Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Discontinued Programs/Partners > American Airlines | AAdvantage (Pre-Consolidation with USAir)
Reload this Page >

Personal entertainment devices (PED) on Hawaii 763 (HNL, OGG)? (consolidated)

Old May 18, 2013, 7:31 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: JY1024
This older thread has now been closed/archived.

Please also follow the new thread here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/1468148-exciting-news-bose-qc15-headphones-samsung-galaxy-tabs-now-hnl-dfw-f.html
Print Wikipost

Personal entertainment devices (PED) on Hawaii 763 (HNL, OGG)? (consolidated)

 
Old Feb 24, 2010, 1:29 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Radisson Premium
Posts: 6,635
Personal entertainment devices (PED) on Hawaii 763 (HNL, OGG)? (consolidated)

Such as the personal entertainment device.....Was talking with the FA on this flight the other day and she said that a lot of people have written to AA about it. These flights are longer than transcons so it should make sense.



======================MODERATOR NOTE====================


The 767-323ER / 763 used in Hawai'i service does not offer Personal Entertainment / Personal Video Devices, nor does it offer the use of Bose Npise-Canceling headsets. Regardless of what it says on aa.com, this has been true since the inception of this thread and continues to be true in June 2012.

Last edited by JDiver; Jun 21, 2012 at 11:36 am Reason: add mod note
demkr is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 1:36 pm
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: DFW, 3.5 MM, AA EXP, LIFETIME PLATINUM, MARRIOTT LIFETIME PLATINUM, STARWOOD AMBASSADOR 223 NIGHTS, AND LIFETIME GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELITE
Posts: 5,847
I flew AA 5 (DFW-HNL) a few weeks ago in F, and was disappointed:

1. No more cookies.
2. No more mints.
3. Pre arrival snack of "fruit sampler" is a complete joke. Its 1/2 a pear, an apple slice, 2 crackers and some gross cheese.

Yes, I realize this flight does not make AA money, yet I think AA really needs to improve the catering given the length of the flight.

CO serves a hot sandwich prior to arrival into HNL on IAH-HNL.
freeupgrade is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 1:47 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Tx
Programs: AA, UA, WN
Posts: 812
Originally Posted by freeupgrade
I flew AA 5 (DFW-HNL) a few weeks ago in F, and was disappointed:

1. No more cookies.
2. No more mints.
3. Pre arrival snack of "fruit sampler" is a complete joke. Its 1/2 a pear, an apple slice, 2 crackers and some gross cheese.

Yes, I realize this flight does not make AA money, yet I think AA really needs to improve the catering given the length of the flight.

CO serves a hot sandwich prior to arrival into HNL on IAH-HNL.
Where has it been proven that AA does not make money on this route? A few conversations with employess does not constitute a reliable source. AA would not have 2 daily flights from DFW if they didn't make money.....remember revenue comes also from the cargo being transported.

I do believe that AA needs to improve both hard and soft product for this route. CO offers IFE and meal service for both cabins. Additionally the IAH-HNL route is considered business first service so they get the sundae treatment.

AA had the chance to upgrade the 767 fleet with built in IFE for all cabins and chose to only to upgrade the business section. AA simply does not compete with ANY carrier to Hawaii.....in terms of inflight service or seating.
Halo117 is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 1:50 pm
  #4  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Originally Posted by demkr
Such as the personal entertainment device.....Was talking with the FA on this flight the other day and she said that a lot of people have written to AA about it. These flights are longer than transcons so it should make sense
Sure it makes sense that they should provide the IFE units, but then again, they don't serve complimentary food in Y on this flight either -- and they do BOS-LHR which is a considerably shorter flight.
bdemaria is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 1:55 pm
  #5  
brp
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,511
Originally Posted by Halo117
AA would not have 2 daily flights from DFW if they didn't make money.....remember revenue comes also from the cargo being transported.
As has been noted in other threads, this may also not be true given the value of Hawai'i as a destination to keep flyers within AA. Speculation on either side of this issue is just that- speculation. Given comments by several employees on one side, and pretty much nothing on the other, though, one viewpoint certainly seems more likely than the other.

'Course it could be all those pineapples

Cheers.
brp is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:05 pm
  #6  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
At least they're not charging to use the power ports. I bring my own entertainment along, being a veteran on many MD80 flights without any IFE to speak of.
tom911 is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:11 pm
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP 1.5MM, Asiana Club Silver, KE Morning Calm, Hyatt Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 7,161
Maybe AA needs to fly DFW-HNL-HKG on a widebody
kebosabi is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:15 pm
  #8  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,630
Originally Posted by demkr
Such as the personal entertainment device.....Was talking with the FA on this flight the other day and she said that a lot of people have written to AA about it. These flights are longer than transcons so it should make sense
AA does not believe they should have PVE in any planes except for 777.
They would rather have customers use B6, VX or even DL (some flights)
as well as use other International airlines if the customer wants the PVE capability.
The response from BOS transcon for PVE competition from B6 and VX was to reduce and eliminate capacity.

AA is so successful they would rather not spend the xtra money to retain customers who want PVE.
They are NOT even spending $ to have GOGO put on the new 738's from the factory, never mind PVE or even XM/Sirrus.
zman is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:23 pm
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP 1.5MM, Asiana Club Silver, KE Morning Calm, Hyatt Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 7,161
Originally Posted by zman
They are NOT even spending $ to have GOGO put on the new 738's from the factory, never mind PVE or even XM/Sirrus.
This is the part I have a hard time comprehending. Why NOT install Gogo on the 738s rather than on the MD-80s they are trying to phase out? Why spend $ on Gogo for MD-80s and not spend $ on Gogo for 738s which are clearly going to become AA's main workforce

738s have longer ranges capable of transcons and the newer 738NGs even have AC power ports and laptop slots in the seats. Having inflight internet beats any VPE or IFE out there because the laptop owner has personal freedom to view whatever he/she. In a sense, Gogo is the real AVOD as it allows the passenger to watch youtube videos, download songs off of iTunes, watch TiVo recorded back home, etc. etc. Plus it's less of a hassle to install, and the cost savings are tremendous compared to frequent updates and maintainance required for IFE systems.

Plus laptop, heck even netbook screens are clearer, brighter, and more crispier than the old active matrix style 4:3 screens that are installed in the seatbacks.

Last edited by kebosabi; Feb 24, 2010 at 2:29 pm
kebosabi is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:36 pm
  #10  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,451
Originally Posted by Halo117
Where has it been proven that AA does not make money on this route? A few conversations with employess does not constitute a reliable source. AA would not have 2 daily flights from DFW if they didn't make money.....remember revenue comes also from the cargo being transported.

I do believe that AA needs to improve both hard and soft product for this route. CO offers IFE and meal service for both cabins. Additionally the IAH-HNL route is considered business first service so they get the sundae treatment.

AA had the chance to upgrade the 767 fleet with built in IFE for all cabins and chose to only to upgrade the business section. AA simply does not compete with ANY carrier to Hawaii.....in terms of inflight service or seating
I am a former AA yield management analyst. AA does NOT make money on any of the flights to Hawaii. We were always trying to minimize our losses on those routes. When we seriously thought about discontinuing service in the late 90's, we took a survey of our most FFers. We realized that we would literally have a revolt on our hands if we dropped service to Hawaii.

That being said, Hawaii may be a better use of the planes than adding a 26th daily flight between DFW and LAX. So, given the desires of AA's best FFers, AA has always kept the Hawaii service and even expanded it at times.

As for in-flight service, CO does a MODIFIED version of BusinessFirst out of IAH (not full BusinessFirst, see threads in CO forum). If you were unhappy with AA's service, write a brief, concise note to AA customer service and let know nicely what you were specifically dissatisfied with.

Just for historical record, Hawaii has been a money-losing proposition for US carriers at least since the 70's.
formeraa is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:42 pm
  #11  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Originally Posted by formeraa
Just for historical record, Hawaii has been a money-losing proposition for US carriers at least since the 70's.
Why would UA run four daily SFO-HNL flights, compared to AA's single SFO-HNL flight, if they're not profitable? Seems like they'd only want to run one or two if that was the case.
tom911 is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:53 pm
  #12  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
ANY carrier? Have you ridden Hawaiian lately?

But yes, AA has a relatively shoddy product in anything other than the 763 to Hawai'i.

Originally Posted by Halo117
Where has it been proven that AA does not make money on this route? A few conversations with employess does not constitute a reliable source. AA would not have 2 daily flights from DFW if they didn't make money.....remember revenue comes also from the cargo being transported.

I do believe that AA needs to improve both hard and soft product for this route. CO offers IFE and meal service for both cabins. Additionally the IAH-HNL route is considered business first service so they get the sundae treatment.

AA had the chance to upgrade the 767 fleet with built in IFE for all cabins and chose to only to upgrade the business section. AA simply does not compete with ANY carrier to Hawaii.....in terms of inflight service or seating.
JDiver is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 2:58 pm
  #13  
HNL
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,947
Originally Posted by kebosabi
This is the part I have a hard time comprehending. Why NOT install Gogo on the 738s rather than on the MD-80s they are trying to phase out? Why spend $ on Gogo for MD-80s and not spend $ on Gogo for 738s which are clearly going to become AA's main workforce

738s have longer ranges capable of transcons and the newer 738NGs even have AC power ports and laptop slots in the seats. Having inflight internet beats any VPE or IFE out there because the laptop owner has personal freedom to view whatever he/she. In a sense, Gogo is the real AVOD as it allows the passenger to watch youtube videos, download songs off of iTunes, watch TiVo recorded back home, etc. etc. Plus it's less of a hassle to install, and the cost savings are tremendous compared to frequent updates and maintainance required for IFE systems.

Plus laptop, heck even netbook screens are clearer, brighter, and more crispier than the old active matrix style 4:3 screens that are installed in the seatbacks.

Gogo was installed on 150 MD80s - out of ~235 MD80s in the fleet. AA will install Gogo on the 738s. Not sure why you are suggesting otherwise.
HNL is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 3:22 pm
  #14  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
Originally Posted by formeraa
Just for historical record, Hawaii has been a money-losing proposition for US carriers at least since the 70's.
This is only true if you do not credit the flight for award tickets used on it. If one route is rarely used for award flights, and another route is often used, and AA didn't give the second route credit for the award tickets, then AA would appear to lose on the second route, and close that route. Since people will use those miles, they will move on to route #3, which will then appear unprofitable and get closed, and next will be route #4. Pretty soon, the only routes AA flies will be ones where nobody wants to use miles. Of course, the AAdvantage program won't engender much loyalty then.
gemac is offline  
Old Feb 24, 2010, 4:09 pm
  #15  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,451
Originally Posted by gemac
This is only true if you do not credit the flight for award tickets used on it. If one route is rarely used for award flights, and another route is often used, and AA didn't give the second route credit for the award tickets, then AA would appear to lose on the second route, and close that route. Since people will use those miles, they will move on to route #3, which will then appear unprofitable and get closed, and next will be route #4. Pretty soon, the only routes AA flies will be ones where nobody wants to use miles. Of course, the AAdvantage program won't engender much loyalty then.
Gemac, that's exactly the analysis that we did at AA and why we didn't discontinue Hawaii. The flights are unprofitable on their own -- even with cargo. Unlike most European destinations, there is virtually no full fare F or J travel on the Hawaii routes. However, our best FFers wanted the flights for AAdvantage redemption. After carefully calculating how much business we might lose from our FFers, we decided that it was best to keep the routes.

For us, the FFers expected service from the West Coast (LAX/SFO) as well as DFW (and ORD) to HNL.

Just a note for the younger folks, right after airline deregulation in 1978, AA dropped a number of unprofitable routes, including completely pulling out of Hawaii. Later on in the 80's, after the advent of the AAdvantage program, AA re-entered Hawaii mostly because of its best customers' desires.
formeraa is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.