American Eagle by Compas SEA - LAX - why?
#16
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
OP shouldn't expect a hot meal on Delta for a flight of that length. Flights less that 1400 miles generally get a cold plated meal.
I'm happy with E75s. OP's comment about pilot experience is fair - the lure of mainline flying is strong for those who qualify and are chosen. But space and meal comments are off the mark.
#18
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Among other things, it's worth noting that the e175 is designed to carry 76 passengers but is configured by American to only carry 70 because of the contract with its main line Pilots. That means, the plane has two less rows and very good legroom.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Rather than debating the relative merits of the aircraft, the practical answer here is:
1. If OP booked an AA mainline ticket and the operating carrier has been changed, DOT rules require AA to refund the ticket at the passenger's option, allowing him to purchase whatever else he wants.
2. If OP booked this service as it is being performed, one should note that DOT rules specifically require that when the flight is not operated by the marketing carrier, that must be prominently disclosed. AA does so on its booking screen in language and size which can't be missed. But, may be ignored. In addition, the type of aircraft scheduled is also disclosed.
As to the why, the answer is simply that it makes economic sense for AA. It does not have unlimited aircraft and perhaps has found a route with better PRASM for the larger aircraft. Another way to put the question is, to ask what service OP would recommend cancelling somewhere in the AA route system so that the particular service in question may be performed by a mainline aircraft.
1. If OP booked an AA mainline ticket and the operating carrier has been changed, DOT rules require AA to refund the ticket at the passenger's option, allowing him to purchase whatever else he wants.
2. If OP booked this service as it is being performed, one should note that DOT rules specifically require that when the flight is not operated by the marketing carrier, that must be prominently disclosed. AA does so on its booking screen in language and size which can't be missed. But, may be ignored. In addition, the type of aircraft scheduled is also disclosed.
As to the why, the answer is simply that it makes economic sense for AA. It does not have unlimited aircraft and perhaps has found a route with better PRASM for the larger aircraft. Another way to put the question is, to ask what service OP would recommend cancelling somewhere in the AA route system so that the particular service in question may be performed by a mainline aircraft.
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: UA Pleb, HH Gold, PWP General Secretary
Posts: 23,199
I fell into the old trap and now find myself on a commuter carrier after booking on the AA website. It begs the question: Why would AA farm out a 3-hour flight between two major west coast cities to Compass? This is hardly a commuter flight. Had I been flying to Boise or Portland, I might have been more alert. But Seattle to Los Angeles on Embraer metal?
Coulda flown Delta....
Coulda flown Delta....
Among other things, it's worth noting that the e175 is designed to carry 76 passengers but is configured by American to only carry 70 because of the contract with its main line Pilots. That means, the plane has two less rows and very good legroom.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
#22
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
#23
Join Date: May 2017
Location: SEA
Posts: 355
I have no idea why AA continues to fly the E175 SEA-LAX, but I also avoid it constantly. It's not that it's a bad aircraft, but it's the hassle of dealing with the remote terminal. I've only had the misfortune of landing there a few times, and every single time I remember why I avoid it like the plague. Luckily for the most part I can just fly AS between SEA-LAX instead of dealing with that place.
#24
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, AA EXP, various hotel
Posts: 2,227
#25
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
Actually I quite like the E175 on the LAX/SEA route. I'm particularly fond of the single seat side in first class and almost always sit in 1A or 2A. Also, I find the bus ride from the Eagles' nest to T4 fascinating. You get to ride on the airport tarmac surrounded by passenger aircraft of all types. For an airplane geek like me, it's pretty much heaven!
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Among other things, it's worth noting that the e175 is designed to carry 76 passengers but is configured by American to only carry 70 because of the contract with its main line Pilots. That means, the plane has two less rows and very good legroom.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
of course... The CR7 experience is very different even though it is a plane with the same capacity.
As others have alluded, AA doesn't see much demand on the route (unlike Alaska, king of SEA; unlike Delta, who sees this as a hub-to-hub route). It uses smaller planes to be able to offer decent frequency (better than UA but still far fewer than AS or DL).
If the OP thinks this is too small a plane for the distance he needs to be wary of 1400+ mile routes that are flown by E75s in the U.S. SEA-LAX is only 954 statute miles.
#27
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,625
I'd pay extra to fly the E175 over any narrow body plane in the fleet other than the A321T. And while the Eagle's Nest isn't the best experience, I don't find it that bad.
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,584
Not sure if the Compass E75s are configured the same way, but when I flew SYR-DCA on an AA E75 not too long ago, I took the port side aisle seat in the first row of Coach, and had more leg room than any passenger in First. (The bulkhead does not extend to the aisle seats in that row.)
And since it's a Main Cabin Extra seat, alcohol is free, but no meal service.
And since it's a Main Cabin Extra seat, alcohol is free, but no meal service.
#29
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Stilllwater OK (SWO)
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat, World of Hyatt Globalist, plain "member" of Marriott, IHG, enterprise, etc.
Posts: 1,848
The -only- problem to me with Eagle flights is the potential for delays and cancellations on later afternoon and evening flights (most of these planes have a dozen or more legs in a day with very little turnaround time built in). I only noticed something 'odd' about a pilot's performance once (A flight that went off the normal route on a clear evening, had very odd sharp turns both at depature and arrival, and who piloted a very hard landing)
Otherwise, I think they the Eagle flights are roomy enough (even the old ERJ140 I have on my local route), are quick to unload/load, there are no middle seats!, and the FAs on Eagle flights are more often great (in my opinion) compared to mainline coach FAs. Also, the really nice thing is that there is only 30-70 other people on the jet to do something of special annoyance to everyone else (crying babies, yappy pets, DYKWIA fusses, etc), Even on a packed RJ, I find that the cabin to be much quieter and more peaceful, to the point, I only notice it is a packed plane when I actively look around.
Now, I do use DFW for my hub and most RJ flights, and DFW Term B is just as pleasant and convenient as any other there (though, I am unsure how I feel about the future use of the Term E satellite terminal). And, I don't carry on roller bags so the gate check on the small RJs means nothing for me other than I always have plenty of space for my laptop up above, which is very nice and lets my feet have plenty of space).
Otherwise, I think they the Eagle flights are roomy enough (even the old ERJ140 I have on my local route), are quick to unload/load, there are no middle seats!, and the FAs on Eagle flights are more often great (in my opinion) compared to mainline coach FAs. Also, the really nice thing is that there is only 30-70 other people on the jet to do something of special annoyance to everyone else (crying babies, yappy pets, DYKWIA fusses, etc), Even on a packed RJ, I find that the cabin to be much quieter and more peaceful, to the point, I only notice it is a packed plane when I actively look around.
Now, I do use DFW for my hub and most RJ flights, and DFW Term B is just as pleasant and convenient as any other there (though, I am unsure how I feel about the future use of the Term E satellite terminal). And, I don't carry on roller bags so the gate check on the small RJs means nothing for me other than I always have plenty of space for my laptop up above, which is very nice and lets my feet have plenty of space).
#30
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
Not sure if the Compass E75s are configured the same way, but when I flew SYR-DCA on an AA E75 not too long ago, I took the port side aisle seat in the first row of Coach, and had more leg room than any passenger in First. (The bulkhead does not extend to the aisle seats in that row.)
The aisle seat on the 3-seat side of a DC-9 derivative likewise has infinite legroom (though it comes with the increased probability of getting bumped by passing passengers or carts).