Originally Posted by
runnigel
What would you do?
I’m flying DEN-HNL in early July. American has moved my original flight(through LAX) more than four hours.
Option #1- Travel through Phoenix on Airbuses and hope for an upgrade. Short layover in Phoenix. At least I’ll get free drinks in an exit row.
Option #2- Backtrack to Dallas and take the 777 to Honolulu. Minimal chance I will get upgraded to business with most of the seats filled at this time. Maybe I get upgraded to premium economy… I’ll have a longer layover and will be able to visit the Capital One lounge.
Option #3- book a direct flight on United. I’m not very enthusiastic about this idea after my last trip to Orlando with no status.
So, the narrowbody offerings from PHX have 16-20 first-class recliners. The 772 has 37 J and 24 premium economy seats, the 773 has 52 J and 28 premium economy seats. You are far more likely to score an upgrade on a widebody, even from DFW. The ground experience for AA is also vastly superior at DFW, and you have options in the event of any type of equipment issue or delay, it's their main hub. I would look at the total travel time. If the difference is within a couple of hours and doesn't screw with the rest of my itinerary, I'd gamble for J.