We are looking to fly First Class on American and the only times that works for our ORD-LAS trip is on a MD-83. I was wondering if the first class is worth it on that type of plane? Thanks

I would not pay the money. Are you using miles or upgrading? I hope you drink a lot because otherwise, why bother. It is a rather short flight. But you have to remember, I'm the guy who flew to Sydney from Miami VIA London.

In short, I hope you got a good price and someone else is paying.

Depends how uncomfortable you are in coach, I suppose.

First on the "mad dogs" is decent enough; the seats are wider and the legroom more comfortable than in the back, and because the MD's engines are in the back, it's much less noisy than in economy. And of course you'll get drinks and a meal (if flying during meal time.) There's no in-flight entertainment on the MDs, sad to say, so bring your own.

On the other hand, coach is set up 2x3 on those planes, so if there are two of you, the 2-seat side gives okay privacy. Legroom is pretty tight, though, and it's a 4 hour flight.

The only other choice on that route with AA is a 757, which has wider but less ergonomic seats in first class, "main screen" IFE, and is a bit more spacious feeling in FC. However, coach on the 757s is to be avoided. (They don't have the nickname of "slave galleys" for nothing.)

Thanks for the info. We will be using miles so the upgrade isnt that bad. I think we may look into the 757 flights now.

I find the old style, brown leather AA First Class seats on 757s to be far inferior to those on the MD80. AA 737 and I believe 767 domestic first class (on 2 cabin service) are the same.

I would never use an upgrade on a 757 if I had a choice to upgrade on MD80 on the same route.

Guess the bottom line is, if you are flying on an MD80, bring your computer along.

I think it's only a 3 hr flight from Chicago to Las Vegas (ORD- LAX is 4).

I wouldn't bother upgrading for that particular route. JMHO.

ps- on AA, I find it a much more comfortable flight in coach on a 757 than MD-80.

3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:10 - depending on which flight/equipment.

We'll just have to disagree on the relative discomfort in coach.

Note, those are westbound. Eastbound is always faster because of prevailing winds.

I like the MD 80. I have at least a million miles on this older but reliable model. First Class Seats are very comfortable. I use an IPOD and Bose combination to listen to music or Audible.com books. Service is usually very good. 4 hours to me is not that short. Add on 1/2 hour boarding time plus a few minutes to deplane.