMl I've ever had in coach. For the first time in a very long time, I returned a totally clean tray. There was also a bottle of Crystal Geyser water that came with the tray. A few minutes after, there was a drinks service. I had another Diet Coke. The FA noticed y empty bottle of water and proactively offered me a cup of water with my Coke. Kudos to AA for an outstanding KSML in Y. I finished the meal looking forward to the pre-landing snack. In the style of F, trays were han collected and not cart collected during the first pass. The second pass did have a cart collection.
I should add at this point that the crew were also excellent. Without the announcement, I wouldn't have noticed that they were understaffed. Service was quick, efficient and above all friendly. So far, AA has me wanting to come back for more. 20 minutes after the conclusion of the service, a 3rd round of drinks was offered. I was surprised at the beer selection. Normally, on international flights the beer selection consists of just Heineken, at least in Y. Sometimes one other choice. In addition to Heineken, this flight offered Amstel and 1664, the French beer I had a few nights ago at the Waldorf. For the additional service, I opted for Diet Sprite, and was served Sierra Mist, not that I could tell the difference. The flight continued to pass uneventfully. The biggest drawback to this flight is the lack of personal video. On a 4.5 flight to Paris, it's acceptable but not Okay. On a 8.5 hour international flight it's downright ridiculous. This is my only complaint. The lack of personal video wouldn't be so bad if there were USB ports in seat, but alas. About 3.5 hours out, FAs passed thru the cabin offering water.
Afternoon snack came out about 1 hour and 45 minutes before landing. I don't know what the standard offering was. My KSML consisted of a bowl of fruit, a hot dish of something or other stuffed in blitzes that was quite good, and a chocolate cookie. I again ate the entire tray. I'm not sure when I last ate everything served to me for 2 consecutive meals. I'm very happy with AA's kosher catering, at least on this route. I'm interested in seeing their KSML offering on other routes. Trays were cleared quickly by a male FA I hadn't seen thru the whole flight so I'm guessing he was working J until now. After snack, there was another drinks service. I ordered coffee. They were serving Java City, a brand unfamiliar to me. It was pretty weak and disappointing.

Verdict: An excellent international coach product. FAs were wonderful as was special meal catering. Main drawback is lack of ons seat entertainment.