Antarius

AA flies both. DFW-HNL is on the 772 which is the same plane as their international routes including Europe and South America. Lay flat all-aisle access up front.

they also fly the worst 752s from PHX though.

schriste

Have been looking at flying to Hawaii to take advantage of the AA 772 flights, but there must be some pricing bug in AA land at the moment as PE is pricing in at higher than First to HNL.(almost $3500 from EWR)… obviously a no go. But even at a $300 premium not sure I'd bite without the service improvements. I'd probably go for the NS on united in E+ on the best plane in the sky for a suffering coach passenger... the humble UA 764.

I flew full international PE back in November/December from EWR via DFW to NRT (Tokyo). This was a paid ticket, but at the time the premium over economy was only about $300 RT. The upgraded seat as well as food, amenity kit, blanket, etc was well worth it at this modest price. I was very comfortable, and it felt like a premium experience for the first 5 or 6 hours (did not miss being up front at all). Currently the upcharge is more like a $2,000, or triple the economy fare!... a no go for me.

Sad that AA can't offer a bit more than some cheese (likely freezing cold) on the PE flights to Hawaii.

3Cforme

Look at Hawaiian, non-stop A332s JFK-HNL, with lie-flats in a 2x2x2 config in First.

schriste

I have many times, but never seen a "good fare" on this route. Always been north to well north of $3,000 when I have looked. Still rather slum it in UA 764 E+... after all, the flight always does come to an end and I always do survive.

JDiver

AA doesn’t have to put much into Hawaii service. It’s an aspirational destination with lots of traffic, so they can charge competitive fares with lackluster service (and products - those PHX 757s everyone complains about may be the source of pleasant memories once the More Sardines Throughiut Coach densufied A321neo takes over those routes). And really turn the miles thumbscrews on the multitudes wanting tomuse miles in Award seats firbtheur honeymoon trips.

I don’t expect anything to change for the better, but at least I’ve got lots of choices (for the fare, usually it’s Alaska or Hawaiian). And Southwest, once it’s flight crews and select 737 MAX 8s are ETOPS certified, will help keep those fares competitive (and their Meridian seats offer greater pitch than the AA Meridian, plus two free bags).

Isn’t Hawaiian ordering A332s with a product that’s more like a regional Business cabin for mainland-Hawaii service? I though I read that somewhere.

FlyerBeek

JDiver

Thanks for correcting my impressions, FlyerBeek.

airb330

NYC Flyer

Why, were they upgrading more than one passenger per seat? If your business travel involves HNL, not sure how it's any less conducive than any other HNL flight. I've found the food decent and service to be excellent, per usual on DL (specifically LAX-HNL). Maybe more people are drinking Mai Tais vs Woodford, but it's not a wild bunch.

dll

And their existing A330 has been fully retrofitted with lie-flat seats. With the 767s now retired at Hawaiian, their fleet at the moment is either a typical domestic first class seat (A321neo and 717 intra-Hawaii) or lie-flat (A330). The A321neo experience isn't terrible but the A330 is certainly significantly better. In any case, all require you to get to a west coast gateway or connect through JFK.

rendezvous

RideThe22A

No difference in drink or meal service in PE or Economy. They start at the front (PE) and work to the rear. Then pick up from the front to rear, etc. If you want another drink to wash down your cardboard box wrap sandwich, you'll have to call a flight attendant as the PE service is no more attentive than Economy.

Often1

PE is intended to entice people who would otherwise fly Y, not to become F- on this route.

hawaii-bound

Hoping our upgrade comes through but just in case, here are our choices in Premium Economy pre-order - hoping for some insight as neither look appealing:

• 
  Southwestern Veggie Sandwich Wrap
  with chips and dessert
• 
  Sandwich Wrap
  BBQ pulled chicken with blue cheese crumbles, tomatoes and cabbage and carrot slaw on a flour tortilla

RideThe22A

For my next trip, my strategy will be to purchase Economy class via ORD, PHX or LAX. Then if I get upgraded, it will be to Business class as those routes don't yet have PE. I can't see paying hundreds of dollars extra for PE and getting served a cardboard box lunch that I could have purchased in Economy for about $10. The wrap sandwiches are equally unappealing. But if you're traveling with a partner, you should order one of each Since they're sliced in half you could both get to savor the delicacies.