AA from NYC to LAX

[rechoboam]

We have an open jaw trip on QF/CX FF and need to make our own way from NYC to LAX. I'm with QF FF but no status, so AA would be an OK option. I am Gold on VA though and we have family pooling so maybe Virgin is an OK option too. Unfortunately QF won't let us use points to get on the QF metal NYC LAX flight for reasons I certainly can't understand although there are seats.

We see AA tickets "business class" for just under $A800 - is this typical? I assume it is more like premium economy than business?

 

[TomVexille]

If you're looking at the A321T, it's a lie flat seat in a 2-2 configuration. DL is also an option for you if you want to family pool SCs to VA.

QF are only allowed to sell seats on their JFK-LAX and vv sectors in conjunction with an international ticket.

 

[Himeno]

Under US DOT rules, QF, as a non US carrier, is not allowed to sell stand alone seats on domestic US flights. Any seats sold on the QF US transcon must have an international flight into/out of the US on the same ticket.
QF adds extra limits to this rule, limiting to only pax on QF flights to/from AU. So while something like BA LHR-JFK, QF JFK-LAX would be allowed under DOT rules, QF says no.

All the AA flights between JFK and LAX/SFO use what AA calls A321T, a subfleet of A321 with a high premium config for the transcon flight. They have 13 daily flights on LAX-JFK. These aircraft are configered 10 F (1-1), 20 J (2-2), 36 MCE and 36 Y (MCE is just normal economy seats with more leg room).

The F seats are long haul J seats. The J seats are also used by other airlines for international J.
Ausbt has reviews for both
Review: American Airlines A321T first class: Los Angeles-New York JFK - Airlines | flights | hotels | travel tech | style | apps - Australian Business Traveller
Review: American Airlines A321T business class: New York-Los Angeles - Airlines | flights | hotels | travel tech | style | apps - Australian Business Traveller

 

[defurax]

QF adds extra limits to this rule, limiting to only pax on QF flights to/from AU.

This is incorrect, QF11/12 US domestic segments can be booked with QF flights to/from PPT and NAN.

 

[Himeno]

This is incorrect, QF11/12 US domestic segments can be booked with QF flights to/from PPT and NAN.

I would assume only if you're booked to/from LAX on QF3838/3839 (NAN) or QF3817/3816 (PPT).

 

[defurax]

I would assume only if you're booked to/from LAX on QF3838/3839 (NAN) or QF3817/3816 (PPT).

I think so.

 

[cove]

Yes we are on QF12 from JFK to LAX because we have a flight booked on QF12 LAX to SYD a few days later. So we are in the British Airways First Class lounge waiting for the QF747 to get turned around.

 

[amaroo]

You can pick up one way AA flights in (F) for around A$720 routing through DFW or similar.... think 737 old QF J cabin.

Direct is going to cost a truckload more on an AA321T.

I did both last month .... plenty of photos in the TR I posted here... NYC