Philadelphia (PHL) Flagship Lounge (delayed)
May 7, 2024, 10:37 pm
#196
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
I picked today... didn't see anywhere close to 17 in PHL.
But, again, JFK, you need to include the transcons and SA flights and the partner flights. (AA gets paid for them).
Combined, JFK is 3x + the volume.
Not saying PHL should not get one, but if I were AA, I would be looking to lock up the 20+ CLT gates coming online and building a FL there. (Mostly because of feeder traffic and weather.)
If/when that happens, I can see PHL being deemphasized.
PHL is getting one and that is the right choice. At least for now.
But, again, JFK, you need to include the transcons and SA flights and the partner flights. (AA gets paid for them).
Combined, JFK is 3x + the volume.
Not saying PHL should not get one, but if I were AA, I would be looking to lock up the 20+ CLT gates coming online and building a FL there. (Mostly because of feeder traffic and weather.)
If/when that happens, I can see PHL being deemphasized.
PHL is getting one and that is the right choice. At least for now.
May 7, 2024, 10:47 pm
#197
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
FWIW, there are several PHL TATL that are on the 789 - NCE, FCO, LHR x2, DOH, CPH - I’m probably missing a few others as well.
May 8, 2024, 7:42 am
#198
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,018
It’s summer season - so several new TATL destinations are gearing up (including the launch of NCE today) so it’s quite a few more flights than your number. And the point about transcons is you can’t run a premium route without a premium lounge. So we’ll see what happens.
That being said, I doubt AA will add (significant) transcon premium traffic to PHL because of JFK. But I could easily be proven wrong.
May 8, 2024, 11:10 am
#199
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
In terms of premium transcon - I could see when the new TATL equipped XLRs come online soon there could be a good use for LAX -> PHL -> [insert mid-size euro market here] runs. Plus, add in some of the older 321Ts as they get cycled out of JFK only runs and you might have a decent base of narrow-body, lie-flat equipped planes for the 10 or so LAX/SFO flights per day to offer as a more premium trans-con experience. I can't believe Comcast alone can't make this happen lol.
May 8, 2024, 12:33 pm
#200
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AA, UA, Marriott
Posts: 1,161
I hate to be so pessimistic, but AA has zero competition at PHL. I don't see AA ever investing in a meaningful premium experience.
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
May 8, 2024, 12:55 pm
#201
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,232
To be fair, I often do as well and I live in Center City. A huge % of my TATL flights - especially for leisure/holiday - I take my time and train or Uber up to EWR and fly United to have a much nicer lounge/ground experience. I have an upcoming PHL->FCO flight and I'm hoping (it's a long shot) I can use the BA Galleries lounge just to switch it up from the Centurion.
In terms of premium transcon - I could see when the new TATL equipped XLRs come online soon there could be a good use for LAX -> PHL -> [insert mid-size euro market here] runs. Plus, add in some of the older 321Ts as they get cycled out of JFK only runs and you might have a decent base of narrow-body, lie-flat equipped planes for the 10 or so LAX/SFO flights per day to offer as a more premium trans-con experience. I can't believe Comcast alone can't make this happen lol.
In terms of premium transcon - I could see when the new TATL equipped XLRs come online soon there could be a good use for LAX -> PHL -> [insert mid-size euro market here] runs. Plus, add in some of the older 321Ts as they get cycled out of JFK only runs and you might have a decent base of narrow-body, lie-flat equipped planes for the 10 or so LAX/SFO flights per day to offer as a more premium trans-con experience. I can't believe Comcast alone can't make this happen lol.
May 8, 2024, 8:46 pm
#202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,325
In terms of premium transcon - I could see when the new TATL equipped XLRs come online soon there could be a good use for LAX -> PHL -> [insert mid-size euro market here] runs. Plus, add in some of the older 321Ts as they get cycled out of JFK only runs and you might have a decent base of narrow-body, lie-flat equipped planes for the 10 or so LAX/SFO flights per day to offer as a more premium trans-con experience. I can't believe Comcast alone can't make this happen lol.
May 9, 2024, 7:16 am
#203
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
I hate to be so pessimistic, but AA has zero competition at PHL. I don't see AA ever investing in a meaningful premium experience.
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
And for connecting pax if you have the option of going to say, CDG, via EWR and United or AA and PHL —> discerning free agents will choose the former to enjoy the more premium experience.
And just a reminder, the Flagship Longe IS under construction so AA clearly understands that a more premium experience is needed at PHL… just not for another year or so…
May 9, 2024, 9:42 am
#204
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,330
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
I would say it was confirmed long ago they STARTED something in PHL... but to say it's confirmed to be CURRENTLY "under construction" is a bit of a stretch without more info.
AA has been like crickets for this. It'd be more believable if there were reports or photos of actual construction currently underway.
Would love to get confirmation what you wrote is true, beyond "coming soon" so if you have info or photos, please share!
May 9, 2024, 10:06 am
#205
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,311
It's truly a sad (and telling) state of affairs when EWR is a more premium experience than PHL.
May 9, 2024, 2:26 pm
#206
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
to be fair, it has said "COMING SOON" on the flagship lounge locations list for several YEARS.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
I would say it was confirmed long ago they STARTED something in PHL... but to say it's confirmed to be CURRENTLY "under construction" is a bit of a stretch without more info.
AA has been like crickets for this. It'd be more believable if there were reports or photos of actual construction currently underway.
Would love to get confirmation what you wrote is true, beyond "coming soon" so if you have info or photos, please share!
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
I would say it was confirmed long ago they STARTED something in PHL... but to say it's confirmed to be CURRENTLY "under construction" is a bit of a stretch without more info.
AA has been like crickets for this. It'd be more believable if there were reports or photos of actual construction currently underway.
Would love to get confirmation what you wrote is true, beyond "coming soon" so if you have info or photos, please share!
May 9, 2024, 2:27 pm
#207
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
Talking purely Polaris Lounge and frankly the new UC is pretty slick. As well as guaranteed lie-flats and a pretty decent experience on their premium transcons on my most visited route to LAX. Sitting in the AA Oasis 321s upfront vs. 787-10 is not quite the same experience.
Last edited by PHLondoner; May 9, 2024 at 9:06 pm
May 9, 2024, 3:11 pm
#208
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA ExPl, DL PM, UA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, probably some others
Posts: 4,125
I hate to be so pessimistic, but AA has zero competition at PHL. I don't see AA ever investing in a meaningful premium experience.
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
* Domestic transcons - from SFO, UA runs a single red eye, no competition from LAX. I don't see AA ever flying flatbeds from PHL unless it's to serve their positioning convenience as stated above, but it'll likely be shoulder season flying (case study: the occasional LAX-MIA widebody)
* International - Lufthansa runs 1x to FRA. I guess you have EI to DUB. That's it. Not even AF flies to CDG. There is more of a case I think to invest in international as there must be bleed to EWR
Personally I've always been so surprised to see PHL so under-served internally given its size. Why didn't AA give the new HND frequency to PHL (or even CLT), where there are ZERO flights to Asia? I would think that could deliver more than another JFK frequency
May 9, 2024, 7:53 pm
#209
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,463
This is 100% correct, and AA is totally missing the boat on this, both for a premium experience and just reasonable pricing of nonstop flights. It’s like AA believes that EWR is not a reasonable alternative for like 70% of PHL o/d traffic.
May 9, 2024, 9:20 pm
#210
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 233
I fly to LAX probably 6-8 times a year - mostly up front. I live in Center City so it’s a true Franklin Test of positives v. Negavites. At EWR - on this route I’m guaranteed a lie flat seat, premium transcon amenities like bedding, generally upgraded service; plus, on the ground i get complimentary lounge access to the brand new UC clubs. This requires an hour train trip or an hour and 15 minute Uber ride.
On the flip side, at PHL, I’m guaranteed a terrible Oasis 321 product without lie flats, or IFEs, or charm, or bedding, or any premium experience additives. Plus, i don’t even get access to a terrible B/C or A East Admirals Club. To have this much worse experience for me is a 20 minute train ride or a 15 minute Uber ride.
The fact that I’m choosing EWR and UA more and more (and, again, I’m not alone) should be a real concern for them. I know PHL is a crazy high yield for AA due to lack of competition so maybe they just don’t GAF?