ARCHIVE: 2016 HELP DESK: General questions re aircraft equipment, fleet, seat etc.
#1
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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
ARCHIVE: 2016 HELP DESK: General questions re aircraft equipment, fleet, seat etc.
Just flew ORD-MAD on IB. I found the seat to be really good, I was able to sleep comfortably on my side or on my back and being 6'1 I still had enough room for my legs and feet. Food wise I was not very impressed, only three entree choices and my one wasn't very good, also the pre-arrival breakfast was minimal. Service, however, was very impressive as was the liquor and wine selection.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 731
Go with IB
Far more experienced FTers have already shared their wisdom above but here is another vote for IB J. If you can get F on the old AA 777-200s, I would go with that. IB's hard product beats AA's NGBC seats anyday. If you speak castellano, the FAs also appear to be much nicer.
See of you can drink Old y Plus Jerez on IB. Amazing stuff.
See of you can drink Old y Plus Jerez on IB. Amazing stuff.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: AA: EXP/5.2mm
Posts: 251
BOS-LAX: Worth connecting in JFK for 321T?
I need to travel from BOS to LAX and my company will pay for First Class (or Business).
Option A: I can purchase a non-stop BOS-LAX flight in F, although the departure times are not ideal. I would like to depart early afternoon but there is no such flight. The only option that works is a 430ish departure - later than I would prefer.
Option B: Instead, I could travel BOS-JFK-LAX departing at my preferred time (arriving into LAX about one hour earlier than the nonstop). This is a little better timing-wise, but obviously does add a connection.
I understand that the JFK-LAX leg often (perhaps always?) is on one of the three-class 321T's. I have never flown on one of these aircraft.
For those who have experience on the 321T's, would you say it is worth it to add the connection? Or would you instead recommend sticking with the nonstop (even with less-than-ideal timing)?
Also, if I do travel JFK-LAX, am I assured of being on one of the 321T's? Or does AA use that aircraft for only some (but not all) of the JFK-LAX flights?
Option A: I can purchase a non-stop BOS-LAX flight in F, although the departure times are not ideal. I would like to depart early afternoon but there is no such flight. The only option that works is a 430ish departure - later than I would prefer.
Option B: Instead, I could travel BOS-JFK-LAX departing at my preferred time (arriving into LAX about one hour earlier than the nonstop). This is a little better timing-wise, but obviously does add a connection.
I understand that the JFK-LAX leg often (perhaps always?) is on one of the three-class 321T's. I have never flown on one of these aircraft.
For those who have experience on the 321T's, would you say it is worth it to add the connection? Or would you instead recommend sticking with the nonstop (even with less-than-ideal timing)?
Also, if I do travel JFK-LAX, am I assured of being on one of the 321T's? Or does AA use that aircraft for only some (but not all) of the JFK-LAX flights?
#6
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 449
Personally, I would take the connection and fly the A321T.
JFK to LAX (and SFO for that matter) are always A321Ts.
JFK to LAX (and SFO for that matter) are always A321Ts.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North America
Posts: 2,265
Definitely worth it IMO, especially since you haven't experienced it yet. It's a solid hard product and hopefully you will get one of the better transcon crews that will make it a wonderful experience all around. Since even the timing works better for your schedule --- go for it! ^
#8
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
BOS-LAX: Worth connecting in JFK for 321T?
Agreed with everyone else. Do the connection and fly the A321T.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
If the timing works better for you, go for it. I generally won't add connections when a non-stop is available, but if the 1-stop times out better for you I don't see why not. The premium flight is an added bonus there.
#10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Posts: 546
The 321T is a great plane to fly and more often than not the crews deliver good service. If it were me I'd take the connection in JFK. You'll be able to access the flagship lounge in JFK too.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,828
I don't understand why an earlier departure would make a connecting option more desirable-?
Also check the fares- up front on the JFK service can be $$$.
Also check the fares- up front on the JFK service can be $$$.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,317
It would be time of year dependent. You have to figure in probability of weather delays.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,818
I like the 321T. Do be aware that AA prices out A321T J and F at a premium price level.
What is $1100 non-stop out of BOS is likely going to be $2000 through JFK.
What is $1100 non-stop out of BOS is likely going to be $2000 through JFK.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
#15
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I loved Iberia A330-300 MAD-ORD service. Best business class service I have had yet.