MSP_Monopoly

Flying in F on ORD-SJU this winter and wondering what the best seats are? Currently in 6AB as I figured it would be nice to be able to recline back with no backlash and have a row in front of us for under seat storage.

Where is the IFE monitor? Is it in the seat back in front or does it pop out of the arm rest?

How is food served? FEBO or always from the front?

Are the bulkheads cramped with less legroom?

Thanks!

flyingeph12

The majority of 738s have no PTVs--if you are lucky, you may get a new 738 with PTVs in the seatback. I usually prefer row 4 or 5. Row 6 has the bulkhead behind it, as well as everyone's coats and jackets, and I always feel has slightly less recline.

JDiver

"FEBO" was discontinued over a year ago. See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...-sep-14-a.html

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N1120A

No more FEBO - now based on direction and timezone crossing.

Bulkheads seem to have about the same legroom.

I always prefer the last row, so long as recline is not limited. It is not limited on AA.

If there is a PTV, it is seatback.

There are quite a few PTV planes around now, but their seats are noticeably less comfortable.


Most (all?) of the 738s have the forward sliding seat pans.

flyingeph12

I suppose 39/260 (15%) is "quite a few." Personally, I've mostly been on the other 85% of 738s without AVOD.

dzflyer

I am a high tier elite on Delta who is testing the waters on American Airlines. I wanted to know what I should expect in first class on the 737 800 flying from Chicago O'Hare to Portland International Airport. What is the IFE like if any at all? How is the wifi? How is the food? Are there charging ports? Its been so long since ive flown american that american wasnt flying 737s at that time. Thanks.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

A small number of newer 738s have free AVOD in F. Those a/c circulate through the system so you never know ahead of time if you are going to get a new 738. Wifi is gogo, can't stream your own content. All F seats have power ports. Food is domestic airline food, probably not that much different from DL. However, getting a pre departure beverage on AA can be problematic, or its limited to water and (sometimes warm) OJ.

ty97

AA has a lot of 738s, some as old as 1999, some so new they probably still have the new plane smell.

IFE: On most planes it will be drop down screens with common entertainment (perhaps a movie, otherwise it will NBC Universal shows). Newer planes (N939NN onward, I think) have in-seat IFE, but these planes are small percentage of the fleet. Plan to not have personal IFE.

Internet: All 738s have Gogo. I have used Gogo on both AA and Delta and find performance equivalent. Works fine generally, not lightning fast, and hangs or goes slow occasionally.

Charging: I believe all 738s have AC ports at each F seat, but someone else should confirm.

Food: AA food is not as good as it used to be pre-merger, but is probably relatively comparable with other airline's domestic F offerings. If the flight is in a meal window, you will get a meal (which you can preselect in advance, if you choose). If your flight departs in the lull between lunch and dinner (roughly 1-3:59pm departure I believe) you wont' get a meal but will get appetizers like hummus or cheese and fruit.

dzflyer

Thanks. Looking forward to seeing how it goes. I flew american when the mainline aircraft was only 767 757 727 and mostly maddogs.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

The MD80s are still around but are being retired over the next two years. You just have to hope there isn't an a/c switch from a 738 to an MD80 ahead of time (but highly likely this route will remain a 738). The 763s are down to 45 a/c with more retirements likely, same for many of the 757s. New 738, 788, 321, 350s on the way and IIRC a small number of more 773s.

Also of note is that LUS a/c no power ports and no IFE/AVOD. New LAA 319s (no more on order) and 321s have free AVOD in F.

satman40

AMERICAN is far better, never gave looked back..

dzflyer

I have a samsung 6 droid phone that on delta i am unable to stream delta studio on. Only works for iphone or ipad. What are your guys experiences on streaming american inflight entertainmemt on a droid phone? If so is it free in first class? Im assuming worst case there should be an overhead movie to watch.

3Cforme

AA uses Gogo for wifi and entertainment streaming, like DL. If you have a hardware/software combo not supported by Delta Studio don't expect things to work on AA, either.

Delta Studio can work on Android tablets but not phones. There are several Windows/web browser combos that work, too, all documented. It's far more than just iOs.

dzflyer

So i guess a droid phone is a no go to watch a movie via american entertainment. Bummer.

AAerSTL

There's a decent chance your plane will be on a 73A (3LC/N939NN+). If not your seats will still have AC power, Gogo wifi and overhead IFE & audio will be available.

IMO the seats themselves on AA are much more comfortable than DL 738/73H, but I have spent considerably more time on AA.