American Airlines' new flights between Los Angeles and Sydney are now on sale, with the first service taking off on December 17 from the US, and December 19 from Australia.
Flight AA72 will depart Sydney at noon each day to reach Los Angeles at 6.50am the same morning.
Flight AA73 is wheels-up from LAX at 9.50pm to arrive in Sydney at 7.55am two days later.
The new flights will operate on American's flagship Boeing 777-300ER, which Qantas says will replace four of its Boeing 747 Sydney-LAX flights per week and one Boeing 747 Melbourne–LAX service per week.
Those 'spare' jumbo jets also allow Qantas to restart direct Sydney-San Francisco flights six days a week from December on its Boeing 747.
Read: Qantas relaunches Sydney-San Francisco flights
It'll be the first time American Airlines has flown to Australia since 1992 – and the airline's Boeing 777-300ER is quite an eye-catcher, finished in American's "silver bird" livery of silver mica paint and a flag-inspired tail.
Up front are eight first class suites...
... which also transform into an office in the sky for the high-flying executive:
Read: Up close with AA' Sydney-Los Angeles first class suites
The 52 business class seats will look pleasingly familiar to many Australians.
American Airlines is using the same basic seat design as Cathay Pacific's highly-regarded business class.
Like its CX counterpart, the AA business class seat offers a fully-flat bed with direct access to the aisle and a decent amount of work and storage space around the seat.
Read: What you'll get flying American Airlines Sydney-LAX business class
The Boeing 777-300ER is also fitted with satellite Internet, so you'll be able to spend at least some portion of your trans-Pacific trip online if desired.
Australian travellers can earn Qantas frequent flyer points and status credits on AA's new flights American Airlines, or can instead earn miles through American's AAdvantage program.
Also read: What you need to know about AA’s Sydney-LA flights
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
So it's SYD. Will Qantas cut some capacity given its a JV and codeshare arrangement? Seems illogical to increase capacity on an already well served sector.
18 Apr 2012
Total posts 33
second paragraph says that it will be replacing the current 2 QF flight to LAX...
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I wrote that as the news was trickling out overnight, when it wasn't declared that QF will drop the 747 SYD/LAX service.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Aug 2012
Total posts 212
SYD/LAX QF flights are currently running at high capacity, in premium cabins at least. It would make sense to add capacity overall, not substitute one carriers flights for another. Who knows what deal Qantas has cut with AA. You can bet it will only benefit the flying public if it is selfserving for Qantas. I seem to recall AJ saying this route is their most profitable int. route, not long ago.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
I think it's a bit of give and take. I recall AJ saying the same and about the same time I think he quashed the SFO suggestion. But it now gives AA customers both options, QF customers both options and One World passengers aren't impacted.
Side note, what are AA like? Are they as bad as Delta and US Airways?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jul 2013
Total posts 203
AA's hard product in Business and First is good, not great, but it's their soft product (in flight service and customer experience) that's no match for QF and VA. AA's Business Class inflight service is more in line with Premium Economy and their First Class service is similar to Business Class when compared to QF and VA. The Aussie carriers just seem to get the finer details right in a more polished way, their cabin crew are much better presented and conduct themselves in a more professional manner. I always feel like I've had a "bargain" experience when I've flown in the premium cabins with AA, certainly not the feeling you want/expect in that class of travel.
Lufthansa - Miles & More
29 Jul 2014
Total posts 181
Wish American was doing both Sydney flights there Busniess is far better than QF over the Pacific
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 May 2011
Total posts 362
*their
qf
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 8
14 hours on a 777 with a 10 across economy config......... I'm out!!!
(or should I say, I will stick with the QF 380 for any journey in Y )
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
Agreed!! That 10 abreast at the back of a B777-300ER is down right nasty... Unfortunately it seems to be the new normal for most airlines.
Their Business Class however is MUCH better than Qantas has to offer on its A380's... Think Qantas might edge them out in First Class though
qf
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 8
Agreed - The Skybed has been around for a very VERY long time. Whispers have it that we may see the new J product that has been launched on the 330 introduced onto the 380 in the next few years...
20 May 2015
Total posts 579
"Whispers have it that we may see the new J product that has been launched on the 330 introduced onto the 380 in the next few years..."
I'd love to see that happen, but I think QF publically said they're content with Skybed Mk2 on the Trans-Pacific route, at least for now.
Of course I think they need to upgrade their J product, particularly with Virgin and now American offering reverse herringbone J-class. But will QF do it? I certainly hope they do but that doesn't mean they will.
qf
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 8
With the launch of the new aircraft (whatever it may finally be) and the far superior new 330 J seat already flying- I would think the nearly 15yo skybed (albeit in Mk2 version) would be nearing the end of its tenure anyways....
Especially when you cosider that the newer herringbone options are so much lighter (less fuel burn), higher density (more yield) and yet still so much preffered by fliers!!
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
I would think that by late next year when the A330 refits are almost complete, they'll look at putting new seats on the A380s.
20 May 2015
Total posts 579
"I would think that by late next year when the A330 refits are almost complete, they'll look at putting new seats on the A380s."
I certainly hope they do so. Vantage XL business would be a bare minimum... maybe a new First Class product as well? I could see Qantas going to Zodiac and getting some significantly enlarged Fusio suites and putting (for example) twelve of those on the upper deck of the A380s, moving Premium Economy to the old First cabin (that will give them a huge amount more Premium Economy space.. Lufthansa get 52 PE seats into that cabin... then the current PE cabin could be turned over to Business and the upper-deck-economy space could become a lounge/bar?)... but then again, I don't exactly know the demand profile that Qantas face. I'd think with Emirates feeding into their planes they'd need a bit more of the higher-end seating than what they'd currently have.
But I guess it depends on how much Qantas are willing to invest in an airplane type they seem to be somewhat disappointed with.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 229
Qantas will fly the A380 for decades. I don't think they are disappointed with it at all. It remains the flagship of the fleet representing the best of the airline.
Having said that, they won't go for yet another seat type when they have just introduced the new business suite in the A330. They'll stick with the Skybed MkII for now because they aren't that old and they cost a small fortune to develop and install. There is no point throwing away a perfectly good and very expensive seat, even if you have to step over someone's legs to go to the loo. At some point they'll look for consistency of product and move to replace seats on the A380 with A330-type suites. The introduction of the the 787-9s in a year or two will speed things up I'd say.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 46
I would much rather be in an a380 then a b777-300, more room, much less sound
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
13 Mar 2015
Total posts 79
Believe it or not... they are not that bad. I'm 36 waist not a thin guy and it was much better that seats on 787 of UA. Actually AA service is superior than UA in Economy..and AA way much better in business class than UA. DL was wood but they have reduced their quality lately.. I'm stay with AA in 10 abreast.. Maybe narrower than regular but not bad. I recommend to pay for Main Cabin EXTRA that it has 3-3-3... and you will have much better product than UA or DL.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 46
We always fly Qantas, just to support them, they do need to improve there product, and I think that Qantas should fly from LAX to SFO, just like they do from LAX to JFK, I think that would be better
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
LAX to SFO is a really short hope for the big planes Qantas use to the U.S.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 46
I know, China Southern do Ghangzou to Bejing, that would be about the same and they do it in an a380, I think this would be better, rather then having another aircraft, when you can go via LAX
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Nov 2011
Total posts 121
It'd be cheaper for Qantas to light cash on fire than to try to compete LAX-SFO
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
Even more so when QF wouldn't be allowed to carry local traffic, only traffic with an international flight on the same ticket.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Aug 2012
Total posts 212
Will never happen T.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2014
Total posts 35
They would never fly such short hops anymore as it's not really making any economic sense. No traffic right, too much airplane, just as others said it's easier to light cash on fire than trying to fly such sort of tag-on route.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 54
Qantas just announced SYD SFO direct
01 Feb 2012
Total posts 371
This is a curious and interesting development. Seems like QF agreed to cut back their flights and allow AA into the market and in exchange they were "allowed" to do the SYD-SFO route? But did they need permission from AA to fly to SFO? Why not just add that route and keep LAX. Why does AA want to fly to Sydney when they already have a good codeshare partner, and have basically become a domestic airline?
Also, will QF also penalise AA passengers on this route by taking 50% off SC's and points (since this is their position on all other competing routes by oneworld partners).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Nov 2011
Total posts 186
Qantas do not need AA's permission to fly to SFO. I fact this manourver of aircraft is freeing up enough capacity to allow Qantas to start a 6 weekly service to SFO using a 747. So they are returning to SFO stronger than they left it!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 463
Spinoza, doesn't the SC outcome depend on whether it is a code share or a partner flight? Code share is not mentioned, but I would think that it is the plan. The difference between AA and say CX is that QF have an agreement with AA in addition to One World.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
QF and AA have a joint venture and anti trust immunity transpac. They profit share. All QF/AA transpac flights will be codeshared.
They don't need permission. AA is providing an aircraft, which then allows QF to pull back the LAX route while still providing at least the same level of flights. They then use the aircraft no longer going to LAX to fly to SFO.
QF can get feed at SFO from ORD, DFW, LAX, MIA, JFK, PDX, SLC, SEA, CLT, PHL, PHX, SJD, PVR, PSP, YVR and YYC via AS, WS, AA and US.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Jan 2012
Total posts 258
While personally I would probably never, ever fly AA, their Main Cabin Extra seats are a good alternaive to proper Premium Economy. Extra room and on board amenities but for only a small premium cost above Economy.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
Did you just compare AA's MCE to QF's PE? Not in the slightest! AA's MCE is more like "survivable economy" compared to QF PE being half of business versus a "step up from economy" mindset.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
Premium Economy is a completely different product to Main Cabin Extra.
MCE is just that. Economy with some more leg room.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Jan 2012
Total posts 258
Sam and Himeno... I didn't compare QF PE to AA MCE. As I said (and I'll repeat myself), it's a good alternative to proper Premium Economy (like QF has). For people who can't afford double the Y fare, MCE will provide some extra room and amenities compared to regular MC for a fraction of the cost.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
As an American and someone whos been part of AAdvantage since the age of 3, I'm always excited to see American grow. Though for international flights, I'd definitely still prefer the Qantas experience (esp with A380 direct to DFW). A big positive I can see coming out of this is the increase in award availability seats for AAdvantage members since it is quite difficult currently.
So much for Qantas giving the evening service much of a go...It seems people were quite liking that time slot.
30 Aug 2013
Total posts 438
AA and QF seem to get along extremely well - are they the closest partners of any alliance?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jul 2014
Total posts 115
Don't think so, I think the BA / AA agreement is stronger, the UK connections using BA / AA flights are countless. passengers on AA or BA flights use each others lounge, and BA have there own terminal at JFK, which they share some flights and lounges with AA.
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
19 Apr 2014
Total posts 50
Business will be better in AA, but if you love torturing yourself, you might like to go sit in their 77W economy.
On a different note, what effect will this have for people flying onwards to New York?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
Shouldn't have any impact to JFK route. It's serviced by the incoming 747 from BNE.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 1
But it would impact those heading back to SYD. QF will cut down 4 of its 747 (SYD-)LAX-SYD flights - which currently continue on from JFK - to make way for AA's new flights. QF will either have to push back the A380 departure or transfer JFK-SYD pax onto the AA service.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
Either the LAX-JFK flight numbers change to continue to/from BNE (QF15/16), or the QF11/12 times are changed and there will be a A380>747 aircraft change at LAX in both directions.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 229
Or will it mean changing from QF metal on the JFK - LAX leg, onto AA metal to Sydney? That would be pretty strange! Fly Qantas on a US domestic leg, then American home. And vv of course.
QF
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 2
Disappointed that AA not bringing their product to Melbourne, and QF only doing SFO direct from Sydney. International terminal at SFO is now loathed by everyone I talk to, especially when they have to do the domestic/international transfer.
QF
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 2
I meant international terminal at SYD not SFO.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
What's so loathing about it?
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 269
What is the one Mel flight being replaced with?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
It's sad Melb has to give up one of their flights.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
13 Mar 2015
Total posts 79
I'm glad to hear that... because UA has very bad service in Economy... Quality of food is horrible..similar or comparable to CA in economy... Bad..very bad. Bravo AA..I'm glad you joining efforts with QF to strenght that route..and giving the opportunity to serve SFO.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
oh not more of that hideous AA cabin service!
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 269
I hope the International service in AA Economy is better than Domestic AA Economy in the USA, because it truly sucks!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
the business product in terrible, i can only imagine what Y class is like. crew are pitiful, they have no idea what premium service is.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Feb 2015
Total posts 20
for business American wins for hard product
10 Jun 2015
Total posts 6
I seem to be in the minority here but I prefer the Skybed to the reverse herringbone layout - at least I do when I'm traveling with my significant other... The AA layout makes it very hard to converse with your partner which on a 14 hour flight gets boring...
Admittedly, when travelling alone it's better. Some of the other direct aisle access layouts can also feel pretty claustrophobic too to be honest.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
It is worst airline that I ever flown with, so I do not really care
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Nov 2011
Total posts 243
I think what's awesome about this option is that there's hope in moving up the status as the requirement states to travel on AA or US Airways metal.
Considering I've changed my Oneworld miles earn to AA with the exception of a few into QF based on the fare class earn and Oneworld partner earn rates.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
These are terrible times. I wish the airlines would be a bit more imaginative with the west bound transpac flights.
With this AA flight, there are now 13 flights (10 of which are daily) between the US west coast (LAX/SFO) and the AU east coast (MEL/SYD/BNE). All of which depart the US in the same 2 hour block.
Yes, departures to BNE and SYD between 2 and 9pm PT (+/- DLS) would run into the curfews. There is no such limit for MEL.
There are morning, afternoon and evening options ex-AU to the US, why can’t there be more variety ex US?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Aug 2014
Total posts 22
There used to be a morning QF from LAX that would get into SYD around 9:30pm. It was the best as you got off the plane, went home and to bed... bye bye Jet Lag... Hate having to try to stay up all day with the morning landings.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
What no-one has mentioned is gold and platinum members can sit in Main Cabin Extra for no extra charge, which would certainly sway me to AA over QF, if travelling in Y. Just a shame the flight is too early for same day connections from perth :(
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 687
That used to include Ruby / Silver members also. About 12 months ago, I did a number of domestic AA sectors in Y and was accommodated in MCE. Not sure if this is still the case, though.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
03 Oct 2014
Total posts 3
Hi,
Does anyone know if we can use our QF FF points on AA? If we are able to do this, do we avoid the fuel surcharge which we have to pay on QF?
QFF
31 Mar 2015
Total posts 10
Do we know what time the bookings open?
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
AA runs system updates on Sunday's CT. Once that's complete.
11 Jul 2012
Total posts 4
AUSBT - Love your site!!! So good!
Can you get some "real" pics of AA biz class. The pics you post over and over and old computer renders - not even real images. There are dozens online!
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 274
Do you not earn status credits for QF by flying on AA?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
Hi jubbing, this is covered in our 'what you need to know' guide, which is linked at the bottom of the article. But yes, you do. :)
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