TridentGold flew American Airlines First (short haul), on a B737-800 (19/02/2012 21:17)

Joined this flight from JFK to Fort Lauderdale having arrived three hours earlier from Heathrow on BA. Transfer to Terminal 8 went very smoothly, short line for Priority Access security and quickly to AA Flagship Lounge which was excellent in all respects.

Good complementary internet access, showers and an interesting choice of complementary snacks and drinks. The Gate was a welcome "healthy" 20 minutes walk away (worth noting if you are tight on time) and boarding was very well organised with F Class passengers promptly on board first.

The seats on this 737-800 were quite uncomfortable even though the space and pitch was generous in a 2-2 layout. I am 1.87m and I found my head was above the headrest. Later on, with the recline things improved.

A really delicious choice of bistro style meals were offerred on this 3 hour sector and the chicken salad I chose was very tasty and washed down with an equally enjoyable glass of well oaked Californian chardonnay.

The crew really made a big effort to make the journey comfortable. On time arrival, another good walk to the baggage reclaim where the priority bags were already waiting (really nice to see the tags actually made a difference).

A very good overall experience, aside from the seat.

neilluk flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (13/02/2012 20:45)

Again one of the best across the pond

ROADWARRIOR flew American Airlines First (short haul), on a MD 80 (27/12/2011 15:38)

Although I enjoy the quietness of the MD80 in the First class cabin, those planes are really getting old.
AA did a good job on this flight to Las Vegas, it was on time, the FA attentive and the food acceptable.
The only minus was the lengthy wait for the luggage to be delivered.

ROADWARRIOR flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (27/12/2011 15:34)

Was sitting in 3J on this B767, showing its age especially in the lavatories. The seats are quite comfortable although not fully flat but still managed to sleep quite well. The food is quite good and very generously served by friendly FAs.

The new IFE system consists of SAMSUNG tablets, which are much lighter than the previous system, and offering a wider range of movies, however the selection is not very appealing in my opinion. The Bose headsets are still the same and on this particular flight I had to change headsets 3 times since they weren't working properly. The FAs were however very helpful.

The flight was very punctual and uneventful.

michal1047 flew American Airlines First, on a B777-200ER (10/12/2011 06:16)

I flew AA909 First the 2nd week of November.

While the lie flat seats are really great for sleeping, it should be noted that they are a bit worn and need replacing. Also, it should be said, that the screens for viewing movies are smaller than those used in both Business Class and Economy....unbelievable.

On my particular flight a catering strike at Buenos Aires, forced AA to double load meals at Miami for both the Miami/Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires/Miami flight portions. Thus in 1st class we had no menus, the starter plate and salad were brought to us on a tray and "dropped.'

No choice of wines...only white or red was the offerings...Dessert was ice cream or cheese plate. None of this service was offered from the trolley.....The morning breakfast was cold cereal on a 1/2 tray again "dropped."

All 16 first class passengers complained.....Where I can sympathize with AA's problem, one never expects to have First service compromised especially with the differential in air fares charged.

I wrote a complaint email to AA and received a 7000 mile bonus for my unhappiness.....but I am still not satisfied...Lan Business Class is much better than AA's service. I only wish BA flew the route...

Finally, my bags were tagged as "Priority" at checkin in Miami....My bags arrived absolutely last upon arrival into Buenos Aires...

CHTravel flew American Airlines (09/12/2011 11:04)

I've flown with American a couple of times and have always been dissapointed. I flew to LA from LHR with BA and back with AA. The comparison embarrassed AA.

The entertainment system was not a real video on demand system like you get with BA, rather it was an amalgym of a few channels and AVOD system, not permitting you to pause what you are watching (very frustrating when you miss the vital part of a film because someone is serving your dinner!) and only starting each film every 15 mins or so.

I had an even worse experience when I flew from Durham to LHR - there was no entertainment system at all on this flight - except for the antiquated drop down monitors that only show one film at a go. Both these flights were overnight and I was very dissapointed with the comfort of the seats.

Finally, I was shocked (!) to find that AA do not serve alchohol to Economy class. On the LA to LHR flight I found the flight crew to be surly and very unhelpful, whilst I was surprised on the Durham to LHR flight that the flight crew had partitioned off the best seats in economy and went to sleep!

In every overnight flight I have ever flown on there are always staff available to help in the galley if necessary. It seemed the AA staff were more interested in getting a decent night's kip than serving the passengers.

Deltaboy69 flew American Airlines First, on a B777-200ER (08/12/2011 16:00)

If you are traveling together, AA's meal service algorithm in First Class stinks. The seating plan is a 1 2 1 plan. Facing the front of the plane the pax on the far right and one of the seats in the 2 get served first (about 10-15 minutes ahead for everything) than the other pax in the 2 slot and the pax in the far left 1 seat are served at the same time.. So, if you are traveling together, and sit together, one of you is at least 10 minutes ahead of the other from first cocktail to appetizers, dinner and dessert. It's absurd.

On the way from DFW to EZE, the very attentive flight attendant noticed that my companion and I were talking and obviously traveling together, so she served me as well as my companion. On the way home, the surly flight attendant would have nothing of it, so I sat and watched him drink and eat whilst I had nothing in front of me.

AA explains this as the Purser works the left side of the plane so he/she has duties to complete before they can begin service. I say that they should then wait and both sides start at once. The quality of food/drinks is fine, but I rated them mid-way due to my above statements.

What do others think of this bizarre service pattern in F? At least in J, you and a travel companion are both served at the same time.

qantasa380lover flew American Airlines (16/11/2011 21:44)

FIRST CLASS WAS AWESOME!

You get all the comfort you could imagine, along with dining on a huge menu! There is a huge TV with plenty of tv options!

I recommend this totally!!!

Gonzer14 flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (19/10/2011 10:23)

I've flown around most of the world and have traveled in many major airlines like American Airlines, Iberia, Britsh! Virgin, etc.. etc..

On November of 2010' I went to Malaga, Spain in business class on a B767-300ER and my experience was out of this world. The service was great and I had no problem in the flight transfers.

Here I think I give a reasonable review. Thank you for reading!!

zrbwild flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (13/09/2011 00:29)

We flew from Miami to Santiago, Chile.

Business was nice - however, it seemed a little old for business. Individual dvd players were out in the seat it front of us after takeoff -- there wasn't a tv simply installed.

The food was great, as was the service, but the seats were slightly uncomfortable for sleeping, as they don't lie flat.

It was definitely worth it though.

whynotfly flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (12/09/2011 11:34)

This was my return journey on this route, having flown out to NY five days previously (also in economy with AA).

Journey to JFK was fairly easy from midtown Manhattan - subway to Jamaica station, then the shuttle train to Terminal 8.

We departed on time, and were advised that we would be landing at Heathrow around 1 1/4 hours early due to "exceptionally strong tailwinds for this time of year".

Seat was comfortable enough - seatback IFE was on a loop (films starting every 20 minutes or so) - i had watched most of the programmes that appealed on the journey out, so spent most of the time either reading of trying to lower my score on the far-too-addictive IFE golf game.

Food was not as good as on the way out (an uninspiring omelette for breakfast, and a fairly bland sandwich later on in the flight), but staff were once again polite and efficient throughout the flight.

We were held up by stacking at Heathrow, but still landed over 45 minutes early, and i was able to use the empty IRIS queue at T3, and was landside within about 15 minutes of landing.

Overall the flight was fine - more choice of films and on-demand offering for the IFE would have been good though.

whynotfly flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (12/09/2011 11:22)

First time flying long-haul with AA, and for the most part i was pleasantly surprised. Cabin crew were polite, friendly and efficient throughout the flight, and food was better than had expected in economy - we were served a chicken fillet in sauce dish as the main meal (not bad), and a pizza later on during the flight.

Seat was fairly comfortable, certainly didn't feel any less comfortable than other economy flights i have taken to the US.

I had been led to believe by a friend that the IFE on the 777-200 was on demand, but it isn't - films are on a loop, and you can start watching them every 20 minutes or so. There was a fairly good choice of new releases including Super 8, although the "Classics" category consisted of one film - The King's Speech. A few good TV programmes including a couple of episodes of The American Office.

Overall a good experience.

TravelwaveBerlin flew American Airlines First, on a B767-200 (11/08/2011 14:19)

AA 85 from JFK to SFO operating with a Boeing 767-200 in 3 Class configuration
First Class seats was the worst F Class seat , which i have ever experienced.

ReneMartinez flew American Airlines Coach (short haul), on a B757 Domestic (03/07/2011 22:30)

I have flown BOS to LHR several times recently on AA. The plane type was a 757 set up for domestic travel. The seats were uncomfortable and the plane very crowded. The cabin crew let slip that this was terrible plane to be flying across the pond. Both for passengers and crews.

What's up with AA. Next time I will fly its competitors.

sander1985 flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (21/06/2011 17:21)

Flight from Los Angeles terminal 4 to Heathrow terminal 3 operated by a 777-200 ( N752AN)

Boarding was a disaster en stupid, beceause of the boarding group numbers. I had a different one then my friends, who were sitting next to me. Seats were better then on the LHR-LAX leg with BA. More pitch and wider seats. IFE was quite good, altough movies were a bit outdated, this time we could play some games, to kill time.

Crew on this flight was rather old, and stiff. Food was acceptable but not more then that, and crew did not serve drinks, you could get it in the galley.

wkspang flew American Airlines Business, on a B777-200ER (20/05/2011 13:02)

I flew AA104 JFK to LHR. The lounge is a very poor experience with next to nothing for food or drink, though plenty of computer terminals. The plane and fittings were old.

As it is an overnight, I went to sleep straightaway, but the bed does not go completely horizontal, I think they fixed it for new planes, and the TV screens are still terribly small. All in all, would avoid if I can.

TravelwaveBerlin flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (20/04/2011 01:43)

TravelwaveBerlin flew American Airlines First (short haul), on a B757 Domestic (20/04/2011 01:40)

maxmcgeorge flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (01/03/2011 02:09)

To follow up on BusinessTraveller's recent praise of AA's First, I took AA1520 LAX-MIA. I thought it somewhat unfair to denigrate US Domestic First when domestic First almost anywhere else is non-existent.

A competetive international business fare onwards to EZE got me a seat in First for connecting flight to Miami. On-line check was easy, and a carry-on only policy got me through the dedicated TSA security in short order.

The Admiral's Lounge, although easily missed as you start down the hall, was bright, spacious and uncrowded. Unlike the BA lounge at LAX, it has a splendid view of the field. But I think it's unfair to describe the complimentary food offerings as mediocre : a better description would be laughable, as they were limited to cookies (biscuits) and miniature muffins. Proper tucker was available at the bar, but it was not cheap.
No free booze, either.

To be fair, such things, to match the BA Lounge offerings, are complimentary in the adjacent Flagship Lounge, but AA is quite restrictive about granting entry therein. Full fare First only, and then on certain flights only. Business Class hoi-polloi not permitted.

I missed the call for First boarding at the gate, and had to line up with the riff-raff, but, once aboard, seating and service proceeded smoothly. Champagne spritzers or Mimosas were passed out. First seats are very spacious and comfortable, and, I feel, rather better than Club World. They adjusted easily into a plethora of positions, that can be held with a Memory lock. A big improvement over Club World was the integral footrest - none of that wearying jerking away at that little footstool.

This was a daytime flight, so I didn't try the sleeping mode.

On board service was friendly and attentive, despite there being a couple of crew who looked damn near as old as me, and I remember riding steam trains to school on the Oxted line.

But it was delayed by the Captain's gripping onto the Fasten Seat Belts sign. Indeed, it was well past the Colorado River that hot towels and aperitifs were handed out, so that by the time I got to Phoenix, I was thirsty.
But the meal choice was agreeable, and the wine selection excellent, and desserts, coffee and wide choice of fine spirits promptly followed.

IFE for me is usually the latest Economist, so I did not avail meself, but it seemed to be acceptable, though not a varied as BA's transoceanic selection. It came in the form of a laptop sized package that was plugged into the forward seat back.

There's plenty of room to move in and out of seats, and strict class separation was enforced, and well as admirable and logical control of baggage storage. Not always the case with the Plus crowd on BA main cabins..

Fresh baked bikkies were brought around before landing, and all drinks were available throughout the cruise.
The menu indicated that meals could be taken other than during the normal service, which might suit some people on such a five hour flight.

First passengers were allowed off, well, first, but I couldn't comment about baggage collection as I had none.

All in all, a positive experience. Slick terminals, clean cabin, on time, well pleased.

AlbertoZavala flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (15/01/2011 19:19)

LAX- NRT AA 170 We have a delay of 2 hrs But the crew do us a pleasent fligth

FRANCESCABARNES flew American Airlines Business, on a B767-300ER (14/10/2010 10:58)

Although a smaller aircraft a 767, I prefer the 79 for the trip down to DFW. If you're travelling alone and are not interested in looking out the window, it is best to opt for one of the 2 middle seats.....as you won't have someone clambering over you every time you need to go to the toilet and vice versa. Plus the service and catering appear to be of a superior quality.

Rocketal flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (28/09/2010 18:11)

I flew American's 777 from JFK to Buenos Aires in Economy and it was one of the most horrible flying experiences I've ever had. The seats were cramped even by domestic standards, so imagine sitting there for 11 hours with the headrest of the person in front of you about two inches from your nose. A passenger across the isle from me asked if they could have the person in front of him tilt their seat up a bit and they refused, rudely. I wrote American an email informing them that I will NEVER fly them internationally again as it is absolutely the most uncomfortable experience I've ever had. Unless you're in Business or higher, avoid this plane at all costs.

thefirstchild flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (18/09/2010 12:44)

I went from JFK to london heathrow. The aircraft was quite comfortable, the seats were good, not great but the screens sometimes did go into a funny mode. The toilets were great but I was wondering why the lock locked when there was no one inside. what I didn't like was the seat plan (2-5-2) I would defenetly recommend American Airlines and once I came home I booked an other flight from Heathrow to boston.

qantas107 flew American Airlines First, on a B777-200ER (08/09/2010 04:53)

Boarding @ LAX the only AA nonstop to London Heathrow seat for sitting was great at aisle.

Seat for sleeping was so great, and I am a mid to tall person.

Food and drink are still good compare to economy class and business class. Comfort seat configuration plentiful to place food and wine .

The seat configuration true great .... Punctuality is wonderful. Baggage was handled quick , thank you!!!!!

I will recommend anyone to fly with American Airlines especially Los Angeles to London Heathrow

planelover29 flew American Airlines Economy, on a B767-300ER (06/09/2010 23:16)

It was very uncomfortable seating but nice staff. I love this airline.

BAbusinessbetter flew American Airlines Business, on a B777-200ER (13/06/2010 12:23)

Boarding @ JFK was brilliant, however the Admirals club is more like a seaman's' hangout. A real joke. No real complimentary food unless you were a rabbit or bird.

Seat for sitting was fine, felt boxed in by the window. Suggest NOT choosing window seat... you will be trapped if your neighbour is fast asleep and you need to use the loo.

Seat for sleeping was not so great, tight, and I am a small person.

The BA business is far superior. Wider seats, lie down bed more leg room, felt less trapped when I needed to use the loo. More privacy with the shield separation.

Food and drink nothing to brag about. Poor seat configuration caused wine to spill all over my clothes. A mid flight nightmare.

Punctuality is wonderful.

Baggage was handled brilliantly, thank you!!!!!

michaelk flew American Airlines Economy, on a B767-300ER (10/06/2010 09:50)

MoisesBerland flew American Airlines Economy, on a B767-300ER (22/04/2010 03:10)

BurntEnd flew American Airlines Business, on a B777-200ER (15/02/2010 19:29)

I am not a fan of the seats for attempting to sleep, I much prefer he lay-flat seats and opt for the BA flight between LHR and ORD if possible. I have the same complaint with others on the extend of the foot rest and window or middle seat passengers getting over (seating is AB-DEG-HJ), but on mid-week and Sunday flights outside of tourist season Business Class is rarely full. If able to request, avoid row 9 as it's the bulkhead and at the bathrooms, has more legroom but more noise and light. My preference is to be in row 13 on the isle and the back of the cabin as it’s the last to fill up if others are upgraded however being in the last row has its own tradeoffs.

Food selection on the menu is sparse and you necessarily what you want if you are in row 13 and at least 50% of the seats are occupied. Seems they don’t make sure to have a enough of each item, so when you see the menu or know what you want don’t wait for the cart service to make your preference known, otherwise you’ll get what they have left.

The AA’s club in LHR T3 is a joke, if you have access to another airlines you are likely to be much happier. Showers are being added but are not done as of 2/14/09 as is indicated in the in-flight magazine and promo materials... If you need a shower see if you can make a deal with the spa two doors down with BA or upstairs with Virgin, if you get in either you won’t likely want to go back to the AA lounge before boarding your flight.

BurntEnd flew American Airlines Business, on a B777-200ER (15/02/2010 19:15)

I am not a fan of the seats for attempting to sleep, I much prefer he lay-flat sets and opt for the BA flight between ORD and LHR if possible. I have the same complaint with others on the extend of the foot rest and window or middle seat passengers getting over (seating is AB-DEG-HJ), but on mid-week and Sunday flights outside of tourist season Business Class is rarely full. If able to request, avoid row 9 as it's the bulkhead and at the bathrooms, has more legroom but more noise and light. Be ready for a crowd at the gate in Chicago (normally K16), even though the other groups (coach) aren’t called I had to push thru the throng to board with the premier cabins and groups.

Wanna-B-There flew American Airlines Economy, on a B777-200ER (11/02/2010 22:54)

Does the word "Aeroflot" mean anything to you? My trip from Buenos Aires to Miami on American's 777 (nine seats across) was like something out of a Kafka novel - I was obviously being punished but didn't know why.

The service on board was non-existent as the flight attendants apparently didn't know there were passengers on the plane. The seating was straight out of a Roman galley ship - the worst I'd been subjected to in 35 years of flying. I sent American an email expressing my displeasure at being jammed into a plane like cord wood for nine hours and, of course, I received no reply.

I would advise staying off all 777s, and I am staying off American for good.

mfmattos flew American Airlines Business (08/12/2009 15:53)

I flew SSA to NYC on a B777, was great. But I came back home, from MIA to SSA, direct on a B757, and I didn't like it. I flew all by business class and I think that a B757 is not ok to have a flight more than 4 hours.

djeacock flew American Airlines Coach (short haul), on a MD 80 (11/07/2009 20:04)

LAX – LAS, January 09. Check is at Los Angeles was quick. The lounge area has enough to entertain yourself for an hour or so. The seat was surprisingly roomy. The service was quick. The staff was rude and walked up and down the chewing gum.

djeacock flew American Airlines Coach (short haul), on a B757 Domestic (11/07/2009 20:03)

LAS – JFK, January 09. Check in at McLaren was quick and easy. Embarkation was quick also. The aircraft are old, no personal seatback TV. Televisions are overhead and show one movie only. The seat was small and uncomfortable and I was disappointed with the refreshments service. You get one drink for rest and pay for the rest and food. The toilets were in need of a good clean as well.

terminalfive flew American Airlines First (short haul), on a B757 Domestic (08/03/2009 18:29)

Had never flown AA before so was pleasantly surprised by my MIA - LGA trip in first class. Boarding efficient, seat comfortable for a three hour service and although the interior of the cabin was slightly "worn" have to say that the service and the meal was excellent. Arrived ahead of schedule - luggage on time - decent short haul service and pretty good value for money

sandra3120 flew American Airlines Business, on a B777-200ER (14/10/2008 03:22)

I have flown the 777 several times this year to London. While comfortable enough, the fact that they slip underneath the seat in front when in a flat position means that if you are in the aisle seat, you will be disturbed by a restless passenger in a window seat. I prefer Virgin Atlantic's angled seats and second to those are BA's lieflat seats which do permit passengers egress when the seats are flat.