First experience in US First Class TCON yesterday
#31
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
It's an A319 thing, though, not really a US thing. The AA A319s have only 1" more stated pitch, and in practice the seats might actually be tighter because of the monitors in the back.
#32
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,645
#34
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,645
#35
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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
So I flew US RDU-LAX-RDU last week.
- RDU-LAX: Great crew, full PBD service, lots of refills. Breakfast was pretty disappointing as the quiche and oatmeal options are the same as I'd gotten from RDU-ORD the week before but at least they brought the snack basket by later. Wifi worked well. Now, the 319 cabin is definitely too small with bad pitch but I lucked out and got two seats. I did wish for power though as my laptop died with about a half hour to go.
- LAX-RDU: I was on the redeye this time and again a great crew. Full PDB, I woke up periodically during the flight and noticed lots of people had gotten drinks. The crew passed out snack boxes before landing and they asked me if I wanted something to drink with mine. I actually found the 319 okay to sleep in as the seat is right against the window so I was able to lean my head on it to sleep.
Could have been a lot worse of a trip in fact.
- RDU-LAX: Great crew, full PBD service, lots of refills. Breakfast was pretty disappointing as the quiche and oatmeal options are the same as I'd gotten from RDU-ORD the week before but at least they brought the snack basket by later. Wifi worked well. Now, the 319 cabin is definitely too small with bad pitch but I lucked out and got two seats. I did wish for power though as my laptop died with about a half hour to go.
- LAX-RDU: I was on the redeye this time and again a great crew. Full PDB, I woke up periodically during the flight and noticed lots of people had gotten drinks. The crew passed out snack boxes before landing and they asked me if I wanted something to drink with mine. I actually found the 319 okay to sleep in as the seat is right against the window so I was able to lean my head on it to sleep.
Could have been a lot worse of a trip in fact.
#36
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: AA PLT, AS 75K, DL DM, HY Globalist, HH Diamond, MC/RZ/SW Platinum, AB/UA Silver, WN CP
Posts: 1,122
Yeah, I was shocked the first time on a US 319 in F. The second and third rows are worse than some RJs in Y. I'm smaller than you and still felt trapped, especially once the inevitable recline happened. After that flight, I've always ensured I get a bulkhead. Those who prefer to stretch their legs don't like those first-row seats, so they're great for me.
#37
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I like to put it in perspective. British Airways Club Europe, which can equal US mid-con or better sectors, offers...
Club Europe! ("Business" Clas for short to mid-haul)
Three seats across per side in narrow-bodied Airbii, with the sop of the middle seat blocked.
30" (thirty inch) seat pitch, meaning you're gonna hurt if you're even mid-height, and even further if someone in front of you attempts to recline, even if it isn't far.
Small plastic tray with plastic utensils with smaller plastic plates with what could pass for plastic food in a single service pass, with a mini, or two if you ask, of mediocre wine.
Your best seat? In Euro Traveller (coach) in an exit row. Unless you're A319 short and A330 wide, though the armrests and inser won't grant you much love with the blocked middle CE seat. I can't even imagine people paying what they donor CE, even with the excuse European "business" isn't much better.
Thirty inches: I nominate Willy Walsh and Keith Williams for weekly keel hauling in the Thames.
What we get for domestic F, even in the A319, is a BAEC member's dream.
One could argue US A330 J (and new AA CIP product and 77W) kicks the slats out of the short, weight-bench narrow BA Club World seats that have you staring into the face of someone you never met, and if you're on the aisle have food etc. passed in front of your face to your window pod mate - who'll likely be straddling you as you sleep if they need a lav break.
We don't have it so bad, US cousins.
/Rant
Club Europe! ("Business" Clas for short to mid-haul)
Three seats across per side in narrow-bodied Airbii, with the sop of the middle seat blocked.
30" (thirty inch) seat pitch, meaning you're gonna hurt if you're even mid-height, and even further if someone in front of you attempts to recline, even if it isn't far.
Small plastic tray with plastic utensils with smaller plastic plates with what could pass for plastic food in a single service pass, with a mini, or two if you ask, of mediocre wine.
Your best seat? In Euro Traveller (coach) in an exit row. Unless you're A319 short and A330 wide, though the armrests and inser won't grant you much love with the blocked middle CE seat. I can't even imagine people paying what they donor CE, even with the excuse European "business" isn't much better.
Thirty inches: I nominate Willy Walsh and Keith Williams for weekly keel hauling in the Thames.
What we get for domestic F, even in the A319, is a BAEC member's dream.
One could argue US A330 J (and new AA CIP product and 77W) kicks the slats out of the short, weight-bench narrow BA Club World seats that have you staring into the face of someone you never met, and if you're on the aisle have food etc. passed in front of your face to your window pod mate - who'll likely be straddling you as you sleep if they need a lav break.
We don't have it so bad, US cousins.
/Rant
#38
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
Anyone know if LAX-PHL A321 has IFE in F?
#39
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,039
#40
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Diego (SAN)
Programs: IHG Platinum
Posts: 940
The only "IFE" on the US A321 will be of the "bring your own device" variety. There will (should) be gogo streaming video offered, with a couple of free streaming movies and a larger library of pay-per-view streaming options.