Pretty much! They are also like ASMR for middle aged dudes.😂 I fly occasionally but my most extravagant part is purchasing the "big seat" on Spirit. It has been years since I got more than a bag of peanuts and a soft drink for free on a flight.
Hey Paul, great report! Just to let you know, the reason our airline curtains are so thin here on US carriers are security. I flew pre-9/11 for UA and before 9/11 we had thick curtains. After 9/11 they took all curtains away at first and then replaced them with the sheer ones. Visibility through all cabins is required at all times per the FAA now. Hope that helps! :) Cheers!!
I am getting completely restless from watching your videos and I cannot wait to fly out into the world again myself. Thank you so much for another great video, the quality and consistency is greatly appreciated!
Not if you are a diabetic. We shun carbs, and get more than enough eating one slice of bread... Fresh fruits and green vegetables are the key to controlling blood sugar. Rice and potatoes or a bag of chips/crisps are not...
AA's 1C food is actually pretty good, and healthy. I eat it nearly weekly. You have 30 days prior to departure to pick any number of types of specialty 1C meals (veggie, vegan, kosher, etc). They make the carbs extra by offering bread on the side, or they sort them as side dishes. If you luck out, on some flights they actually have an ice cream cart they wheel down the aisle and make you a custom sundae!
About half way through now... onto a whole load of American carriers! AA lounge access rules: Admirals Club: Admirals Club annual membership (through credit cards or otherwise) Day membership Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, but NOT if you’re an AA Oneworld member. Only if you’re from a “foreign” carrier. Travelling international business class. Flagship Lounge: Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald but NOT if you’re an AA Oneworld member. Travelling on a three class flight internationally or transcontinentally. Connecting onto or from a Oneworld airline same day in international first class. Concierge Key AA members If you aren’t any of those, and just buy the flight, you get NO LOUNGE ACCESS. Even in domestic first/Business Class. (This isn’t exhaustive and please correct me or expand in the comments if you’re able! Hope you can see why I didn’t outline these in the voiceover 😬)
I love all american airlines' general approach to lounge access. Even on a 5 hour flight in business class (or as they call it first class) gives no lounge access. It is so silly. You call it first and not business yet no lounge access. In Europe, for example BA, on cheap Club Europe (30min flight to Leeds) I get access to a Business lounge. The whole American approach is mind boggling.
Because every video I produce goes up privately through Patreon for channel donors to have early ad-free access. That’s why some of the comments are from two days ago too.
This is nearly right except one thing. The Sapphire or Emerald member access rule unless your status comes from AA only applies to domestic flights. If you are an AA Platinum/ OW sapphire member traveling say from JFK to LHR, you are allowed access. I have AA plat and used the flagship lounge prior to my flight from LAX to NRT.
Dude...I live just outside of Orlando....I wish I would have known....I would have done nothing as not to bother you from your work providing us with great videos.....MCO is a great airport....I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks again for posting these...they mean a great deal...
Shoutout to Albert J Ellis Airport (OAJ) and the Cape Fear. Great area, I live near both! Unfortunately, we were hit hard from Hurricane Florence around the time this video came out but we are recovering. Thanks for including those in your video!
Another good report Paul. Great travelling the world with you. Always new and interesting info. That "dinner" was a disappointment, good job you had the meal in the lounge. Looking forward to the next leg.
I always enjoy your reports, Paul, because they include economy class - many of us don't get to ride up front that often. One comment on this one, though. You noticed the flimsy curtain between Business and Economy on the flight. it is essentially the same on all U.S. airlines, as the see through curtains are required since 9/11 for security (the first year or so after 9/11 no curtains were permitted). And I agree that the food up front may not be the best, but the U.S. carriers generally give away a lot of the forward cabin seats to frequent flyers in the form of free upgrades, so they aren't incented to make J/F worthwhile on most domestic flights.
The divider curtains were installed after the Terrorists on 9-11 flew one of these into the World Trade Center. The curtain is there to discourage passengers from wandering towards the cockpit from the Main Cabin and they are transparent so working crew can always have an eye through the entirety of the cabin in case of hijackings.
I think this may be the first time we disagree! Other than the lack of potatoes/rice you didn’t mention much about the food - which looked more substantial than a panini and a roll that BA we’re serving in business at the time? I was massively disappointed with the tiny portions of cold cuts LH served on my Lon-FRA-bud flights earlier this year too. I’m still loving the channel though :)
BA weren’t serving a panini and a roll on flights of 1,000 miles or more. New York to Miami is 1,089 miles, so it’s about the same as London to Helsinki or Rome, where you’d have got a full three course dinner. This is one of the shortest flights that AA do serve a meal on though, anything less and you get no meal at all, just a drink and a biscuit. The catering in the US is far poorer and stingier than in Europe as a rule, and so are their lounge access rules.
Paul's Trip Reports you’re right of course :). All my recent CE flights have been shorter. DUB/AMS/JER/BRU and OSL, so all I’ve seen of late is the Panini or less which has probably clouded my judgement. I’m probably a bit protective of the AA 767 I think, when I did it I flew LHR-ORD on a sloped 772, and back on the 767 sear featured here.
American travelers know we're not going to look good compared to the rest of the world. Shareholders in American airlines don't think it's in their interests to provide passenger comfort.
All 3 of the US majors are equally bad, at least in economy. I flew "first class" on Delta in 2016 on one of their 737s (not a transcon, just a normal one), and it was at least slightly better than Paul's experience on AA, but I'm sure the economy passengers were just as miserable as AAs.
Paul I really enjoy watching your flight reports. I don't have the ability to fly on Business but your cool vids are nice enough to quench my thirst. Everything is spot on and keep the good work up!
Great video and commentary as usual Paul. A few years back, i was flying first class to Newark from Orlando on American when they announced an equipment change at the gate. The usual 737 was being replaced by a 757 which i learned was a positioning flight to Newark. The flight was pleasant but they were not prepared for the equipment change as the flight did not have any meals for first class and not enough pillows to use with their lay flat seats. It was a bit of a let down but was excited to fly on the 757.
In the 80,s & 90's catering in First Class was outstanding, will high end steak,s and carved roasts. Standards have really slipped over the past decade.
He's correct. The 767 out of JFK flies across the pond to Europe during the night, and the 767 out of MIA flies to Europe or South America All night. Those two aircraft will head back around Midnight and land early in the morning in JFK, and MIA, one will fly from MIA to JFK and one will fly from JFK to MIA and switch places during the day with a domestic flight or two before doing the same routine again the next night.
Nice video, we used to use the B767-323ER from JFK to MIA because the aircraft used to continue down as AA989 to Montevideo MVD. I’m still sad they have been retired. They are missed
Really nice summary of the JFK-MIA 767-300 service Paul! Can't believe they handed out iPad's to compliment the overhead monitors though - I wouldn't have expected that in business class.
Great to see a traditional trip report really enjoying your channel it is starting to concern me that some aviation bloggers are just becoming megaphones for carriers, is great following your world trip take care✌🏼
You're spot on about AA's present catering. I used to work in AA's catering station in BOS BD (before deregulation) and it was a whole different ball game. We actually took pride in putting the best in front of the customer. Now American is just a fee junkie, and service has gone out the window.
I recently flew on BA’s club Europe 767300 from Athens..those really are starting to show their age now, side panels were hanging off and the some of the overhead locker mechanisms weren’t working so couldn’t be used. Catering service is also different on these vs the same route on a a320. In flight movies were also shown on overhead screens but no headphones were handed out. Good to see they’re getting phased out this year
NIce review! But honestly I have to disagree with you at 9:12 regarding the meal. It is fantastic and expensive they don't "stretch" the meal using a (cheap) starch. You got a roll and I'm sure more options are available. It's a very health meal and tasty I am sure!
Paul, I think the reason for the complex rules on access is partly influenced by sooo many liars trying to sneak in. My dad had to fly them a lot because the company he worked for had a very high mileage AA credit card. He did appreciate their lounges but said every single time he uses them, someone is trying to sneak by the staff at the front desk! LOL, do the freeloaders really think AA are that stupid?! Here's my biggest gripe about them: why can't they serve similar food from the lounge in first and business class? It's sad that at one time, UNITED economy class meals were slightly better than AA's first class meals!
generally american tickets are sold for alot less and almost 50% of the business class seats end up being used by frequent flyers with platinum status but only pay for economy fares. its alot harder to get status on united imo
Flying domestic in the US, independently of any class of service, is being subjected to utter mediocrity. Just hope for the best, meaning you land on time.
Curtains are transparent for reasons of security (on September 11, 2001 most people in the main cabin had no idea what was going on in the forward part of the aircraft).
Last time I flew on a 767 it was a 767-300ER back in 2006 and it was with Thompson (before they were TUI) from Doncaster to Sandford (Orlando). It also had overhead screens for the entertainment. And channel selectors in the arm rest. Mind you, the trolleys inboard and various equipment in the galley and toilets still bore 'Britannia Airlines' insignia that hadn't been changed since Thompson bought out Britannia.
Nice video Paul! But .. what about AA! We are in 2019 and still select interiors and / or aircrafts without entertainment systems in the front seat! Most of the competing companies have even upgraded larger Display systems, available USB ports. Starting from the economy class! And the minimum that can be expected as a quality standard on flights from 4 hours upwards at least.
I'm Canadian. And I admit, some things I see in the news are adorably Canadian. A Zamboni getting stuck on the ice, police getting called to a dispute of two people arguing about where to throw snow while shovelling, and our drinking laws getting changed for 1 day to accommodate an overseas Olympic hockey game. Some parts of this video scream British. You're flying in a tube at nearly 1000 km/h at 36,000' eating chicken, a salad and enjoying a drink. But no potato? Unacceptable!
Great video. I noticed the not on the music, but could you give us the names of the songs. I really liked one instrumental & would like to be able to find it. Thx!
Paul, I flew on United from Melbourne to San Francisco via Los Angeles. I swore I would never do it again. The one solitary meal served at around 10.30 am (Melbourne Time) was THE ONLY meal served. We went on for another 21 hours without a medal. When queried about dinner, we were told that United only served one meal per flight. Being Diabetic; it was not what I wanted to hear. I was told that the cart would cpome around, which was OK but the only food they had on the cart (if you can call it food) was a tube of PRINGLES that cost $2.50 USD. An then I had to use a credit card and not cash. En the return flight I got a heads up that there was no second meal served on the return trip (also around 22 hours duration) I made use I purchased a whole heap of rolls for the trip back. United; NEVER AGAIN!
Just wondering, if you wanted to fly just to Miami, could you buy the cheaper Orlando ticket and not take the connection? I'm sure they would be wise and make sure that doesn't happen but is there any way you could "miss" the connecting flight?
Risky, and definitely not with a checked bag, as that would end up in Orlando. In the US you may be pursued for the cost of the fare avoided, if they believe you did it deliberately. Tales of woe abound on Flyertalk!
Ah yes, I see the internet is awash with "Hidden City Ticketing" stories. New one on me, but I suppose it's such an obvious way to avoid higher fares it's been tried many times.
Hey Paul: The see-through dividers were designed after 9/11 so the cabin crew can see what's going on on in all cabins. I will miss the 767. Business class seats are the best I have flown on, in terms off the US carriers. In coach I will miss the 2 seats on the windows.
You didn't post the 'complex' rules for getting into / using the AA lounge. You said you were going to post it in the descriptions. I happen to be an AA Rewards Club Member. Although, I have not yet had the pleasure of using the lounge I, have never heard that there's a problem getting into one provided you have a qualifying flight or the right number of points. So, I would be really keen to find out what kinds of problems you encountered. Thanks. Yes, you are right about the lack of food service on some of our US flights. A number of years ago most US carriers (and I believe AA was the 1st to do this) is generallly to eliminate meals on flights less than 3hrs total. The fact you were able to get a meal at all was probable b/c you were in Business class. You are also right on another note......the lack of a starch. In keeping with our new US food guidelines also, implemented quite a ways back, AA was / is trying to keep in line with our new 'healthier eating; philosophy which, is where we eliminate a lot of starches in favor for something more healthy. So, for us that would be something green with a meat (a protein) item.
@@Paul_Lucas 1:01 What I thought you said was that, "lounge access rules are fairly complex". I think there was another reference to that at 1:56. My apologies about the, "pinned comment" at the top of the screen. My apologies on this next one. I was waiting for a 'card' to appear in the upper right of the screen. Instead what you physically typed on the screen was something about Instagram and Twitter. I don't have accounts on either of those services. Sorry.
Yes, I said the rules are complex, which is why I’d add them in the description/comments (people want to know how to get in). I didn’t have any problem getting in and never do in the USA.
Hmmmm...asking a lot of the catering for a 2-3 hr flight from NYC to MIA. Perhaps you should try one of the transcon routes. You're more likely get a potato or rice dish. And perhaps a printed menu.
I don't like the fact that all the shades are down when you board the aircraft. What's that about? In Australia all shades have to be open for take-off and landing. I'd have thought that was a basic safety issue. Qantas Club membership, for those who have it, also gets you into the Admiral's Lounge. It's an arrangement the two airlines have.
Thanks, Paul. I've not experienced it in all my flying but maybe I've just been lucky. The thought of entering a dim metal tube doesn't work for me I'm afraid! : )
8:53 Looks a bit like a self service canteen food (not business level). In Europe we expect potatoes or rice as a side, but to be fair-this is how any meat should be eaten-just vegetables and no carbs. You had bread, this is a substitute for potatoes/rice. Menu (visually) looks good and healthy..the taste...well...I guess green beens things were nasty :D. This menu is much better than what I was given on BA 6h flight from Sydney to Singapore-boiled noodles with noodle salad, followed with tennis ball size white bread sandwich, tea and a little choco bar. I literally received bread in 3 different forms, 20 grams of meat and 10 grams of tomato in a sandwich, 50 grams of sugar (choco bar) and 3 sips of tea. Never felt so sad in my life after eating :D
June 2018? Nice I was in the same airport on June 23rd. Was meant to fly AA to Orlando from MIA after a BA 747 flight from LHR. Flight was cancelled and ended up bussing it.
Great video! That Business class seat l think is also used by Air Astana. Simply Aviation did a video about them and they look pretty similar i believe.
The catering on domestic routes is because its extremely expensive and catering Department changes an arm and a leg and the airline pays for it and not as foreign carriers whom are supplied by their governments.
I’ve flown both Economy and Domestic First on Delta. Overall experience with them was pretty good. The Food’s decent the service has been at least 4 stars (except for one Hartford to Atlanta Flight) They’re most likely the best of the US Legacy Carriers.
My first First Class flight experience was about 2 hours and 47 minutes worth of flight (with US Airways before the complete merger) and I managed to get Lunch service. I sadly got the salad option instead of the pasta. It was good, but not what I would’ve wanted had I run through the options in my head for a little longer. But people were expecting food, so I quickly made up my mind.
I’ve flown many airlines in my life and found international flights the one carrier above all is by far British Airways. My favorite domestic carrier was always United Airlines. Now I use SouthWest more than any other. My favorite airport is my Tampa International Airport. But I also love BWI airport both are terrific airports. I’d love to see more international coverage to flights to and from Europe to and from both Tampa and BWI airports.
Miami is the main connecting point between the U.S. and Latin America, so I assume this 767 was likely going to fly one of AA's Latin American routes later. And if you ask me what was my worst flight ever, I won't hesitate to point either of the two flights I made on AA's 767, São Paulo to Dallas/Fort Worth and back. Firstly, I flew on economy and the seats were extra thin and hard, with torn upholstery, and nearly unreclinable. Second, legroom was ridiculous, at the level of the most cramped low-cost carriers - but those were 10-hour flights! Absolute torture! As in your flight, IFE consisted of overhead monitors looping movies and occasionally showing the flight map, but I'm glad that AA has at least replaced them with LCD screens now - they were still CRT when I flew. The food was close to inedible, either oily and cold chicken or overcooked pasta with sour canned tomato sauce. But the worst part was the flight crew - EXTREMELY rude (I remember one FA basically THROWING me my immigration card!), never a smile, never a "please" or "thank you", they seemed to have been trained by the Gestapo! This was many years ago, and the route I flew is now operated with a 777-200, which is said to be a little better, but recent reports from friends who flew AA's Latin American routes on the 767 are still consistent with my own past experience. So, I'd still avoid flying AA long-haul, at least on economy. I have flown AA domestically within the U.S. as well, and it was much better (so much that it's inevitable to speculate whether some racism against "cucarachas" wasn't involved, though I've heard similar reports from travellers on European routes as well). Still, I'll only take another AA long-haul flight if I have no choice. To their credit, AA is the best airline I've ever seen in terms of *ground* services and efficiency. Even when things go wrong (such as losing checked luggage, which didn't happen to me but did happen to a friend), they are very professional and efficient in that respect.
I have heard anecdotally that AA still treats Latin American routes as poor cousins to the transpacific and transcontinental routes. I’ve no idea why that would be, as the fares aren’t that cheap into Latin America!
I’ve spent about 20 hours total in the back of AA’s 763s. I won’t be sad when they’re retired. They only seem to get slightly more love from the airline than the MD80s, so hopefully that’s a sign the 763 retirement day isn’t too far off. I also thought the food looked pretty good. But as to the cheap catering, you didn’t pay much for your seat. And I bet you paid about the same as everyone else sitting up front. Maybe more! Upgrades, mileage awards, and non-revs fill domestic premium cabins in the US. There’s very little true premium demand outside of NYC, LAX, and SFO. So airlines can’t spend much on catering. Try flying any of the US majors or B6 transcon upfront before passing final judgment! I hope you enjoyed your next leg with AA! I look forward to the report!
That’s exactly the issue with US domestic premium travel - you’re right, the cabin is full of upgrades and nonrevs. It’s just a different business model. However, by way of comparison, the fare is very expensive by any standard in Europe or Asia where competition is much more intense and there has been less consolidation of airlines. I believe AA have set the retirement for 767s for 2020-2021. So not long left!
A few years ago the worst thing was if you were expecting to fly between the UK and the US on BA and it turned out the flight was an AA codeshare. BA was far from perfect but at least they'd be willing to fill you up with wine so you'd pass out and wake up when you got where you were going.
Hi Paul great video I agree with you on the catering subject have flown from Florida on business class and as I’m a kid all I got was Mac and cheese which you get in economy
I usually fly Southwest if domestic (yes, a budget carrier, but excellent service) , I flew AA between DFW and LHR direct in cattle class on a 777-300 Extended Range (ER)
Although they do fly only one aircraft type, nothing beats their Crew and their In Flight Entertainment (streaming, but not as slow as what was seen on this video)
Am I the only one who watches these types of videos because I can’t afford to go nowhere? I absolutely love them thank you for sharing!
I'm the same. It feels like you've just taken a journey!
Pretty much! They are also like ASMR for middle aged dudes.😂 I fly occasionally but my most extravagant part is purchasing the "big seat" on Spirit. It has been years since I got more than a bag of peanuts and a soft drink for free on a flight.
Rich Daley lol
Ya cause you dumb you don’t say I can’t afford to go nowhere you say anywhere you Asian
Alexander Blake, rude.
Hey Paul, great report! Just to let you know, the reason our airline curtains are so thin here on US carriers are security. I flew pre-9/11 for UA and before 9/11 we had thick curtains. After 9/11 they took all curtains away at first and then replaced them with the sheer ones. Visibility through all cabins is required at all times per the FAA now. Hope that helps! :) Cheers!!
I am getting completely restless from watching your videos and I cannot wait to fly out into the world again myself. Thank you so much for another great video, the quality and consistency is greatly appreciated!
Daniel Strandby thank you Daniel! 👍🏻👍🏻
Yeah - the thoughts of flying - anywhere - makes me drool (much like Homer and the sausages...).
The food did not look that bad, they just cut the carbs.
That’s the best bit though. 😜
And Paul, after your first class experience everything is a bit disappointing.
Not if you are a diabetic. We shun carbs, and get more than enough eating one slice of bread... Fresh fruits and green vegetables are the key to controlling blood sugar. Rice and potatoes or a bag of chips/crisps are not...
ESPECIALLY coming off Cathay Pacific
AA's 1C food is actually pretty good, and healthy. I eat it nearly weekly. You have 30 days prior to departure to pick any number of types of specialty 1C meals (veggie, vegan, kosher, etc). They make the carbs extra by offering bread on the side, or they sort them as side dishes. If you luck out, on some flights they actually have an ice cream cart they wheel down the aisle and make you a custom sundae!
Your observations of American Airlines are spot on.
You are lucky to get a piece of chicken on a 2 1/2 hour flight in the US! LOL.
Well, he was in First Class. www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/dining/premium-dining.jsp
That is true
🤣🤣🤣
About half way through now... onto a whole load of American carriers!
AA lounge access rules:
Admirals Club:
Admirals Club annual membership (through credit cards or otherwise)
Day membership
Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, but NOT if you’re an AA Oneworld member. Only if you’re from a “foreign” carrier.
Travelling international business class.
Flagship Lounge:
Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald but NOT if you’re an AA Oneworld member.
Travelling on a three class flight internationally or transcontinentally.
Connecting onto or from a Oneworld airline same day in international first class.
Concierge Key AA members
If you aren’t any of those, and just buy the flight, you get NO LOUNGE ACCESS. Even in domestic first/Business Class.
(This isn’t exhaustive and please correct me or expand in the comments if you’re able! Hope you can see why I didn’t outline these in the voiceover 😬)
I love all american airlines' general approach to lounge access. Even on a 5 hour flight in business class (or as they call it first class) gives no lounge access. It is so silly. You call it first and not business yet no lounge access. In Europe, for example BA, on cheap Club Europe (30min flight to Leeds) I get access to a Business lounge. The whole American approach is mind boggling.
Why does it say 2 days ago edited?
Because every video I produce goes up privately through Patreon for channel donors to have early ad-free access. That’s why some of the comments are from two days ago too.
Patreon supporters get a link to the Unlisted RUclips video 48 hours early with no ads. I saw it 2 days ago :)
This is nearly right except one thing.
The Sapphire or Emerald member access rule unless your status comes from AA only applies to domestic flights.
If you are an AA Platinum/ OW sapphire member traveling say from JFK to LHR, you are allowed access. I have AA plat and used the flagship lounge prior to my flight from LAX to NRT.
I don't even like traveling very much anymore but I love airplanes and everything to do with airports / airline business. Your videos are great!
Dude...I live just outside of Orlando....I wish I would have known....I would have done nothing as not to bother you from your work providing us with great videos.....MCO is a great airport....I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks again for posting these...they mean a great deal...
Shoutout to Albert J Ellis Airport (OAJ) and the Cape Fear. Great area, I live near both! Unfortunately, we were hit hard from Hurricane Florence around the time this video came out but we are recovering. Thanks for including those in your video!
I recall reading somewhere the see-through curtains (between classes) are there to ensure line of sight.
Yup thank the TSA...
Another good report Paul. Great travelling the world with you. Always new and interesting info. That "dinner" was a disappointment, good job you had the meal in the lounge. Looking forward to the next leg.
Most enjoyable as always! Thanks, Paul.
I always enjoy your reports, Paul, because they include economy class - many of us don't get to ride up front that often. One comment on this one, though. You noticed the flimsy curtain between Business and Economy on the flight. it is essentially the same on all U.S. airlines, as the see through curtains are required since 9/11 for security (the first year or so after 9/11 no curtains were permitted). And I agree that the food up front may not be the best, but the U.S. carriers generally give away a lot of the forward cabin seats to frequent flyers in the form of free upgrades, so they aren't incented to make J/F worthwhile on most domestic flights.
Thanks again Paul, great insight..with your experiences on air travel..looking forward to the next adventure!
The divider curtains were installed after the Terrorists on 9-11 flew one of these into the World Trade Center. The curtain is there to discourage passengers from wandering towards the cockpit from the Main Cabin and they are transparent so working crew can always have an eye through the entirety of the cabin in case of hijackings.
Wonderfully informative; and - as always, fun to come along for the ride with you.
Just found your videos Paul and love them! Keep up the good work
I think this may be the first time we disagree! Other than the lack of potatoes/rice you didn’t mention much about the food - which looked more substantial than a panini and a roll that BA we’re serving in business at the time? I was massively disappointed with the tiny portions of cold cuts LH served on my Lon-FRA-bud flights earlier this year too.
I’m still loving the channel though :)
BA weren’t serving a panini and a roll on flights of 1,000 miles or more. New York to Miami is 1,089 miles, so it’s about the same as London to Helsinki or Rome, where you’d have got a full three course dinner. This is one of the shortest flights that AA do serve a meal on though, anything less and you get no meal at all, just a drink and a biscuit. The catering in the US is far poorer and stingier than in Europe as a rule, and so are their lounge access rules.
Paul's Trip Reports you’re right of course :). All my recent CE flights have been shorter. DUB/AMS/JER/BRU and OSL, so all I’ve seen of late is the Panini or less which has probably clouded my judgement. I’m probably a bit protective of the AA 767 I think, when I did it I flew LHR-ORD on a sloped 772, and back on the 767 sear featured here.
BA catering is not any better than this!
Yeah personally i wouldn't call it long haul but its close
But LHR-FRA is a short/medium haul route
American travelers know we're not going to look good compared to the rest of the world. Shareholders in American airlines don't think it's in their interests to provide passenger comfort.
All 3 of the US majors are equally bad, at least in economy. I flew "first class" on Delta in 2016 on one of their 737s (not a transcon, just a normal one), and it was at least slightly better than Paul's experience on AA, but I'm sure the economy passengers were just as miserable as AAs.
@Slightly Burned Pancakes We are!!
Paul I really enjoy watching your flight reports. I don't have the ability to fly on Business but your cool vids are nice enough to quench my thirst. Everything is spot on and keep the good work up!
I flew on AA from Orlando to Chicago today. It was a newer plane, better menu and screens on all seats. Great flight!
I really enjoy your reviews. Honest and informative. Thank you and keep them coming.
Great video and commentary as usual Paul. A few years back, i was flying first class to Newark from Orlando on American when they announced an equipment change at the gate. The usual 737 was being replaced by a 757 which i learned was a positioning flight to Newark. The flight was pleasant but they were not prepared for the equipment change as the flight did not have any meals for first class and not enough pillows to use with their lay flat seats. It was a bit of a let down but was excited to fly on the 757.
You timed it right, since AA are to retire their 767s by around 2019/2020.
The particular aircraft flown on in this video has already been retired. That happened in July.
767's are meh. 757 is the stuff
Not at all. They won't be retired until a few more years.
They just announced there retiring a whole bunch of regional jets and turboprops as well as all of there 757’s and 767’s. There MD-80’s are gone!
I once flew on American Airlines First Class from New York to Los Angeles and I loved it!
In the 80,s & 90's catering in First Class was outstanding, will high end steak,s and carved roasts. Standards have really slipped over the past decade.
Another amazing report around the world ...really you look exhausted .. ...thanks for sharing this lovely vlog
"It's still pretty good for an American lounge."
#SHOTSFIRED
i mean if the TSA doesn't do their job...
He's correct. The 767 out of JFK flies across the pond to Europe during the night, and the 767 out of MIA flies to Europe or South America All night. Those two aircraft will head back around Midnight and land early in the morning in JFK, and MIA, one will fly from MIA to JFK and one will fly from JFK to MIA and switch places during the day with a domestic flight or two before doing the same routine again the next night.
Great video as always, I really like your new style of videos! I totally agree about the Winglets!
Nice video, we used to use the B767-323ER from JFK to MIA because the aircraft used to continue down as AA989 to Montevideo MVD. I’m still sad they have been retired. They are missed
Thanks Paul for sharing! Having seen the AA Business Class I must say - I will never complain about Lufthansa premium class again.
Am really enjoying your world trip reports, thanks for sharing.
Really nice summary of the JFK-MIA 767-300 service Paul! Can't believe they handed out iPad's to compliment the overhead monitors though - I wouldn't have expected that in business class.
Cheers Scott! Yeah, that’s what they do on the long hauls. I think they’re supposed to be retiring all the 767s in the next few years.
@@Paul_Lucas True, the 787-8 will take over all of the ol 67's routes and the 787-9 will do the same for the older 777s
Great video *don't you just love that wingtip*
Me: *don't you just love that engine roar*
Paul, I would like to see you take a 2ooo mile trip on a Greyhound, that would be a real laugh!
The meal looked fantastic. Chicken breast on a large bed of green beans.....looked very healthy for a 2.5 hour flight tbh.
Similar thin, see-thru curtains are used on United as well. I think they use these for security reasons.
William Russ
Or because they are light
The FAA doesn't allow cabin curtains anymore after 9/11. They have to be see through now. They want the crew to be able to see the entire aisle.
Great to see a traditional trip report really enjoying your channel it is starting to concern me that some aviation bloggers are just becoming megaphones for carriers, is great following your world trip take care✌🏼
Thank you for sharing Paul, after watching this vlog, one will not book economy with AA.
It's great seeing you travel round the world Paul! 🛫 🌍 ✈ 🌎 🛬 🌏
Learning so much from these vlogs! 📚👍
Your narration has improved dramatically
Great insight and I really liked your t-shirt.
The thin see thru deviders are indeed like that for security reasons. It allows the crew and air Marshall to see all the way down the aisle
You're spot on about AA's present catering. I used to work in AA's catering station in BOS BD (before deregulation) and it was a whole different ball game. We actually took pride in putting the best in front of the customer. Now American is just a fee junkie, and service has gone out the window.
I recently flew on BA’s club Europe 767300 from Athens..those really are starting to show their age now, side panels were hanging off and the some of the overhead locker mechanisms weren’t working so couldn’t be used. Catering service is also different on these vs the same route on a a320. In flight movies were also shown on overhead screens but no headphones were handed out. Good to see they’re getting phased out this year
Great video Paul, gonna watch the rest now!
Stock up on popcorn first. It's a lot!
I subbed because this is such a great Chanel!!😀
NIce review!
But honestly I have to disagree with you at 9:12 regarding the meal. It is fantastic and expensive they don't "stretch" the meal using a (cheap) starch. You got a roll and I'm sure more options are available. It's a very health meal and tasty I am sure!
I'm not sure it would be good as you say?
i love the 767. flew from lima to miami. very comfortable. and in coach, it is the rare 2-3-2 config, so only one bad seat per row!
Paul, I think the reason for the complex rules on access is partly influenced by sooo many liars trying to sneak in. My dad had to fly them a lot because the company he worked for had a very high mileage AA credit card. He did appreciate their lounges but said every single time he uses them, someone is trying to sneak by the staff at the front desk! LOL, do the freeloaders really think AA are that stupid?! Here's my biggest gripe about them: why can't they serve similar food from the lounge in first and business class? It's sad that at one time, UNITED economy class meals were slightly better than AA's first class meals!
generally american tickets are sold for alot less and almost 50% of the business class seats end up being used by frequent flyers with platinum status but only pay for economy fares. its alot harder to get status on united imo
Flying domestic in the US, independently of any class of service, is being subjected to utter mediocrity. Just hope for the best, meaning you land on time.
And that you don't crash!
Fantastic music you put on when coming into Miami.
Curtains are transparent for reasons of security (on September 11, 2001 most people in the main cabin had no idea what was going on in the forward part of the aircraft).
Last time I flew on a 767 it was a 767-300ER back in 2006 and it was with Thompson (before they were TUI) from Doncaster to Sandford (Orlando).
It also had overhead screens for the entertainment. And channel selectors in the arm rest.
Mind you, the trolleys inboard and various equipment in the galley and toilets still bore 'Britannia Airlines' insignia that hadn't been changed since Thompson bought out Britannia.
Nice video Paul! But .. what about AA! We are in 2019 and still select interiors and / or aircrafts without entertainment systems in the front seat! Most of the competing companies have even upgraded larger Display systems, available USB ports. Starting from the economy class! And the minimum that can be expected as a quality standard on flights from 4 hours upwards at least.
Thanks, another great video. Looking forward to the next one
I'm Canadian. And I admit, some things I see in the news are adorably Canadian. A Zamboni getting stuck on the ice, police getting called to a dispute of two people arguing about where to throw snow while shovelling, and our drinking laws getting changed for 1 day to accommodate an overseas Olympic hockey game. Some parts of this video scream British. You're flying in a tube at nearly 1000 km/h at 36,000' eating chicken, a salad and enjoying a drink. But no potato? Unacceptable!
Wow that JetBlue livery was weird. Was it an old plane? Old livery? Special livery? Looked so retro
It is a heritage livery to celebrate a certain number of years in service!
Great video. I noticed the not on the music, but could you give us the names of the songs. I really liked one instrumental & would like to be able to find it.
Thx!
Paul, I flew on United from Melbourne to San Francisco via Los Angeles. I swore I would never do it again. The one solitary meal served at around 10.30 am (Melbourne Time) was THE ONLY meal served. We went on for another 21 hours without a medal. When queried about dinner, we were told that United only served one meal per flight. Being Diabetic; it was not what I wanted to hear. I was told that the cart would cpome around, which was OK but the only food they had on the cart (if you can call it food) was a tube of PRINGLES that cost $2.50 USD. An then I had to use a credit card and not cash. En the return flight I got a heads up that there was no second meal served on the return trip (also around 22 hours duration) I made use I purchased a whole heap of rolls for the trip back. United; NEVER AGAIN!
Just wondering, if you wanted to fly just to Miami, could you buy the cheaper Orlando ticket and not take the connection? I'm sure they would be wise and make sure that doesn't happen but is there any way you could "miss" the connecting flight?
Risky, and definitely not with a checked bag, as that would end up in Orlando. In the US you may be pursued for the cost of the fare avoided, if they believe you did it deliberately. Tales of woe abound on Flyertalk!
Ah yes, I see the internet is awash with "Hidden City Ticketing" stories. New one on me, but I suppose it's such an obvious way to avoid higher fares it's been tried many times.
I laughed at the high speed shot of ‘man on tarmac’ @10:53...Speedy Gonzales! 🏃🏽
Hey Paul: The see-through dividers were designed after 9/11 so the cabin crew can see what's going on on in all cabins. I will miss the 767. Business class seats are the best I have flown on, in terms off the US carriers. In coach I will miss the 2 seats on the windows.
I am a FA for jetBlue you need to try our mint service if you haven’t done so already.
Adam Rosales: I have, and it was an enjoyable, rewarding experience for a very competitive fare. It also puts the majors to shame.
I interviewed to be a pilot at JetBlue.
Cool video Paul
Last time we had American 767s visit Manchester we had CRTs for the inflight entertainment screens and it still had the old seating.
Great Video Paul. I am waiting the next one. We love u
You didn't post the 'complex' rules for getting into / using the AA lounge. You said you were going to post it in the descriptions. I happen to be an AA Rewards Club Member. Although, I have not yet had the pleasure of using the lounge I, have never heard that there's a problem getting into one provided you have a qualifying flight or the right number of points. So, I would be really keen to find out what kinds of problems you encountered. Thanks.
Yes, you are right about the lack of food service on some of our US flights. A number of years ago most US carriers (and I believe AA was the 1st to do this) is generallly to eliminate meals on flights less than 3hrs total. The fact you were able to get a meal at all was probable b/c you were in Business class. You are also right on another note......the lack of a starch. In keeping with our new US food guidelines also, implemented quite a ways back, AA was / is trying to keep in line with our new 'healthier eating; philosophy which, is where we eliminate a lot of starches in favor for something more healthy. So, for us that would be something green with a meat (a protein) item.
Lounge rules are in the pinned comment at the top of the comment section 👍🏻 I didn’t have any problems getting in and didn’t say I did in the video.
@@Paul_Lucas 1:01 What I thought you said was that, "lounge access rules are fairly complex". I think there was another reference to that at 1:56. My apologies about the, "pinned comment" at the top of the screen. My apologies on this next one. I was waiting for a 'card' to appear in the upper right of the screen. Instead what you physically typed on the screen was something about Instagram and Twitter. I don't have accounts on either of those services. Sorry.
Yes, I said the rules are complex, which is why I’d add them in the description/comments (people want to know how to get in). I didn’t have any problem getting in and never do in the USA.
Hmmmm...asking a lot of the catering for a 2-3 hr flight from NYC to MIA. Perhaps you should try one of the transcon routes. You're more likely get a potato or rice dish. And perhaps a printed menu.
I don't like the fact that all the shades are down when you board the aircraft. What's that about? In Australia all shades have to be open for take-off and landing. I'd have thought that was a basic safety issue. Qantas Club membership, for those who have it, also gets you into the Admiral's Lounge. It's an arrangement the two airlines have.
It’s to stop the aircraft interior from heating up on sunny days when it’s not in use - very common even in Europe.
Thanks, Paul. I've not experienced it in all my flying but maybe I've just been lucky. The thought of entering a dim metal tube doesn't work for me I'm afraid! : )
8:53 Looks a bit like a self service canteen food (not business level). In Europe we expect potatoes or rice as a side, but to be fair-this is how any meat should be eaten-just vegetables and no carbs. You had bread, this is a substitute for potatoes/rice. Menu (visually) looks good and healthy..the taste...well...I guess green beens things were nasty :D. This menu is much better than what I was given on BA 6h flight from Sydney to Singapore-boiled noodles with noodle salad, followed with tennis ball size white bread sandwich, tea and a little choco bar. I literally received bread in 3 different forms, 20 grams of meat and 10 grams of tomato in a sandwich, 50 grams of sugar (choco bar) and 3 sips of tea. Never felt so sad in my life after eating :D
June 2018? Nice I was in the same airport on June 23rd. Was meant to fly AA to Orlando from MIA after a BA 747 flight from LHR. Flight was cancelled and ended up bussing it.
‘’Pretty good for an American lounge’’. I like your style.
Why do people complain about the big 3 and yet still fly them. I don’t complain about them, I just fly other carriers.
Usually because there's no other choices? Many smaller routes are only served by a few airlines.
American Airlines played Secret Life of Pets on an overhead screen on a 737 going from Newark Liberty to Phoenix
Great video! That Business class seat l think is also used by Air Astana. Simply Aviation did a video about them and they look pretty similar i believe.
The catering on domestic routes is because its extremely expensive and catering Department changes an arm and a leg and the airline pays for it and not as foreign carriers whom are supplied by their governments.
I have watched for awhile. Really enjoy,miss traveling 😕
Flew on a plane adapted for long haul for a 3 1/2 hour flight from London to turkey it was nice as they put on the entertainment for everyone
I’ve flown both Economy and Domestic First on Delta. Overall experience with them was pretty good. The Food’s decent the service has been at least 4 stars (except for one Hartford to Atlanta Flight) They’re most likely the best of the US Legacy Carriers.
My first First Class flight experience was about 2 hours and 47 minutes worth of flight (with US Airways before the complete merger) and I managed to get Lunch service. I sadly got the salad option instead of the pasta. It was good, but not what I would’ve wanted had I run through the options in my head for a little longer. But people were expecting food, so I quickly made up my mind.
At 6.18 just glimpsed the parachute drop at coney island
Hi Paul, American Airlines also flies from LaGuardia to Miami using the new Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Perfect review!
The chicken is nice though. Nicely presented. Seats is in 1-2-1 configuration. Couldn't ask for more. :)
Whats the song at 6:08
Haha. Couple years ago I took the 767 Orlando to Miami. Which was strange considering my Miami to Toronto route was a 737
Great video. Keep it up
Looks like a good vid ❤️ can’t wait to watch
I’ve flown many airlines in my life and found international flights the one carrier above all is by far British Airways. My favorite domestic carrier was always United Airlines. Now I use SouthWest more than any other. My favorite airport is my Tampa International Airport. But I also love BWI airport both are terrific airports. I’d love to see more international coverage to flights to and from Europe to and from both Tampa and BWI airports.
American could do a better job of cleaning the interior of that 767.
Miami is the main connecting point between the U.S. and Latin America, so I assume this 767 was likely going to fly one of AA's Latin American routes later. And if you ask me what was my worst flight ever, I won't hesitate to point either of the two flights I made on AA's 767, São Paulo to Dallas/Fort Worth and back. Firstly, I flew on economy and the seats were extra thin and hard, with torn upholstery, and nearly unreclinable. Second, legroom was ridiculous, at the level of the most cramped low-cost carriers - but those were 10-hour flights! Absolute torture! As in your flight, IFE consisted of overhead monitors looping movies and occasionally showing the flight map, but I'm glad that AA has at least replaced them with LCD screens now - they were still CRT when I flew. The food was close to inedible, either oily and cold chicken or overcooked pasta with sour canned tomato sauce. But the worst part was the flight crew - EXTREMELY rude (I remember one FA basically THROWING me my immigration card!), never a smile, never a "please" or "thank you", they seemed to have been trained by the Gestapo!
This was many years ago, and the route I flew is now operated with a 777-200, which is said to be a little better, but recent reports from friends who flew AA's Latin American routes on the 767 are still consistent with my own past experience. So, I'd still avoid flying AA long-haul, at least on economy. I have flown AA domestically within the U.S. as well, and it was much better (so much that it's inevitable to speculate whether some racism against "cucarachas" wasn't involved, though I've heard similar reports from travellers on European routes as well). Still, I'll only take another AA long-haul flight if I have no choice. To their credit, AA is the best airline I've ever seen in terms of *ground* services and efficiency. Even when things go wrong (such as losing checked luggage, which didn't happen to me but did happen to a friend), they are very professional and efficient in that respect.
I have heard anecdotally that AA still treats Latin American routes as poor cousins to the transpacific and transcontinental routes. I’ve no idea why that would be, as the fares aren’t that cheap into Latin America!
I’ve spent about 20 hours total in the back of AA’s 763s. I won’t be sad when they’re retired. They only seem to get slightly more love from the airline than the MD80s, so hopefully that’s a sign the 763 retirement day isn’t too far off.
I also thought the food looked pretty good. But as to the cheap catering, you didn’t pay much for your seat. And I bet you paid about the same as everyone else sitting up front. Maybe more! Upgrades, mileage awards, and non-revs fill domestic premium cabins in the US. There’s very little true premium demand outside of NYC, LAX, and SFO. So airlines can’t spend much on catering. Try flying any of the US majors or B6 transcon upfront before passing final judgment!
I hope you enjoyed your next leg with AA! I look forward to the report!
That’s exactly the issue with US domestic premium travel - you’re right, the cabin is full of upgrades and nonrevs. It’s just a different business model.
However, by way of comparison, the fare is very expensive by any standard in Europe or Asia where competition is much more intense and there has been less consolidation of airlines.
I believe AA have set the retirement for 767s for 2020-2021. So not long left!
The worst flight I ever had was AA Economy Heathrow to JFK, awful food, surly, unpleasant crew and very tight seating.
A few years ago the worst thing was if you were expecting to fly between the UK and the US on BA and it turned out the flight was an AA codeshare. BA was far from perfect but at least they'd be willing to fill you up with wine so you'd pass out and wake up when you got where you were going.
@@ericjamieson LOL soooo true about the foreign airlines being free with the booze
Hi Paul great video I agree with you on the catering subject have flown from Florida on business class and as I’m a kid all I got was Mac and cheese which you get in economy
I usually fly Southwest if domestic (yes, a budget carrier, but excellent service) , I flew AA between DFW and LHR direct in cattle class on a 777-300 Extended Range (ER)
Although they do fly only one aircraft type, nothing beats their Crew and their In Flight Entertainment (streaming, but not as slow as what was seen on this video)
Also, if you look at 00:43 , You will see a classic of American before they went bankrupt and had to re-organize themselves.
Great review Paul as usual. Champagne offered in a plastic glass though.. !! No way !!! That's sacrilege : (
Hi Paul
Totally agree with you about the Terminals Design out in USA so much better Atlanta is like that such a good idea.
Great Video