What is Domestic First like?
Jan 1, 2015, 11:02 am
#1
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What is Domestic First like?
Hi everyone
Flying JFK-MCO in August and flying 'First' but I understand it is nothing at all like an international first class or perhaps even business.
I was thus wondering what to expect.
Thanks
James
Flying JFK-MCO in August and flying 'First' but I understand it is nothing at all like an international first class or perhaps even business.
I was thus wondering what to expect.
Thanks
James
Jan 1, 2015, 11:11 am
#2
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A lot will depend on the type of aircraft - but indeed domestic First in the US is not at all like int'l travel; in the same way that on BA "first" (I always get club europe, club world, etc.. confused so I'll use the US names) flying from say LHR to Rome would be very different than first, or business, flying on BA from LHR to Los Angeles.
Depending on the flight time, you'll get a meal. You'll also get free alcohol, priority boarding, and a larger seat. There may - or may not be - IFE.
Depending on the flight time, you'll get a meal. You'll also get free alcohol, priority boarding, and a larger seat. There may - or may not be - IFE.
Jan 1, 2015, 11:18 am
#3
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Unlike BA's CE service with its Y seating and a blocked middle seat, there will be 2-2 seating with a real arm rest and slightly better pitch. The meal, if any, should be noted on your itinerary and you can also check AA's meal schedule online. Booze is free.
Jan 1, 2015, 11:18 am
#4
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Generally it's Club Europe for shorthaul flights within Europe, and Club World for midhaul and longhaul flights outside of Europe. There are a few exceptions (eg. some leisure routes to Northern Africa operate a Club Europe service), but it's not particularly complicated.
Or by aircraft:
Club Europe on E170, E190, A319, A320, B737, shorthaul A321 and shorthaul B767.
Club World on midhaul A321, longhaul B767, B787, B777, B747, A380, A318.
Or by aircraft:
Club Europe on E170, E190, A319, A320, B737, shorthaul A321 and shorthaul B767.
Club World on midhaul A321, longhaul B767, B787, B777, B747, A380, A318.
Last edited by Genius1; Jan 1, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Jan 1, 2015, 11:33 am
#5
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It's a wider seat with about 3-4 more inches of legroom than Main Cabin Extra or 7-8 more than regular coach. You'll get free drinks and a meal that may or may not be edible. You'll have the same IFE as coach passengers on the same flight. But it beats coach every time.
Jan 1, 2015, 11:55 am
#6
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If the OP will be on a meal flight, he can order his entree in advance at aa.com. @:-)
If the OP will be on a meal flight, he can order his entree in advance at aa.com. @:-)
Jan 1, 2015, 12:00 pm
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Yes, it's not even anything like international business.
It's a wider seat with about 3-4 more inches of legroom than Main Cabin Extra or 7-8 more than regular coach. You'll get free drinks and a meal that may or may not be edible. You'll have the same IFE as coach passengers on the same flight. But it beats coach every time.
It's a wider seat with about 3-4 more inches of legroom than Main Cabin Extra or 7-8 more than regular coach. You'll get free drinks and a meal that may or may not be edible. You'll have the same IFE as coach passengers on the same flight. But it beats coach every time.
Jan 1, 2015, 12:23 pm
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Jan 1, 2015, 12:41 pm
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Jan 1, 2015, 2:39 pm
#10
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Much of BA Club Europe has less seat pitch than AA economy (30" now), though they don't fill middle seats unless they have to. My experiences with 30" (New! Improved!
) seat pitch on BA Airbii were not very positive.Are you looking at flying AA, or US?
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 1, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Jan 1, 2015, 3:06 pm
#11
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BA never sell the middle seat in Club Europe - indeed, the middle seat is blocked by a table on all refurbished aircraft.
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 1, 2015 at 3:13 pm Reason: Add strike through as post corrected
Jan 1, 2015, 3:11 pm
#12
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The table is removable, and iirc BA states they can sell if they "must". I hope not, but the new CE is rubbish anyway. There's no comparison between AA domestic F with seat width and pitch, etc. and BA CE after the slimline seats and "sardining" of the pitch. A 193 cm / 6'4" passenger such as myself shoehorned into 30" pitch in a presumably premium seat is a sad joke. A cheap meal with a mini bottle of cheap wine don't really begin to compensate.
I suspect the OP will be quite impressed in an AA 737 in domestic F compared to CE.
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 1, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Jan 1, 2015, 4:15 pm
#13
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The newer AA 737-800 (TPA-LAX) in F with the seat back IFE was quite impressive compared to the older 737s, 757s and MD-80s.
Was on an really old US A319 last night in F. It was really uncomfortable with a massive dip in the seat. The whole F cabin looked really tatty. Worst AA/US domestic F I've ever been in.
So, as an earlier posted said, it all depends on the aircraft.
Was on an really old US A319 last night in F. It was really uncomfortable with a massive dip in the seat. The whole F cabin looked really tatty. Worst AA/US domestic F I've ever been in.
So, as an earlier posted said, it all depends on the aircraft.
Jan 1, 2015, 4:48 pm
#14
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I would not worry too much about aircraft types and the like on a short-haul such as this. As AA-US move towards a single operation there are tons of schedule changes and aircraft swaps. Plan on something with seats and 2 engines and you won't be disappointed.
Also, as an aside to OP. If you are connecting from an international flight, JFK makes eminent sense. But, if you are already in NYC and are simply headed to MCO, it would make a great deal of sense to fly xLGA. Infinitely closer to the City and much easier to use.
Also, as an aside to OP. If you are connecting from an international flight, JFK makes eminent sense. But, if you are already in NYC and are simply headed to MCO, it would make a great deal of sense to fly xLGA. Infinitely closer to the City and much easier to use.
Jan 1, 2015, 5:36 pm
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Not when one is trying to fly AA and/or credit to BAEC