Will it seems clear that AA's new J is not a home run it certainly appears to be quite a bit ahead of CO's BF.

Yes, the seat doesn't lay flat (but there is more legroom than on CO). But look at the whole package, how many more amenities and services are offered than in BF.

Here's a link: http://www.howwillyourtimefly.com/

From my point of view, it doesn't bother me that AA's current business class isn't all that special. It's still infintely better than coach, and it's not all that hard to get up there, as opposed to many people's experiences with CO. Now, when I am flying for business, in paid J, well, then at least I have the opportunity to upgrade to real First Class -- with flat beds and lots of personal space. (Even AA's weaker "coffin" seat offering only has 18 pax in the front zone of the 777 vs. 30 on CO's BF.) And those J-to-F upgrades are very easy to come by. So net, even flying paid J is a better overall proposition for me on AA than CO, despite CO's mostly superior product. Except of course deciding whether to take CO's nonstop EWR-HKG or connect in NRT on AA, upgrading the JFK-NRT leg to F and slumming it in J on CX/JL for the final leg to HKG... Can't decide!

You share my sentiment exactly. I am angling for EXP this year, which I think is really what you need. At this level, I can pretty much fly business all the time, domestically; I can also upgrade to FC with a business fare!

Sorry, but I think you're really confused about the AA system. AA only has three routes domestically which are three class service. JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO (about 50% of the time three-class) and LAX-MIA (1 or 2 flights a day three-class). On these routes, ANYONE can upgrade from a Business fare to First, you don't need to be EXP. In fact, your EXP free upgrades will NOT work to upgade you from J->F on these routes, and 500-miler stickers won't do so either for Plats and Golds. You, or anyone else, needs to use miles. Other than these few routes and flights, there is no domestic Business Class on AA.

One correction: JFK-MIA is always two class, even when flown with a 3 class 762. Only 3 class domestics are JFK-LAX/SFO on 762s.

In a few weeks, AA begins a 3 class 777 LAX-MIA-LAX once daily. :)

AA gives EXP's some SWU's each year. These certificates are, IMO, more valuable on international flights, but they are system-wide. EXP's also get waitlist priority from business to first if the seat isn't available. There are definite advantages to being EXP when flying on a domestic, three-cabin aircraft.

I am looking forward to that MIA flight; I live in LA, so the three cabin service is of particular interest to me.

Sorry, what's the correction?

JFK-MIA, when offered, is NOT sold as 3 classes even though a 3 class airplane is used. Elites and full fares can pre book the "Business Class" section, but its only coach service. First Class is treated as any other domestic 2 class route as far as upgrades go.

Oh SHOOT!!! I meant, LAX-MIA, not JFK MIA. Thanks FWAAA and Babu for pointing out my unintended mistake. :td: to BJ.

I'd much rather they introduced a proper mid class like Virgins Premium Econ or BAs World Traveller Plus.

Much more comfortable and bigger seat with considerably more space than econ and slightly better service but still a damn site cheaper than business class.

Per square foot of the airplane Virgin and BA make more revenue from these sections than any other class.

I too would love to see that, especially if they can do it domestic as well. As is, I have moved all my transcon business to United and their E+ (where I can actually type on my laptop).