First, AA is following the rest of the legacies and offering Main Cabin Extra for elites, full-fare passengers, and those willing to pay. My assumption is that at some point, all new deliveries will have the new seat configurations.

When will AA start to reconfigure aircraft currently in the fleet? And when do they expect to finish reconfiguration? Are they any ideas as to how many seats coach cabins will be losing for the MD-80s, 737s, and 757s?

Second, I've noticed that artists renderings of the cabins for the 777-300 and A321 transcons are primarily gray, as opposed to the current dark blue seats. Is AA going to redo the current fleet, as they come in for C-Checks? I remember in the late 1990s, when the current fleet (except for the 757s and possibly the 727s) underwent cabin refurbishment and got the curret dark blue seats in first and coach, replacing the medium blue seats in coach and the light gray leather seats in first.

If the cabins are going to be refurbished, what is the timetable for that?

I don't know if or when AA will be switching out seats in its aircraft, but I believe AA was rotating its 767s into SAN for creation of the Main Cabin Extra section of economy. Some of AA's planes are woefully out of date - the 757s with the cheap blue coverings and analog TV sets hanging from the ceiling being a particularly deplorable example.

Seat re-configuration has already begun; a big chunk of the 763 fleet is converted, as are some 757s.

Main Cabin on 763 is great deal now as AA removed 1 of the 4 rows of the first economy class cabin.

It's too bad that as the 757s go in for the modifications that they can't also put in GoGo WiFI on them.

Quoting ckfred (Thread starter): When will AA start to reconfigure aircraft currently in the fleet? And when do they expect to finish reconfiguration? Are they any ideas as to how many seats coach cabins will be losing for the MD-80s, 737s, and 757s?

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 2): Seat re-configuration has already begun; a big chunk of the 763 fleet is converted, as are some 757s.

Actually, AA stated they've completed all 763 and 757 a/c within the past two weeks. It is my understanding the 767-200 and MD-80 will not undergo MCE conversion, owing to their limited time in the fleet. The 738s have already begun reconfiguration, and to date 59 a/c are finished. AA has said the MCE conversion will be complete by the end of 2013. The 777s have not yet started the process. All Airbus and 773 will come with MCE; I'm not sure when the new 738 deliveries will switch to MCE.

AA is removing one row of coach from each a/c for MCE, so the 757 will be down six seats, the 763 will be down seven seats, and the 777 will be down nine seats (initially, as these a/c will eventually see more seats w/ the two-class reconfig and 10 abreast seating in coach). The 738 will actually be down 10 seats, as AA is also permanently blocking four main cabin seats in order to bring the capacity down to 150 seats, requiring only three flight attendants. Which is sad, really, because the original 738 config was 148, with great legroom throughout the a/c. If they kept that configuration with the new seats, the legroom would be awesome! But no, they'd rather charge more for extra legroom up front, and cram everybody else in, while blocking four seats with what looks like a booster.

Quoting ckfred (Thread starter): Second, I've noticed that artists renderings of the cabins for the 777-300 and A321 transcons are primarily gray, as opposed to the current dark blue seats. Is AA going to redo the current fleet, as they come in for C-Checks?

Not much has been said about reconfiguration of current a/c, other than the 772 will become a two-class a/c, and that 767-300 a/c will get new business class seats. From all accounts, current a/c will remain as is. Keep in mind that the coach seats on the new a/c show a dark blue seat cover, although different than the current pattern. So whether AA will replace those seat covers on existing a/c or not is not yet known. If past a/c are any indication, they'll keep the current pattern until it is no longer available, which is the only reason AA put new seat covers (on the old seats) on the 757 and A300 a/c. It has also been said that the existing narrowbody fleet will not be reconfigured with AVOD, but all new deliveries will have it, starting with the A319 in June (new 738 deliveries with AVOD won't start until December 2013).

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): It is my understanding the 767-200 and MD-80 will not undergo MCE conversion, owing to their limited time in the fleet.

Would this explain why some routes, primarily leisure, have switched from partly or all 738s to MD-80s? Earlier this year, ORD-TPA had some 738s. ORD-LAS was all 738s. Now, both routes are all MD-80.

My guess is that a business traveler either has elite status or is willing to pay for MCE, but a leisure traveller will just sit in the back and save the money for the rest of the trip. So, why put aircraft with MCE on routes in which people won't pay extra for more leg room?

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): The 738 will actually be down 10 seats, as AA is also permanently blocking four main cabin seats in order to bring the capacity down to 150 seats, requiring only three flight attendants.

That's really interesting to me. I wonder how AA came to the conclusion that the 4 coach seats aren't worth it while UA decided a 154 seat 738 was OK. What 4 seats are they blocking?

Quoting N62NA (Reply 4): It's too bad that as the 757s go in for the modifications that they can't also put in GoGo WiFI on them.

All domestic 757s are getting GoGo. First one went into service in October - N602AA; about a dozen have been converted since then, IIRC.

[Edited 2012-12-04 00:10:59]

Quoting FL787 (Reply 7): That's really interesting to me. I wonder how AA came to the conclusion that the 4 coach seats aren't worth it while UA decided a 154 seat 738 was OK. What 4 seats are they blocking?

The first two rows behind the MCE section (aft of exit rows) will have a "table" between the aisle/window seats to be sold as "preferred" seating with (supposedly) a "small fee."

Quoting FL787 (Reply 7): What 4 seats are they blocking?

16BE and 17BE are blocked by a tray covering the seat. This makes 16ACDF and 17ACDF premium seats.

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): The 738 will actually be down 10 seats, as AA is also permanently blocking four main cabin seats in order to bring the capacity down to 150 seats, requiring only three flight attendants. Which is sad, really, because the original 738 config was 148,

I was wondering why sabre showed the cofig as 16/134 when it should have been 138 with one row being removed for MCE.

N737AA

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 8): All domestic 757s are getting GoGo. First one went into service in October - N602AA; about a dozen have been converted since then, IIRC.

Actually it is FAA registration N602AN (N602AA was a 747SP) or nose number 5DV and it was done 7/28/2012. There are currently 18 aircraft with the system installed. Only 49 of the fleet are being modified.

5DV was the prototype aircraft for the STC in July.

N737AA

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): Actually, AA stated they've completed all 763 and 757 a/c within the past two weeks.

I'm not understanding what work AA completed on the 763 and 757s. The thread topic was inquiring about two matters: addition of the MCE section and installation of new seats on existing aircraft to match the seats being installed in the new 321, 737 and 77W aircraft. Any word on whether AA will install new seating on existing aircraft and if so, when?

Quoting FL787 (Reply 7): That's really interesting to me. I wonder how AA came to the conclusion that the 4 coach seats aren't worth it while UA decided a 154 seat 738 was OK. What 4 seats are they blocking?

Right - and Delta fits 160 seats into their 738s. Economy pitch in DL's 738s is a standard 31-32 inches. Not sure why AA is doing this.

Quoting akelley728 (Reply 14): Right - and Delta fits 160 seats into their 738s. Economy pitch in DL's 738s is a standard 31-32 inches. Not sure why AA is doing this.

I dont see how Delta could fit 160 total seats with Economy Comfort seats. AA currently has 160 seating in a standard coach class layout. 16F144Y. They are dropping down to 16F and 134Y for a total of 150 also eliminating the need for a 4th FA.

Quoting ckfred (Thread starter): When will AA start to reconfigure aircraft currently in the fleet?

One could argue that AA is currently being the most aggressive in interior reconfiguration.

Quoting JAAlbert (Reply 1): the 757s with the cheap blue coverings

Take a look at some of the older 757 F cabins. The ones with the 738-style seats are lovely. The Eisenhower leather sofas are comfortable, but dated.

Quoting N62NA (Reply 4): It's too bad that as the 757s go in for the modifications that they can't also put in GoGo WiFI on them.

As said, they are already getting conversions.

Quoting akelley728 (Reply 14): Right - and Delta fits 160 seats into their 738s. Economy pitch in DL's 738s is a standard 31-32 inches. Not sure why AA is doing this.

DL's 738s with Economy Comfort only have 124 seats.

Quoting N1120A (Reply 16): Quoting JAAlbert (Reply 1): the 757s with the cheap blue coverings Take a look at some of the older 757 F cabins. The ones with the 738-style seats are lovely. The Eisenhower leather sofas are comfortable, but dated.

Dated or not, they are superior to the new 757/738 F seats, which, quite frankly, suck. I was so glad this past weekend when by new style 757 was switched out to an old style at the last minute flying LAXDCA. Such a more comfortable flight in the older interior.

Hopefully the new Airbus F seats don't suck.

Quoting N1120A (Reply 16): One could argue that AA is currently being the most aggressive in interior reconfiguration.

Agreed! Between the website and all of the emails, it would seem that AA is being very aggressive in presenting themselves as a completely refreshed airline. I tend to fly on UA, but did have the chance to fly on AA from LHR to BOS in one of their Intl 757s. Even without a IFE in the seat, the cabin was very comfortable in Y. Especially when it comes to the premium cabins on long-haul too, AA seems to be really attempting to step up their game. I like to sit on the aisle and their all-aisle access is very appealing. Compare that with UA's J config on the 747 and 777? No comparison. Those seats are intimate and not in a good way. Moreover, the climb-over the person in the aisle is awful.

Quoting ckfred (Thread starter): If the cabins are going to be refurbished, what is the timetable for that?

From the literature on the website, it seems like AA doesn't intend too much refurbishing beyond the AA Main Cabin Extra on the existing fleet.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/newplanes.jsp

It looks like AA is really going to focus on their A19/321s, 737-800s, and 777-300s. That said, the 777-200s going to two class should be interesting.

Quoting N1120A (Reply 16): DL's 738s with Economy Comfort only have 124 seats.

DL's 73Gs with Economy Comfort have 124 seats. The 738s have 160. Their seat pitch on the Economy Comfort seats is 34 inches. http://deltaairlines.com/content/www...t/Aircraft/boeing-737-800-738.html

[Edited 2012-12-04 10:43:39]

[Edited 2012-12-04 10:44:29]

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): So whether AA will replace those seat covers on existing a/c or not is not yet known

What is the typical lifetime of a seat before it requires replacement? How about the cover?

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 17): Dated or not, they are superior to the new 757/738 F seats, which, quite frankly, suck. I was so glad this past weekend when by new style 757 was switched out to an old style at the last minute flying LAXDCA. Such a more comfortable flight in the older interior.

The origianl seats on the older 738s are fine. It's the seats on the newer 738s (delivered 2009 and later) and older 738s with the new cabin interior that are problematic. The newer seats have a headrest that sits too far forward. It pushes my head to an uncomfortable position, unless I recline the seat halfway or more.

On the other hand, the old 757 F seats don't have the adjustable headrests. They ought to get the F seat from the MD-80 with IFE for both the 738 and the 757.

Quoting JAAlbert (Reply 13): I'm not understanding what work AA completed on the 763 and 757s.

MCE

Quoting N1120A (Reply 16): It's too bad that as the 757s go in for the modifications that they can't also put in GoGo WiFI on them. As said, they are already getting conversions.

Work being done at different locations. 18 75's have GoGo now.....

N737AA

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 2): Seat re-configuration has already begun; a big chunk of the 763 fleet is converted, as are some 757s.

As mentioned below:

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): Actually, AA stated they've completed all 763 and 757 a/c within the past two weeks.

This is in accordance with what AA agents have been advised.

Quoting qqflyboy (Reply 5): The 738 will actually be down 10 seats, as AA is also permanently blocking four main cabin seats in order to bring the capacity down to 150 seats, requiring only three flight attendants. Which is sad, really, because the original 738 config was 148, with great legroom throughout the a/c. If they kept that configuration with the new seats, the legroom would be awesome! But no, they'd rather charge more for extra legroom up front, and cram everybody else in, while blocking four seats with what looks like a booster.

   Classic AA. I wouldn't want to be the agent who has to tell a passenger on a 738 that the flight is overbooked when he or she can clearly see a blocked seat.

Quoting dtw757 (Reply 15): I dont see how Delta could fit 160 total seats with Economy Comfort seats.

Well, they do. I was in one a couple weeks ago and it was definitely 160. Plus see the seat maps on delta.com:

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...t/Aircraft/boeing-737-800-738.html

One reason why they have the MD-90s at 160 seats also is that they could match the capacity of 738 and could interchange them (capacity wise) if necessary.

Quoting N1120A (Reply 16): DL's 738s with Economy Comfort only have 124 seats.

Wrong - you are thinking of Delta's 73Gs:

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...t/Aircraft/boeing-737-700-73w.html

Quoting OB1504 (Reply 23): Classic AA. I wouldn't want to be the agent who has to tell a passenger on a 738 that the flight is overbooked when he or she can clearly see a blocked seat.

Are you referring to the passenger seeing a blocked seat, or the agent? It's typical to ask for volunteers and deny volunteers with empty seats on a daily basis because of weight authorization issues. And also, I think these seats that are technically on the plane but not being used are NOT showing up on the SABRE seat maps.

Quoting OB1504 (Reply 23): Classic AA. I wouldn't want to be the agent who has to tell a passenger on a 738 that the flight is overbooked when he or she can clearly see a blocked seat.

This doesn't make sense. Involuntarily denied passengers never see the inside of the jet bridge, how would they know if there was a blocked seat on board or not?

Quoting PDX88 (Reply 26): This doesn't make sense. Involuntarily denied passengers never see the inside of the jet bridge, how would they know if there was a blocked seat on board or not?

For reasons Super80DFW mentioned. Sometimes a weight restriction is issued after the boarding has begun, or maintenance has blocked out an unserviceable seat and just notified CS (thats usually obvious though) or more seats are required for crew rest (international). All of this could be determined after boarding has begun.

So yes a pax could very well see an empty seat.

N737AA

Quoting N737AA (Reply 27):

My original reply was towards OB1504 who made it sound like anyone involed is going to raise hell about the four blocked seats. I know the rare circumstances where pulling a passenger is necessary.