Just flew LAX-MIA-LAX on AA 777-200 in J and F using BA Avios, since UA doesn't offer LAX-MIA nonstop any more and since SNA (my home airport) didn't give the best schedule through IAH.

The AA 777-200 is a rare 3 class flight that AA uses to continue for international service from both LAX and MIA, and I picked it so I could compare the international seating options between AA and UA.

Well, it turns out that AA isn't so much better than UA, after all. Despite all the griping on so many forums including FT, I still prefer UA premium seating and service...and look forward to trying out the new food options since they've revamped their menus.

My LAX-MIA J class seat is angle flat with a TERRIBLE IFE. Food was solid, but service was just OK. The fact that UA has completely true lay flat seats in international business makes UA the obvious winner for me. The fact that UA has one of the best IFEs in the business also makes UA the winner...but I was shocked at how poor the AA IFE was. The control unit was old, with missing labels, and the monitor was tiny compared to UA's. The menus were confusing and not easily navigated, and the inventory of movies was really poor. There were about 14 new releases, few of which really impressed, and the action/comedy/drama categories had 3-5 offerings--truly unimpressive selection. UA's IFE has hundreds of movies on offer, bigger screens, and easier to navigate menus. The power outlet required an adapter, and even with the adapter it only offers neutral charging (for my iPad or Samsung Galaxy S5)...meaning it didn't charge them as much as prevent them from losing charge.

My MIA-LAX F class seat is true lay flat and about the same size as UA GF, but the layout is odd, with a swivel seat that is 90 degrees upright until after takeoff--VERY uncomfortable, and not directly in front of the opposite footrest seat, making it awkward. The seat does feel a wee bit more spacious overall than the UA GF seat, however. Once in flight, you can swivel the seat so you are directly opposite the footrest and then recline as you wish, but it wasn't as comfortable as the UA GF seat in general, even when laying fully flat. The same terrible IFE made F seem paltry compared to UA. And the service was very unfriendly--our FA never smiled, never said thank you or you're welcome whenever I interacted with her, and generally seemed unhappy to be there and not happy that I was. It was the worst service I've had in years...and much worse than anything I've had in UA GF or domestic F in the last 5 years, at least.

Conclusion: I'm sticking with UA. If a destination requires a nonstop that UA doesn't serve, I'd consider AA, but only in F--at least the seat is more spacious than the J seat. Otherwise, I'd consider DL if I had to fly in J...but to me UA GF is still the best American carrier option for the USA market.