My first ever TATL J flight was in 1998 on an AA 44, a 767-300 flying JFK-ORY. That was back when the seats were sheepskin recliners. I remember the meal being good but it being a real struggle to find a place to put your Sony Videoman movie player while you were watching a movie and it being annoying if the movie you wanted to watch was already grabbed by someone else.

In 2003 I was in my first year of AA status and a Platinum at only 17. I was flying JFK-SJU with family and got an op up for me AND my younger brother because I had the highest status on the plane. That was right after the 763s went from 3 class to 2 class and the J cabin was really spacious. Plus who doesn't think fondly of their first Op Up?

Another great memory was in 2006. I was flying RDU-ORD-LAX as a Platinum and was going to miss the upgrade on the MD-80 I was booked on for ORD-LAX. I asked at the AC if I could move to the later flight which was a 763. I was told unequivocally no. I then went to the gate and the agent there changed me over. I remember slinking back into the AC afraid the guy who told me no would notice me. Flying 4 hours in the Premium J was great.