As I posted on the MegaDO blog, we got a sneak preview today of the new cabins and services that American is rolling out, especially on their 777-300.
Here’s the new aircraft entrance
The first class seat
The business class, especially, is a huge leap forward
Right now I believe the biggest investment that American needs to make in its onboard product is in its business class, they need fully flat seats but here they go a step farther offering a flat bed product which offers plenty of personal space.
Coach gets an update as well (though of course remains… coach)
There’ll be a premium economy section, though I don’t have a slide of those.
We were told they ‘wanted to’ (hah) but will not be installing this in the 773s.
We also got a summary of premium product enhancements.
3-3-3 or 3-4-3?
Looks like 3-4-3
I assume, these are for domestic flights?
The J/F gap is becoming trivial at this point on AA.
You can see at lest 4 seats in the middle row, with very tight aisles, so probably 3-4-3.
Premium economy will be truly a worthwhile product only if they make it a 2-4-2 or at least a 3-3-3 to differentiate it from Y, when F is 1-2-1 and J is 2-2-2.
I’m torn about whether or not the soft product matters… Flying LH F was out. of. this. world. The flight crew couldn’t do enough for our family, and it all felt natural.
While I do see this on Yankee-flagged carriers, often it takes some coaxing to get past the jaded exterior.
So, good luck AA…
Isn’t that the New Cathay Pacific Business seat? Take a page out of a leading Asian carrier I see 😉
No doubt J is great, but I don’t see the value proposition in buying up to F, maybe, just maybe, worth an upgrade. Y takes the biggest hit clearly, 3-4-3 is a disturbing trend amongst airlines, hopefully when United starts replacing their 777s, they keep it 3-3-3.
Last I heard, the union said they are not approving their pilots to fly this or the 787, so while they have the orders, they don’t have pilots. One would think this will change in the bankruptcy proceeds, but who knows how long that will take.
F looks great!
I wanted to let you know the Instant HHonors Gold status is open again!
You helped me get in on it the first time over Christmas and I wanted to pay it forward.
Check out my post from Jan. 27th for more details. It’s the 3rd post down on my homepage.
Thought you might appreciate knowing about it as you are always looking for hacks to quick status or bonus miles.
That economy looks truly horrible, 3-4-3 on 747 was bad enough, I will go out of my way not to fly this in Economy.
I wonder if the Premium Economy will be 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 and legroom comparable to United’s Economy plus.
When is it going in service? What route?
I have a J reservation in May for a LAX-MIA on a 777. Any idea if it will be the new one?
Gary, we understand that your flying experience has trained you to go for the aisle seat with its easy access the the bathroom, but the angled photos aren’t great. Next time, use the facilities first and sit in the middle!
I just return from asia on cathay pacific 777 in busness class which was my first experience outside economy. Seats are comfortable, but service nothing special. entries at dinner were truly horrible on the way back. Even in a flat bed i was not be able to sleep anyway. The worst experience is while you sipping your drink during boarding the trong of economy class passengers were passing and looking at you in your seat and it feels uncomfortable, everybody boarding in the same door. No priority line in Hong kong for business class to check security, lounges are nice, but to me nothing special, but i have no experience with others to compare. Actually service on Hong kong denpasar flight was better then from or to New york. People were saying the new economy seats are horrible ( reclining forward). Just my 2 cents
@MG Cathay food isn’t great. IMHO business class is all about the seat. Sorry you couldn’t sleep but IMHO that business class seat is as good for sleeping as any out there!