This flight was on 26 Nov 2003 AA79 operated by B777-222 - N784AN

We were scheduled to depart LGW at 1410 and arive in DFW at 1825

Our actual timings were dep 1403/1415 and arr. 1810/1820

The Route:

Departed RWY 26L and flew to the South of Biggin the turned left over North East London, passing the River Thames to the East of the Dartford Crossing, we then continued to a point 30 miles West of Peterborough, onwards along a route past Glasgow and the Outer Hebrides towards Iceland, passing just SW of Keflavik. We than continued over the Denmark Strait, Gothab in Greenland, Ungava Bay, James Bay, West of Timmins, West of Ste Sainte Marie, East of Green Bay Wisconsin then West of Peoria, East of Springfield then past St.Louis, down through towards DFW.

The Flight Map Data

Time Location Miles to go Time to go Alt G/speed OAT (c)

1518z O.Hebrides 4309 8:50 FL350 573 -45
1656z Denmark Str 3528 7:19 FL360 470 -55
1926z Ungava Bay 2238 4:41 FL370 568 -45
2048z James Bay 1512 3:14 FL390 517 -48
2152z Green Bay 987 2:09 FL390 467 -53
2250z 519 1:13 FL390 486 -56


The Experience

Security questions at LGW were very thorough and almost intrusive, but needs must. I was to board in Group 5 and I had seat 21A, I really like AAs 772s, the Economy/Coach seat is excellent with PTV, split flap lap tray, multi position leather neck support and most importantly 34" pitch - I found that the entertainment control box to the left of under the seat in front restricted left leg stretches, but there was actually enough space to the left of the seat in front adjacent to the sidewall to place one's foot. A clean pillow, blanket and headset were also provided.

The flight attendants were just about all 50+ but very charming and polite as well as good at there jobs - don't believe all you hear, these ladies knew what they were doing and how to deliver a good cabin service. They helped find spaces for anyone short of overhead stowage for all of the Thanksgiving carry on bags - they were suprisingly good humoured and welcoming.

We left Gate 17 some 10 minutes early, the safety video just finished as we lined up onto the runway and was the English/French version. For some strange reason the F/A was still making her PA about not moving between cabins as the aircraft was in the middle of it's take off roll - I thought this a bit odd as it is something usually left until after take off. I'm always amazed by the power of the B777s engines and our take off run was in the order of about 35 seconds.

After take off the crew came through the cabin with landing documentation followed by a hot/cold beverage service with alcohol charged at $4 per drink, all soft drinks and tea/coffee were free of course.

A meal choice of Grilled Chicken or Salmon was offered. I chose the Chicken, the portion was a bit small, it came with scallions and green beans, but some very lumpy mashed potatoes - but still quite edible. It was accompanied by a green salad with oil and vinegar dressing, roll and butter, as well as a layered fruit/cream dessert - possibly redcurrants?

More beverages were served and then again when the trays were cleared.
I like those polystyrene coffee cups with the B757 and American logo on - they look smart and also give you a chance of a big cup of tea/coffee.

Duty Free passed through the cabin then we were left to rest a bit

The next beverage service was exactly 5hrs into the flight, the before landing into DFW a snack consisting of a Hot Cheese and Tomato pizza pie, with shortbread cookies and grapes was served together with more beverages.

The seatback entertainment was good, but the movie choice could be stronger - I watched a BBC offering called "Take a girl like you" which was quite good, they also play CBS short programming, plus BBC America comedy and documentaries plus a selection of a dozen or more music channels.
So overall I didn't get bored - but I did get a blast of deafening static through my headphones quite regularly. I also liked the feature of connecting flight info at your seatback.

Overall a very nice flight, with proof that older flight attendants can still produce good, polite cabin service - thanks ladies!