SKYYBLUE From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 7697 times:
Hello all. For years I've wanted to fly on a "classic" jet. Sadly, I missed out on my chance to fly on some of my favorites such as the L-1011, 727-200, and the DC-10. When I learned that American Airlines was retiring their A300, I made it a personal mission to get on a flight. The flights were booked solid through the week with tons of standby's already listed, so I decided to purchase a ticket. I got a one-way fare of $239.00 only hours before departure. This would be my third time flying American and first time on the A300-600.
FLIGHT STATS:
Airline: American Airlines Flight: 577 Seat: 36D / 36H Equipment: A300-605R Registration: N40064 Flight Duration: 2h, 20 min Cruise Altitude: 32,000 ft. Scheduled Departure: 11:10 AM Actual Departure: 11:35 AM Scheduled Arrival: 2:28 PM Actual Arrival: 1:55 PM
After checking in online, I made my way to JFK airport. The American Airlines terminal is huge. Beautiful, airy, and spacious, it actually reminds me of T4 a few doors down. I selected what I thought would be the best seat left, 36D. A middle seat, one row up from the last row. What a mistake...
jetBlue Billboard on the Van Wyck en route to JFK.
Ticketing hall
Mural
AA Logos through the years
First glimpse of my baby
Boarding started five minutes early. I was in the first group to board, but as I made my way around the corner (sat in a less crowded area), I saw that it was a zoo. There was a huge line stretched out and everyone was rushing to get on first. Finally made it down and was greeted by a happy looking crew. Took my seat between a 15 year-old latina and a loud, obnoxious 23-ish guy.
During boarding we lost the ground power and the cabin was dark and HOT. Everyone was fanning and complaining. It must have been approaching 85 in the cabin, never felt it so hot on a plane before. Captain Cook came on the PA to apologize and told us they were working on the situation and had to do some extra paper work so we'd push a little late. He also told us the cabin would probably stay warm until we got in the air. During this extra ground time, my male seat mate decided he'd start hitting on (that's putting it lightly) the 15 year-old female on the other side of me. GREAT....
Surprisingly, had a short taxi. Powerful and short takeoff roll and finally the aircraft cooled down. Take off was the ONLY time my seat mate shut up, so he could say his hail mary and do his cross sign. For the next 15 or so minutes, he continued to talk over me to this little 15 year old "woman", hand gestures and all. She was enjoying the attention, of course. I put my I-Pod on and tried to ignore them. Finally, when he went to the lav I asked her if she would like to trade seats. She agreed and I moved across the aisle. Her other young girlfriend wanted in on the action, too.
Finally, I was able to have peace and enjoy my A300 flight. The drink cart came down surprisingly fast considering how full we were. I was a little shocked there was no snack service, not that I cared for anything. The FA's did announce they had BOB but I never saw a menu or anything. Otherwise, the flight was smooth. The Late Show with David Letterman was our IFE.
Spacious rear galley
Before you know, we were descending into Miami. Unfortunately, my new seatmate was asleep with the shade closed the whole flight, I couldn't get any pics. Maybe a blessing in disguise?!
Landing was smooth. Overall, aside from my original seatmates, I had a great experience on AA's A300. I'm just sorry I won't have the opportunity to fly on her again. Does anyone know what will happen to the AB6 pilots? Are they going to other widebody a/c?
American 767 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 3322 posts, RR: 14 Reply 1, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 7328 times:
Nice report, I enjoyed reading it. I also enjoyed looking at the pictures you posted. While reading your report I felt I was the one sitting next to you on this flight, sure I would have enjoyed it. It was particularly nice to look at in the sense that very soon you won't see the A300 at American anymore. I'm only sorry about your seatmates. Tomorrow is the very last day...
Quoting SKYYBLUE (Thread starter): Does anyone know what will happen to the AB6 pilots? Are they going to other widebody a/c?
It depends on their seniority and what aircraft they have flown previously. For example an A300 F/O could become an MD-80 or B737 captain if he or she has flown the MD-80 or the B737 as F/O previously. Of course if the pilot is based in MIA, he or she won't fly the MD-80.
But I think that most A300 pilots are switching to the 767 or the 777, either as Captain (unless they retire now ) or as F/O depending on their current status at the airline.
So to be clear, it depends on the seniority of the pilot, it depends if he or she is based in JFK or MIA, and what position on what aircraft is available.
Ben Soriano
"Aimer jusqu'a l'impossible, c'est possible". Tina Arena.
767driver From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 103 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (3 years 9 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 6718 times:
Quoting American 767 (Reply 1): It depends on their seniority and what aircraft they have flown previously. For example an A300 F/O could become an MD-80 or B737 captain if he or she has flown the MD-80 or the B737 as F/O previously. Of course if the pilot is based in MIA, he or she won't fly the MD-80.
But I think that most A300 pilots are switching to the 767 or the 777, either as Captain (unless they retire now ) or as F/O depending on their current status at the airline.
So to be clear, it depends on the seniority of the pilot, it depends if he or she is based in JFK or MIA, and what position on what aircraft is available.
It solely depends on seniority. Their current base is irrelevant. Also, an A300 FO can become an MD80 captain as long as his or her seniority can hold it (does not matter if they have previously flown that equipment)
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (3 years 8 months 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 5230 times:
Nice report.
Quoting SKYYBLUE (Thread starter): This would be my third time flying American and first time on the A300-600.
- Such a shame the A300 is leaving AA's fleet, I still think they had a good few years of life in them, especially since the economy looks like it is back on the way up.
I never got to fly the A300 with AA, always wanted to, that chance will never happen now
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