Feb 8, 2015, 6:20 am
Last edit by: Prospero
AA Transcontinental Three Class Service Airbus A321 "A321T"
NOTE: The "32B" designation is used by ICAO for A321 (-100 and -200) family with "Sharklet" wingtips; the use of "32B" by AA has been applied to "321T", the three class aircraft described here and used on transcon service, and for the "A321", the two class A321S used in "normal" service as well as the A321H ETOPS version used on West Coast-Hawai'i service. ("321" is used by AA to describe non-Sharklets equipped LUS A321s.)
A subset of A321-200 aircraft has a three class configuration (with First and Business with horizontal full flat seats, as well as Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin) for use on transcontinental JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO flights. First delivery was N101NN, Fleet No. 783, 21 Nov 2013. Inaugural flights were AA118 Lv LAX 0700 Ar JFK 1530 Tue 7 Jan 2014 and AA133 Lv JFK 1545 Ar LAX 1925. SFO-LAX began 6 Mar 2014.
These aircraft, referred to as "A321T" or "321T", have 10F in 1 + 1 layout, 20J in 2 + 2, and 72Y in 3 + 3 configuration (MCE rows 11-16); coded "321T" (32B in timetables). F has Zodiac Skylounge solo suite seats with shells similar to the 77W Business suites, J have B/E Aerospace Diamond Parallel horizontal lie flat seats; MCE and Main Cabin Recaro slimline seats. Pets have two small cabins flanking the aisle forward in F, called "Cuddle Class".
In Flight Entertainment is Audio-Video on Demand (AVOD), provided by Thales in its TopSeries system, with 15.4" touch screens offering "200 movies, 180 TV programs, more than 350 audio selections, up to 20 games, and 3-D moving maps" free in F and J, and $4.00 for most movies and TV in Y on an 8.9" touch screen. These are also controlled by universal remote controls. Bose QuietComfort headsets are provided in F and J; these are recovered by crew about an hour from your destination. (Unfortunately, the IFE system has turned out to be extremely unreliable; currently, do not expect to experience seamless AVOD on these aircraft. Some have reported successfully resetting by holding down "O" button over ten seconds on remote and the same procedure for the screen power on button.)
WiFi is provided by GoGo ATG-4 (cellular) service, and is not very fast.
At seat power includes USB 5 VDC and universal 110 VAC outlets. The outlets are awkwardly placed by your head in J, in the seatback in front of you in coach.
Also note: Airbus A320 family - 156 inches (395 cm) outside width
Boeing 737 /757 - 148 inches (380 cm) outside diameter.
Which transcontinental AA flights are operated by A321-200 "A321T" three class aircraft?
All transcontinental non-stop flights scheduled• JFK <-> LAX
• JFK<-> SFOare operated by three class Airbus A321-200 "32B" (A321-200 with "Sharklets" wingtip devices.
No other regularly scheduled transcontinental non-stop flights (e.g. MIA-LAX, PHL-LAX or -SFO, etc.) use the three class A321-200 "A321T" - even if a "32B" might be used in the future, it will merely be a two class LAA A321-200 aircraft (with Sharklets).
For further discussion on seats, service, etc. on three class A321T aircraft, please see:
Best Business / First seat on LAA transcon Airbus A321 / A321T / "32B" (consolidated)
Best Economy / MCE seat on LAA transcon Airbus A321 / A321T / "32B" (consolidated)
For older posts, see the Archive thread here.
NOTE: The "32B" designation is used by ICAO for A321 (-100 and -200) family with "Sharklet" wingtips; the use of "32B" by AA has been applied to "321T", the three class aircraft described here and used on transcon service, and for the "A321", the two class A321S used in "normal" service as well as the A321H ETOPS version used on West Coast-Hawai'i service. ("321" is used by AA to describe non-Sharklets equipped LUS A321s.)
A subset of A321-200 aircraft has a three class configuration (with First and Business with horizontal full flat seats, as well as Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin) for use on transcontinental JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO flights. First delivery was N101NN, Fleet No. 783, 21 Nov 2013. Inaugural flights were AA118 Lv LAX 0700 Ar JFK 1530 Tue 7 Jan 2014 and AA133 Lv JFK 1545 Ar LAX 1925. SFO-LAX began 6 Mar 2014.
These aircraft, referred to as "A321T" or "321T", have 10F in 1 + 1 layout, 20J in 2 + 2, and 72Y in 3 + 3 configuration (MCE rows 11-16); coded "321T" (32B in timetables). F has Zodiac Skylounge solo suite seats with shells similar to the 77W Business suites, J have B/E Aerospace Diamond Parallel horizontal lie flat seats; MCE and Main Cabin Recaro slimline seats. Pets have two small cabins flanking the aisle forward in F, called "Cuddle Class".
In Flight Entertainment is Audio-Video on Demand (AVOD), provided by Thales in its TopSeries system, with 15.4" touch screens offering "200 movies, 180 TV programs, more than 350 audio selections, up to 20 games, and 3-D moving maps" free in F and J, and $4.00 for most movies and TV in Y on an 8.9" touch screen. These are also controlled by universal remote controls. Bose QuietComfort headsets are provided in F and J; these are recovered by crew about an hour from your destination. (Unfortunately, the IFE system has turned out to be extremely unreliable; currently, do not expect to experience seamless AVOD on these aircraft. Some have reported successfully resetting by holding down "O" button over ten seconds on remote and the same procedure for the screen power on button.)
WiFi is provided by GoGo ATG-4 (cellular) service, and is not very fast.
At seat power includes USB 5 VDC and universal 110 VAC outlets. The outlets are awkwardly placed by your head in J, in the seatback in front of you in coach.
Also note: Airbus A320 family - 156 inches (395 cm) outside width
Boeing 737 /757 - 148 inches (380 cm) outside diameter.
Which transcontinental AA flights are operated by A321-200 "A321T" three class aircraft?
All transcontinental non-stop flights scheduled• JFK <-> LAX
• JFK<-> SFOare operated by three class Airbus A321-200 "32B" (A321-200 with "Sharklets" wingtip devices.
No other regularly scheduled transcontinental non-stop flights (e.g. MIA-LAX, PHL-LAX or -SFO, etc.) use the three class A321-200 "A321T" - even if a "32B" might be used in the future, it will merely be a two class LAA A321-200 aircraft (with Sharklets).
For further discussion on seats, service, etc. on three class A321T aircraft, please see:
Best Business / First seat on LAA transcon Airbus A321 / A321T / "32B" (consolidated)
Best Economy / MCE seat on LAA transcon Airbus A321 / A321T / "32B" (consolidated)
For older posts, see the Archive thread here.
Airbus A321 Transcon / A321T / "32B" 3 class (master thread)
Feb 20, 2019, 12:01 pm
#181
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Both are true. I'd be in 3F myself as I find the bulkhead pretty tight and the recline definitely limited in row 4.
Sep 9, 2019, 2:34 pm
#182
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott BonVoy Titanium Elite, Marriott LT Plat.
Posts: 1,717
Ok.. Wishful dream on my part, and I suspect others as well, but let's just say speculate for a bit on this...
What if AA expanded on it's A321T as follows:
What if AA expanded on it's A321T as follows:
- SFO-BOS-SFO
- SFO/LAX - CLT
- SFO/LAX - MIA
Sep 9, 2019, 9:06 pm
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,214
Sep 9, 2019, 9:16 pm
#185
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington DC
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 66
Any thoughts on the better strategy for this upgrade scenario greatly appreciated.
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Sep 9, 2019, 10:08 pm
#186
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Any thoughts on the better strategy for this upgrade scenario greatly appreciated.
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Sep 10, 2019, 12:16 am
#187
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Indo Jungle
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,319
Sep 10, 2019, 10:59 am
#188
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,312
Any thoughts on the better strategy for this upgrade scenario greatly appreciated.
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Sep 10, 2019, 8:18 pm
#189
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Any thoughts on the better strategy for this upgrade scenario greatly appreciated.
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Flying this sunday on the 8am JFK to LAX. I am PP and my fiancé is PLT with high EQD for that status. Flight has remained at J7 for the last few weeks and the seat map shows 11 occupied seats. I chose Sunday morning for some of the best odds, and the flights after 915 are already almost fully booked.
We are obviously hoping to get two seats, but is it worth splitting the reservation to increase the odds of getting at least one? One the one hand by splitting it would guarantee one seat at the 72 hour window if only one is available (and assuming I’m at the top of list), and she would certainly be at the top of the PLT list at 48 hours. OTOH I want to maximize the chances for two and in reading this thread it sounds like they will hold a lot of seats for last minute purchase and then if unsold, we’d upgrade together.
I did a pretty good scroll of the thread but apologize if I missed it, thanks for any advice!
Sep 10, 2019, 8:51 pm
#190
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington DC
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 66
You probably made the best flight choice with what you have to work with (only Saturday would have been better, maybe), but you won't be the top of the list for upgrades. You have CK and execplat ahead of you/plat. Splitting PNR is probably wise. Heavy elite load no matter when you choose to fly.
Even though you're flying this Sunday, I actually think it's still a little early to guess at your upgrade chances with the seat map showing 11 seats occupied. The route is elite heavy, and there are last minute purchases. Also, a thunderstorm and/or cancellation on Friday or Saturday evening (not uncommon at JFK), and your flight might fill up fast. This route is actually a pretty good deal for mileage upgrades (15,000 + $75), and I think that might be your best shot at getting two seats.
Oct 24, 2019, 10:53 am
#191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,486
What's the current wisdom on seats to pick in F on the overnight redeyes?
I chose 1A to avoid being across from the bathroom for light intrusion but am now rethinking in case the galley noise keeps me awake. I can't imagine many or any dine on the 12.30am departure given FFD and late departure.
Currently all seats are available. I've only flown F on dayflights and in row 2. I am right in saying row 1 doesn't have a larger footbox, right?
Thanks!
I chose 1A to avoid being across from the bathroom for light intrusion but am now rethinking in case the galley noise keeps me awake. I can't imagine many or any dine on the 12.30am departure given FFD and late departure.
Currently all seats are available. I've only flown F on dayflights and in row 2. I am right in saying row 1 doesn't have a larger footbox, right?
Thanks!
Oct 24, 2019, 10:58 am
#192
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
What's the current wisdom on seats to pick in F on the overnight redeyes?
I chose 1A to avoid being across from the bathroom for light intrusion but am now rethinking in case the galley noise keeps me awake. I can't imagine many or any dine on the 12.30am departure given FFD and late departure.
Currently all seats are available. I've only flown F on dayflights and in row 2. I am right in saying row 1 doesn't have a larger footbox, right?
Thanks!
I chose 1A to avoid being across from the bathroom for light intrusion but am now rethinking in case the galley noise keeps me awake. I can't imagine many or any dine on the 12.30am departure given FFD and late departure.
Currently all seats are available. I've only flown F on dayflights and in row 2. I am right in saying row 1 doesn't have a larger footbox, right?
Thanks!
Oct 24, 2019, 1:09 pm
#193
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: AA Pro;Ritz Carlton Ambassador;Hilton Silver: SPG Gold
Posts: 111
I'd stay away from Rows 1 & 5. 1 is loud from the F galley and 5 is loud from the J galley and closet. In particular, 5A is up against the J closets. I've had FAs slam the closet door down a few times inflight. 5F is up against the J galley. So lots of slamming there too. 2-4 are my pick.
Dec 14, 2019, 5:55 pm
#194
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,416
As a UA refugee, I just flew SFO-JFK last night on AA for the first time. Purchased J and upgraded to F with miles.
So here's my question. Flight was A7 at T-48, but F cabin went out completely full. Did AA fill the cabin with upgrades, buy-ups, or NRSA? I did notice the guy behind me spent most of the flight chatting with one of the FAs (very quietly, thankfully), which makes me think non-revs.
So here's my question. Flight was A7 at T-48, but F cabin went out completely full. Did AA fill the cabin with upgrades, buy-ups, or NRSA? I did notice the guy behind me spent most of the flight chatting with one of the FAs (very quietly, thankfully), which makes me think non-revs.
Dec 14, 2019, 6:35 pm
#195
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,486
As a UA refugee, I just flew SFO-JFK last night on AA for the first time. Purchased J and upgraded to F with miles.
So here's my question. Flight was A7 at T-48, but F cabin went out completely full. Did AA fill the cabin with upgrades, buy-ups, or NRSA? I did notice the guy behind me spent most of the flight chatting with one of the FAs (very quietly, thankfully), which makes me think non-revs.
So here's my question. Flight was A7 at T-48, but F cabin went out completely full. Did AA fill the cabin with upgrades, buy-ups, or NRSA? I did notice the guy behind me spent most of the flight chatting with one of the FAs (very quietly, thankfully), which makes me think non-revs.
EXPs cannot upgrade to F with stickers on these flights.