MD80 flying to be cut by half at LAX
Mar 28, 2010, 6:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
MD80 flying to be cut by half at LAX
For those who hate the MD80 and live in LA, you'll be flying on them a lot less often as MD80 operations will be heavily reduced gradually through July 2nd. All MD80s are already gone from LAX-ORD. They will disappear entirely from LAX-SFO, LAX-LAS and LAX-AUS, as well, all to be replaced by 738s. LAX-SJD will also see a 738 flight.
The remaining MD80 flying will be seven daily to Dallas; three to St. Louis; and one to San Jose del Cabo.
The remaining MD80 flying will be seven daily to Dallas; three to St. Louis; and one to San Jose del Cabo.
Mar 28, 2010, 7:09 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,267
The 738 is my least favorite plane in AA's fleet. It's got no character at all...you might as well be on a Greyhound bus.
Mar 28, 2010, 7:13 pm
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
the exit rows on the 73's are a pita, to put it mildly.....
Mar 28, 2010, 7:50 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
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Mar 28, 2010, 7:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
Mar 28, 2010, 8:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: DEN: WN or UA, AA LT Gold, VIA Preference Preferred
Posts: 1,550
It's humorous. It is well known that 738s are AA's replacement for the MD80....(That, and hopefully not too many CR7s or ERJs).
When it is posted that MD80s are staying, or have a possibility of staying, such as the thread on new thrust reversers improving fuel consumption, many FTers carry on loud and long about how they hate the MD80 and wish 738s would replace them sooner.
When it is posted that MD80s are going away, such as here, FTers carry on loud and long about how they love the MD80 and hate the 738.
I guess it's the nature of the beast called AA.
Personally, I like the MD80. If you think F is cramped sit on the EF side. If you ride in coach the MD80 has fewer middles, and the paired side is nice if you are traveling with a companion. Plus exit rows or bulkheads make it tolerable if necessary.
But, if the MD80 is replaced with the 738, I have no problem with it. The F cabin has just as many seats to upgrade to, and the reduced fuel burn alone makes it more likely that AA can make money on the flight, and it will be around for future trips. The other alternatives, replacement by CR7 (might not be bad with F) or by ERJ (not good) or dropping the flight (worst of all) are not what I want to see.
When it is posted that MD80s are staying, or have a possibility of staying, such as the thread on new thrust reversers improving fuel consumption, many FTers carry on loud and long about how they hate the MD80 and wish 738s would replace them sooner.
When it is posted that MD80s are going away, such as here, FTers carry on loud and long about how they love the MD80 and hate the 738.
I guess it's the nature of the beast called AA.
Personally, I like the MD80. If you think F is cramped sit on the EF side. If you ride in coach the MD80 has fewer middles, and the paired side is nice if you are traveling with a companion. Plus exit rows or bulkheads make it tolerable if necessary.
But, if the MD80 is replaced with the 738, I have no problem with it. The F cabin has just as many seats to upgrade to, and the reduced fuel burn alone makes it more likely that AA can make money on the flight, and it will be around for future trips. The other alternatives, replacement by CR7 (might not be bad with F) or by ERJ (not good) or dropping the flight (worst of all) are not what I want to see.
Mar 28, 2010, 8:22 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California/In the air
Programs: DL
Posts: 10,382
I opened this thread with dread, expecting news that at least some of the flights would be replaced with Eagle service. That apparently not being the case here, I'm thoroghly relieved and have no particular preference here as long as the flights remain mainline. The Mad Dogs do carry a nostalgia factor with me; my first flight one of AAs was during the Reagan Administration.
Mar 28, 2010, 8:37 pm
#10
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,597
MD80: 124Y 16F equals 1F for every 7.75Y
738 (old config): 132Y 16F equals 1F for every 8.25Y
738 (new config): 144Y 16F equals 1F for every 9Y.
Mar 28, 2010, 9:22 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Puget sound
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 336
I also think the 738 coach seats are like bricks.
The S-80 is just too much of a gas guzzler to stick around. I dont care how many mods you come up with for the mad dog. the 738 is much more efficient and easier to work on.
The S-80 is just too much of a gas guzzler to stick around. I dont care how many mods you come up with for the mad dog. the 738 is much more efficient and easier to work on.
Mar 28, 2010, 9:27 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PIT/DFW/MEL; AA Exec. Platinum & 4MM, QF WP
Posts: 7,689
the chance is lower only if the 12 extra seats are disproportionately filled with upgrade seekers.
Mar 28, 2010, 9:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: stl
Programs: AA LT Plat/8.1mm now with 1350 miles left in my account and proud of it.. SPG LT Titanium.
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deleted
Last edited by abk; Mar 28, 2010 at 9:38 pm Reason: deleted
Mar 28, 2010, 9:51 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
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I was concerned about reading about AUS-LAX cuts, but I guess I can live with 738 service. I'm a mad-dog loyalist, but don't mind the 738, especially if I'm in F.
I'm assuming if LAX-AUS is going 738 than AUS-LAX will? Currently, AUS has no 738 service to/from DFW (or extremely limited service). That means it must be turn arounds?
I'm assuming if LAX-AUS is going 738 than AUS-LAX will? Currently, AUS has no 738 service to/from DFW (or extremely limited service). That means it must be turn arounds?
Mar 28, 2010, 10:03 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Peon Gold
Posts: 2,915
It'd be nice to see some of those shiny new 738s at STL. I guess I can keep on dreaming even though STL-LAX is now one of the longest MD80 flights in the system.
