4 Reasons I Prefer Business To First On American's Transcon Flights

I too am almost always checked in before reaching the airport, and flying with carryon only. But question about Flagship check-in at JFK: do they do anything for you with regard to security in the hours when Pre-check is closed? If they are able to escort you to the front of the non-Pre line at those times, that would be a huge plus.

@ Jeff R -- Well, they escort you to the ID check podium, which is theoretically helpful. The problem at JFK specifically is that the security cluster happens after the podiums, as everything merges into one queue for the single security lane. The airport does a good job of managing the lines before the podium, so Flagship saves maybe 30 seconds?

It's hard to tell from the photos, but would the person in the window seat have to hurdle the person in the aisle seat if that person was fully reclined?

At LAX, they escort you all the way up to the conveyor belt for you to put your belongings, which can potentially save you A LOT of time. I find it extremely useful but sometimes a bit awkward as other passengers now think you're a jerk.

@ Donna -- Yeah, a little. I had a seatmate sleep for an entire day flight the other week, but I was still able to get out without disturbing him. If you're not feeling particularly nimble it would be hard though.

I have to say, the B/E Diamond seat AA uses in business on these routes is great. I haven't flown AA's version but have flown it on other airlines and find it by far the most comfortable seat for sleeping, and quite a bit more spacious than most herringbone or reverse herringbone configurations (especially the 777 B/E Diamond seat, which I think might be a bit bigger than the A321/757 version).

Overall I do still quite like having direct aisle access when I'm traveling by myself, but I don't know if any business class seat has actually managed to achieve a more comfortable sleep offering than this one.

Yup, I agree with this -- when I did a transcon over in F and back in C not too long ago, I remember thinking, "boy I actually like business class a little better," and I'm not even one world emerald. The only downside to me is noted above; the problem of having to hurdle another pax to get up (or having to be hurdled).

a bit off topic, but regarding Flagship lounge access, flying CX F HKG-LAX, connecting to AA first (business) LAX-SFO is there Flagship lounge access during transit based on oneworld longhaul same day F? would it include one guest?

thanks

I completely agree!

In fact this is in many ways similar to my views on Elite status too. Just because the makerting program promotes heavily some advertised benefits often they are of no value and sometimes even less value.

I am a flyer who always travels with a friend/spouse or family member so my needs may be different than others. I like the ability to of course talk to my seat mate.

What's important to me is service! I find the service pretty similar between first and business on the transcons anyhow and usually it comes down to which individual flight attendent working the cabin.

@ Dan -- Yep, though the lounges in TBIT are nicer and probably worth the walk if you don't have a super short connection.

Tiffany, how does the food compare in both classes?
Are there any significant differences when it comes to food?

My school has 200seats each gloor hss still have one lavatory

@ Tom -- The menu is virtually identical. First class gets an extra course (yogurt in the AM, soup otherwise), and upgraded wine options. The entrees and appetizers are the same.

I actually prefer AA Platinum to Executive Platinum.

I also prefer the Winter Olympics to the Summer Olympics. And Taco Bell to a Mexican restaurant

@Tiffany thanks so you like the oneworld business lounge in TBIT better than AA Flagship lounge? Have only been to Flagship and Qantas/oneworld First lounge before

thanks again

You forgot to mention cappuccino & espresso exclusively for F pax. Unless, of course, your name is NPH http://travelskills.com/2014/03/15/americans-brand-new-a321t-sfo-jfk-trip-report/

@Stvr
Personally speaking, there are many times where J cannibalizes F sales, such as AA on their 77W and arguably SQ as well.

I find myself wishing I had more width for my arm & shoulder to stretch on these biz seats, on the side facing the divider.

Wait . . . you're saying you prefer the BE Diamond (same seat UA uses) in a 2-2 configuration to the Zodiac Cirrus (same seat CX uses) in 1-1? Seriously?

@Kacee it's not the same product. The F seat on the A321 is substantially more cramped than the CX J seat on the 777 (same as AA J on the 77W). Something about the angles, but it's a lot less comfortable for sure.

I doubt very much mr lucky given a choice business or first on AA transcontinental Service you would fly business.
I doubt it and its laughable lucky.
Your a cabin snob like the rest of us.

See you in first lucky.

One thing I did not like about business class on the A321T on a recent 7am JFK-LAX trip was that the sun reflected so brightly off the wing that I felt compelled to keep the shade down the entire flight. I was sitting in 8A, so the sun was on that side of the plane for my outbound flight. It's a minor point, and one that would only affect some people at certain times of the day -- but if you're the kind of person who prefers the shade up to see what's going on (like me), something to consider.

Another plus of biz over first is that the biz rows provide better stability for the floor. Heavy footed flight attendants are far less annoying in biz than first.