ARCHIVE: Airbus A321 Transcon / A321T / "32B" 3 class (consolidated 2012-2014)
Jun 5, 2014, 10:07 pm
#1561
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
1) No.
2) Anecdotally possible (at least with a SWU, don't know about stickers), but generally very unlikely.
2) Anecdotally possible (at least with a SWU, don't know about stickers), but generally very unlikely.
Jun 8, 2014, 2:53 pm
#1562
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,238
so ive done F LAX/SFO to JFK and back five times this week (UGH) and i must say something is awry these days.
all flights have been in F but there were catering mishaps on EVERY flight. one fork, one knife, no starter loaded, one bottle of a white wine, entertainment broken, no espresso machine working, pre-ordered meal not boarded, pursers who are severely lacking in elevated service on this route who i presume were qualified based on this being a single aisle?
that was just this week.
they are stripping away service in F to a point where there is almost no reason to book over business--i mean the seat isnt as comfortable in F (as has already been discussed).
to top it off--at JFK this morning i had to argue with the flagship checkin woman who insisted it was ONLY for CK and those flying first internationally and always has been. i literally had to l load the aa webpage to show her.
i've done J and F about a 20 times this year but something terrible is going on over the last month-1.5months that is making AA a truly downmarket player on upmarket planes.
all flights have been in F but there were catering mishaps on EVERY flight. one fork, one knife, no starter loaded, one bottle of a white wine, entertainment broken, no espresso machine working, pre-ordered meal not boarded, pursers who are severely lacking in elevated service on this route who i presume were qualified based on this being a single aisle?
that was just this week.
they are stripping away service in F to a point where there is almost no reason to book over business--i mean the seat isnt as comfortable in F (as has already been discussed).
to top it off--at JFK this morning i had to argue with the flagship checkin woman who insisted it was ONLY for CK and those flying first internationally and always has been. i literally had to l load the aa webpage to show her.
i've done J and F about a 20 times this year but something terrible is going on over the last month-1.5months that is making AA a truly downmarket player on upmarket planes.
Jun 8, 2014, 4:19 pm
#1563
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
so ive done F LAX/SFO to JFK and back five times this week (UGH) and i must say something is awry these days.
all flights have been in F but there were catering mishaps on EVERY flight. one fork, one knife, no starter loaded, one bottle of a white wine, entertainment broken, no espresso machine working, pre-ordered meal not boarded, pursers who are severely lacking in elevated service on this route who i presume were qualified based on this being a single aisle?
that was just this week.
they are stripping away service in F to a point where there is almost no reason to book over business--i mean the seat isnt as comfortable in F (as has already been discussed).
to top it off--at JFK this morning i had to argue with the flagship checkin woman who insisted it was ONLY for CK and those flying first internationally and always has been. i literally had to l load the aa webpage to show her.
i've done J and F about a 20 times this year but something terrible is going on over the last month-1.5months that is making AA a truly downmarket player on upmarket planes.
all flights have been in F but there were catering mishaps on EVERY flight. one fork, one knife, no starter loaded, one bottle of a white wine, entertainment broken, no espresso machine working, pre-ordered meal not boarded, pursers who are severely lacking in elevated service on this route who i presume were qualified based on this being a single aisle?
that was just this week.
they are stripping away service in F to a point where there is almost no reason to book over business--i mean the seat isnt as comfortable in F (as has already been discussed).
to top it off--at JFK this morning i had to argue with the flagship checkin woman who insisted it was ONLY for CK and those flying first internationally and always has been. i literally had to l load the aa webpage to show her.
i've done J and F about a 20 times this year but something terrible is going on over the last month-1.5months that is making AA a truly downmarket player on upmarket planes.
they are stripping away service in F to a point where there is almost no reason to book over business
Jun 8, 2014, 4:55 pm
#1565
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
Wow, I must have been really lucky with my 1:10pm flight from LAX on Thursday.
IFE worked, pre-ordered meal acknowledged and served, full bar PDB, Agent at LAX Flagship entry asked for flight time with my name and checked it out before she escorted me in. (OT:Even had pre-check tick on BP.)
Only hiccup (if you can call it that) was at entry to the AC/FL foyer the Agent wanted to see my Qantas membership card - I politely informed her that as it was a flagship service, that was not required. I think there is a thread for that one...
IFE worked, pre-ordered meal acknowledged and served, full bar PDB, Agent at LAX Flagship entry asked for flight time with my name and checked it out before she escorted me in. (OT:Even had pre-check tick on BP.)
Only hiccup (if you can call it that) was at entry to the AC/FL foyer the Agent wanted to see my Qantas membership card - I politely informed her that as it was a flagship service, that was not required. I think there is a thread for that one...
Last edited by serfty; Jun 8, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Jun 8, 2014, 6:10 pm
#1566
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 104
I had great experiences in F and J last month Jfk-lax. Actually, the FA in J was better than the one in F.
Got J both ways to SFO this month so hoping for more of the same.
Got J both ways to SFO this month so hoping for more of the same.
Jun 8, 2014, 6:56 pm
#1567
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
I had two F flights this week - flawless both. Slept most of the time on my return trip to the west coast, solidly for four hours. I'll tell you what, the seat's plenty comfortable enough for me. FAs perfect, service top notch (notwithstanding the fact that you're basically given the same stuff J gets). I'd love to see it continue, but as Jon says it's a safe bet it won't. I'll enjoy it while it lasts, then move on to whatever works best once they strip the whole thing down.
Jun 8, 2014, 7:10 pm
#1568
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,238
three of five times this week when i got to flagship check in the agent could not find me on her little device and i had to "talk" my way in which makes you feel like a total loser!
JFK this morning aside--when i checked in earlier this week and the agent played a joke saying i was downgraded and broke into song--happy birthday--which, while mortifying, was totally sweet
it was only today to LAX that it hit me how much i miss the stupid cheese and nuts! i can only manage to eat so many nuts in a week, haha.
the j product is hands down amazing. but the service in F has never been anything short of brilliant 99% of the time! it is sad to see them strip that down bit by bit.
i understand things are changing--but i never thought i'd say i am only clinging on to my status and miles and paying for the premium product (bc the upgrade never comes thru to.from SF as an EXP now) because of BA(!) when i'm abroad or cashing in miles (as AA pretty much refuses any milesaver on their metal). sorry for the tangent!
OH! and one question: is there some new directive they must keep temp in cabins between 75 and 78 degrees? i ask only because each time it has been boiling hot in cabin--while freezing by doors so i sense they keep it jacked up to a tolerable temp. but it is uncomfortable because you cannot shed layers...only add them when cold. if 8/10 in a cabin are not using duvets, thats a sign.
JFK this morning aside--when i checked in earlier this week and the agent played a joke saying i was downgraded and broke into song--happy birthday--which, while mortifying, was totally sweet
it was only today to LAX that it hit me how much i miss the stupid cheese and nuts! i can only manage to eat so many nuts in a week, haha.
the j product is hands down amazing. but the service in F has never been anything short of brilliant 99% of the time! it is sad to see them strip that down bit by bit.
i understand things are changing--but i never thought i'd say i am only clinging on to my status and miles and paying for the premium product (bc the upgrade never comes thru to.from SF as an EXP now) because of BA(!) when i'm abroad or cashing in miles (as AA pretty much refuses any milesaver on their metal). sorry for the tangent!
OH! and one question: is there some new directive they must keep temp in cabins between 75 and 78 degrees? i ask only because each time it has been boiling hot in cabin--while freezing by doors so i sense they keep it jacked up to a tolerable temp. but it is uncomfortable because you cannot shed layers...only add them when cold. if 8/10 in a cabin are not using duvets, thats a sign.
Last edited by VSLover; Jun 8, 2014 at 7:17 pm Reason: temp
Jun 8, 2014, 7:36 pm
#1569
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
three of five times this week when i got to flagship check in the agent could not find me on her little device and i had to "talk" my way in which makes you feel like a total loser!
JFK this morning aside--when i checked in earlier this week and the agent played a joke saying i was downgraded and broke into song--happy birthday--which, while mortifying, was totally sweet
it was only today to LAX that it hit me how much i miss the stupid cheese and nuts! i can only manage to eat so many nuts in a week, haha.
the j product is hands down amazing. but the service in F has never been anything short of brilliant 99% of the time! it is sad to see them strip that down bit by bit.
i understand things are changing--but i never thought i'd say i am only clinging on to my status and miles and paying for the premium product (bc the upgrade never comes thru to.from SF as an EXP now) because of BA(!) when i'm abroad or cashing in miles (as AA pretty much refuses any milesaver on their metal). sorry for the tangent!
JFK this morning aside--when i checked in earlier this week and the agent played a joke saying i was downgraded and broke into song--happy birthday--which, while mortifying, was totally sweet
it was only today to LAX that it hit me how much i miss the stupid cheese and nuts! i can only manage to eat so many nuts in a week, haha.
the j product is hands down amazing. but the service in F has never been anything short of brilliant 99% of the time! it is sad to see them strip that down bit by bit.
i understand things are changing--but i never thought i'd say i am only clinging on to my status and miles and paying for the premium product (bc the upgrade never comes thru to.from SF as an EXP now) because of BA(!) when i'm abroad or cashing in miles (as AA pretty much refuses any milesaver on their metal). sorry for the tangent!
Agree with the antipasto being missed, I found myself wishing for it too on Friday, for a change. I also realized I'm getting spoiled
Honestly, I've been through the whole UA implosion and several less dramatic ones before. I could draw tangent curves ad nauseam here, but I'll refrain, other than to say that I'm not a poster child for blind loyalty, I've gone from BA, to VS, to UA to AA over the last ten+ years as airlines have shifted their concept of premium product and loyalty. If I hate what AA does to its premium product, I'll just move on. Now that I am paying for premium it's pointless to do otherwise. I'll just miss the F cabin on the 32B, to me it's truly been a pleasure getting to fly it.
Jun 8, 2014, 7:41 pm
#1570
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,238
i agree with all you said--and thats my thing. i'm only in my early 30s and this is the first real merger i've had to deal with as i've been statused the last ten yrs on AA. so i get it now that i have to divorce myself from the program and just look at hard product.
side note: the martini bar in the LAX FL is pretty awesome. points to that. i think only on thurs/fri/sun/mon due to excess of bartenders in advance of eagle terminal lounge opening.
Jun 8, 2014, 9:35 pm
#1571
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SEATTLE, WA USA
Programs: UAL, AA, AS, CX
Posts: 1,973
I was on Flt 171 this past Saturday JFK-LAX. First time on the 321T and excited to fly it. I was in row 11 by choice until my upgrade hit literally 24 hours before my flight.
My observation was why fly this plane with 4 classes of service? If F and J get the same food and both types of seats recline to fully flat then why have two types of premium seats?
Further to that the Y and Y+ cabin seems too small given the AC layout. AA had way to much lost space between the Y and J cabin where they could put more seats. If they chose to add more Y seats I could easily see eliminating J class and put in more of the Cirrus J seats (called F on this bird) and eliminate the mid cabin Lav and galley.
Thats adding at least 10 more of the Cirrus product and 24 Y seats ( purely eye ball estimate)
I thought the existing J seat was just fine btw and even this could be the premium seat just break them up into staggered solo seating IMHO.
My observation was why fly this plane with 4 classes of service? If F and J get the same food and both types of seats recline to fully flat then why have two types of premium seats?
Further to that the Y and Y+ cabin seems too small given the AC layout. AA had way to much lost space between the Y and J cabin where they could put more seats. If they chose to add more Y seats I could easily see eliminating J class and put in more of the Cirrus J seats (called F on this bird) and eliminate the mid cabin Lav and galley.
Thats adding at least 10 more of the Cirrus product and 24 Y seats ( purely eye ball estimate)
I thought the existing J seat was just fine btw and even this could be the premium seat just break them up into staggered solo seating IMHO.
Jun 8, 2014, 10:39 pm
#1572
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,238
I was on Flt 171 this past Saturday JFK-LAX. First time on the 321T and excited to fly it. I was in row 11 by choice until my upgrade hit literally 24 hours before my flight.
My observation was why fly this plane with 4 classes of service? If F and J get the same food and both types of seats recline to fully flat then why have two types of premium seats?
Further to that the Y and Y+ cabin seems too small given the AC layout. AA had way to much lost space between the Y and J cabin where they could put more seats. If they chose to add more Y seats I could easily see eliminating J class and put in more of the Cirrus J seats (called F on this bird) and eliminate the mid cabin Lav and galley.
Thats adding at least 10 more of the Cirrus product and 24 Y seats ( purely eye ball estimate)
I thought the existing J seat was just fine btw and even this could be the premium seat just break them up into staggered solo seating IMHO.
My observation was why fly this plane with 4 classes of service? If F and J get the same food and both types of seats recline to fully flat then why have two types of premium seats?
Further to that the Y and Y+ cabin seems too small given the AC layout. AA had way to much lost space between the Y and J cabin where they could put more seats. If they chose to add more Y seats I could easily see eliminating J class and put in more of the Cirrus J seats (called F on this bird) and eliminate the mid cabin Lav and galley.
Thats adding at least 10 more of the Cirrus product and 24 Y seats ( purely eye ball estimate)
I thought the existing J seat was just fine btw and even this could be the premium seat just break them up into staggered solo seating IMHO.
and today i was in the seat for EIGHT hours due to no captain so waiting plus long flight--it is just as long as LHR-JFK, so why skimp?
agree that staggered J prod would be great. and i truly hope the jetblue MINT forces some type of change.
Jun 9, 2014, 12:40 am
#1573
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 1,203
There is no way B6 will be competitive with soft product and ground services. No lounges, etc. I don't even think they are claiming the food with be an F product. But the seats should be pretty impressive. And the suites are unique.
Jun 9, 2014, 5:33 am
#1574
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,097
Mint will feature a pre-departure drink, followed by a cocktail and amuse-bouche once airborne. JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline™, has partnered with the popular New York City-based restaurant Saxon + Parole to curate the onboard menu. Mint travelers will customize their meal by choosing among five "comfort food with a twist" offerings, served tapas-style, followed by dessert. Fresh cappuccino and espresso made from the first purposely built cappuccino machine for a U.S. airline will be available throughout the flight.
"It is a dream come true to work with such an innovative company like JetBlue and curate part of the onboard Mint experience," said Brad Farmerie, executive chef, Saxon + Parole. "Our vision from the very beginning was to create a truly memorable experience for the customer, and keep it in line with what is typical Saxon + Parole, food that is full of vibrant color and freshness, and resonates exciting and memorable flavors. My hope is that every JetBlue Mint customer will walk off the plane wondering why they have never had such a food experience in the air before."
JetBlue will also be the only U.S. airline to offer customized men's and women's amenity kits from partner Birchbox, a global discovery retail company that offers consumers a personalized way to discover, learn about and purchase the best beauty and grooming products from prestigious brands. With an amenity kit designed specifically for JetBlue, loyal customers will receive new favorite products often as these unique kits will be changed several times throughout the year.
"It is a dream come true to work with such an innovative company like JetBlue and curate part of the onboard Mint experience," said Brad Farmerie, executive chef, Saxon + Parole. "Our vision from the very beginning was to create a truly memorable experience for the customer, and keep it in line with what is typical Saxon + Parole, food that is full of vibrant color and freshness, and resonates exciting and memorable flavors. My hope is that every JetBlue Mint customer will walk off the plane wondering why they have never had such a food experience in the air before."
JetBlue will also be the only U.S. airline to offer customized men's and women's amenity kits from partner Birchbox, a global discovery retail company that offers consumers a personalized way to discover, learn about and purchase the best beauty and grooming products from prestigious brands. With an amenity kit designed specifically for JetBlue, loyal customers will receive new favorite products often as these unique kits will be changed several times throughout the year.
[Edited to add] Jaunted has the full scoop on the actual service with pictures at http://www.jaunted.com/story/2013/10...Full+Food+Menu. It will be 100% dine on demand, when you want, as often as you want and yes, they will have an espresso machine onboard! ^
Last edited by hillrider; Jun 9, 2014 at 5:46 am
Jun 9, 2014, 8:13 am
#1575
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
B6 is not selling F, but a J product (and it's coded that way in the GDS). Yet even so, while they don't have lounges and we don't know how they are going to execute premium check-in and security lines, they have definitely set the expectations up to have solid onboard soft product, including food (and B6 flight attendants are much more consistent in their service than AA's)
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