Originally Posted by
ryanbriar
The 332 flew PHL-SFO pre-COVID (likely winter utilization) and it was quite nice the three times I took the flight. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bring it back once they’re up and running with the fleet.
I now connect at JFK or LAX to get out here unless the DL / AS direct timing works out. I’d love to see the XLR do SFO-BOS, but one can only dream.
Transcons like PHL-SFO/LAX/LAS were regularly flown with the 332, then a mix of the 332/767. You can still catch a rotation on LAX and LAS on the 787 these days in the winter but their rotations on those routes are definitely fewer as they are better utilized these days (and of course AA is short on widebodies). I used to fly those routes a lot pre-pandemic and definitely miss it. While it wasn't flagship service, you would sometimes get nice bonus amenities like a pillow/blanket.
I don't know whether these get replaced by XLRs or remain widebody rotations in North America winter. Having more planes with lie-flat and PE seats out of PHL is great and ultimately means we'll get lucky on some domestic routes for utilization and positioning, but I think AA views PHL as a LUS fortress hub like CLT and isn't really interested in investing in a true premium experience. Unlike CLT, PHL does have competition, though, including premium leakage to EWR/JFK, but perhaps they don't feel like it's worth chasing or they think AA's premium offerings at JFK are enough.