karenwaldauer

We are a couple in our 80s, flying from PHL to LIH. Our intention is to do it in two segments, stopping overnight at LAX. American Airlines seems to have a pretty decent multi-city combination of non-stop flights, and we are intending to fly Business Class. The aircraft is a 321 Airbus for 3 legs, and a 738 for LAX to PHL.

I have been some pretty awful reviews of the seats in both Economy and Business/First on these planes and am wondering about being really miserable on these flights. I can't seem to find any alternative flights that are as convenient.

Any advice or comments would be very welcome.

Gardyloo

Economy is economy; seating is cramped, service is minimal, and it's something just to be endured.

First class on domestic itineraries is a mixed bag. Unfortunately, flying on AA from Philly, the odds are high that you'll get airplanes that are former US Air equipment, such as the A321 you mention for the PHL-LAX segment. (AA also has some A321s that weren't US Air planes but those typically fly other routes.) The ex-US planes have okay seats (wider and more legroom, but not much recline) in first class, but no in-flight entertainment (IFE) and only okay food.

AA's 737s from LAX are slightly better - you'll get IFE - but the seats are pretty similar. The AA 737s tend to be newer but again no guarantees.

If you can afford first class, you won't be miserable, and in fact you can have quite a pleasant couple of flights. In economy you'll survive, but won't be happy campers.

Just a "for what it's worth" note: not knowing when you're traveling, it's hard to make comparisons, but you probably know that southern Spain is 1000 miles closer to Philly than Kauai. Just sayin'.

karenwaldauer

Gardyloo, thanks so much! I don't think we have much alternative, so we'll fly First and try not to grumble. By the way, quite a while ago (not sayin' how long), when we visited Spain a few times, we relied heavily on your advice, which was always excellent. Glad you're still around.

Gardyloo

Let me suggest you also look at Alaska Airlines, which is an AA partner and IMO offers a somewhat superior first class product to most of AA's narrow body flights. From Philly Alaska flies to Kauai via Seattle, and they allow a free stopover in Seattle in either or both directions. You also get lounge access with first class tickets on Alaska, which you don't with AA (unless you're already Admirals Club members.)

Sassafrass

Gardyloo, you really are a wealth of information and help.

karenwaldauer

Thanks again, Garlyloo. I'll check it out.