For my trip home from Doha, I decided to try the new Doha – New York service on American Airlines aboard the 777-200 in business class. While not in the same league as Qatar Airways, I walked away from the flight very satisfied.
American Airlines 777-200 Business Class Review (DOH-JFK)
Why fly American Airlines instead of Qatar Airways? First, so that I could review the two side-by-side (stay tuned). Second, because I have not reviewed a true longhaul flight on American Airlines in many years (London to New York is a bit short).
American launched service to Doha in June 2022 with a 777-300ER cabin, featuring four cabins of service, including first, business, premium economy, and economy. Weeks later, however, the route was downgraded to a 777-200 without a first class cabin.
Booking + Upgrade
I booked a one-way ticket from Doha to Los Angeles via New York for $ 1,065.52 in economy class. I no longer have Premier Executive status with American Airlines or friends with systemwide upgrades to spare, so I used 25,000 miles plus a $350 co-pay to upgrade to business class. Business class upgrades were available at the time of booking for the DOH-JFK flight or else I would not have gambled on a flight that long.
Check-In
I arrived at Doha Hamad International Airport about three hours before my flight and pulled up to Door 4, the door marked for other airlines. I found the AA check-in the center, however, and it was deserted. I quickly checked in and soon was on my way to the Al Mourjan Lounge.
This time, I had no drama stamping out of Doha.
Boarding
Boarding passes were scanned while entering the gate area. Security checks were performed randomly: I did not have to go through a second check. Boarding began almost a full hour before departure.
American Airlines (AA) 121
Doha (DOH) – New York (JFK)
Wednesday, October 12
Depart: 1:50 AM
Arrive: 09:00 AM
Duration: 15 hr, 10 min
Distance: 6,704 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200
Seat: 1L (Business Class)
Onboard, I was greeted by a male flight attendant I would not see again for the rest of the flight.
Seat
The surprise of the flight was stepping onboard and seeing Safran Concept D seats instead of Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats. According to the seat map, this flight was supposed to feature the Super Diamond seats (which I have reviewed before here). Instead, I found Safran (formerly Zodiac) Concept D seats configured 1-2-1 with alternating forward/backward facing seats.
These are still lie-flat seats and generally comfortable, but offer far less privacy and virtually zero personal storage. If you have the choice between these seats and the Super Diamonds, always take the Super Diamonds. However, I ended up sleeping quite well onboard for the majority of the flight.
One reason for that was the Casper bedding, which included a massive mattress pad, thick duvet, and large pillow.
I slept very well for nearly 10 hours.
Returning to the seat, there was an armrest that raised and lowered, but no storage inside:
Recline was controlled by a built-in electronic touchscreen
When in lie-flat mode, two additional buttons (up or down) were within reach:
The extent of the personal storage was a small shelf large enough for a wallet or mobile phone. I did appreciate there were two universal plugs (as well as two USB-A chargers):
Plus a coat hook, reading light, and passenger service unit to control the IFE and lights.
Overall, the lack of personal storage was annoying, but the seat is comfortable.
IFE + Wi-Fi
15.4 inch IFE screens include movies, TV shows, games, and music.
I actually watched two movies on this flight, including The Last Bus (it brought me to tears and I loved it) and The Black Phone (I’m not usually into horror movies, but this one was enjoyable).
The good news is AA offers very nice Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones. The bad news is AA offers very nice Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones; that is because flight attendants collect them an hour before landing. I understand you don’t want these stolen, but it is very annoying.
Sadly, the internet did not work for my flight. I prepared for this and had all my work done (the overnight nature of the flight was also timed well), but it was a shame that the internet simply did not work.
Service
Overall, I give the crew a very positive review, though it started out rocky.
Upon boarding (after the initial greeting), the crew said nothing to me. They stared at me, but said nothing. A non-rev passenger sitting across the aisle from me was warmly greeted, but not me. I later found out they were quite suspicious at first when I took so many pictures upon boarding. But they never said anything.
But during the flight, the service got better…much better, actually. Kimberly, the purser, was charming and took great care of me. Kathy and Juliet were also attentive and kind. I really thought it was going to be one of those horrible AA flights with grouchy FAs, but I am very thankful just the opposite occurred. It was Kimberly who told me they were a bit “concerned” about my photos, but when I self-deprecatingly said I was just a crazy av-geek, all was well.
I think 21 years after 9/11, particularly in this digital and social media age, mobile phone cameras should not be alarming…but the important thing was that the crew was excellent overall and each one, in their own way, offered personalized service and made me feel welcome and valued onboard.
Food + Drink
One thing is certain, especially when compared to United Airlines (my usual carrier): you will not go hungry flying business class on American Airlines.
Pre-departure beverages (water, orange juice, or sparkling wine) were offered in plastic cups prior to departure.
Menus were sitting on the seat and I noted there were four entrees available, including the rack of lamb I had pre-ordered on AA.com.
Dinner
Service began 20 minutes after takeoff, which I greatly appreciated because it later allowed me to maximize sleep. No warm mixed nuts were offered: an appetizer tray was served immediately with choice of beverage. It included a herb Arancini (Italian rice ball) with sweet tomato chutney and cream cheese as well as a salad with pomegranate and pine seeds, served with a choice of balsamic vinaigrette or parsley vinaigrette. Bread was also offered. I stuck to club soda for my beverage.
While taking meal orders, I was addressed by surname and asked if I still wanted my pre-selected choice, a spicy rack of lamb with creamy mushroom sauce, roasted potato wedges, asparagus wedges, and grilled tomatoes and peppers.
This was a really delicious dish, though tiny (as you can see by comparing the entire rack of lamb to my thumb in the picture below). I was glad I feasted in the Al Mourjan lounge prior to the flight, though there were also plenty of mid-flight snacks available.
I concluded the meal with a cheese plate followed by an ice cream sundae with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream.
Mid-Flight Snack
I fell asleep after dinner and awoke with about 3.5 hours of flight time left. I easily could have made it till breakfast but decided to order one of the mid-flight snack options, a Halloumi shawarma wrap. It was served on linen with a side of fruit and a spicy tomato sauce and really hit the spot.
Flight attendants also set up an elaborate snack selection in the buffet at the rear of the business class cabin. That included packaged snacks, water bottles, vegetable slices, sliced chicken, sandwiches, tomato and mozzarella, sliced fruit, and fresh fruit.
I had one more helping of fruit.
Breakfast
90 minutes before landing, breakfast began. I started with a cup of hot coffee.
Service was conducted via cart and I ordered the hot Arabic breakfast, which included a za’atar omelet with halloumi, lamb fatayer (a meat pie), roasted potatoes, asparagus, and tomato sauce. However, this is what I was served:
If you are thinking that looks more like fish, you would be correct. It was fish…apparently someone’s special meal. I wasn’t sure what it was (maybe a bad attempt at an omelet) and I did try it (it was not great for airline fish). I let a flight attendant know and she profusely apologized for serving someone’s special meal and offered me the omelet I had originally ordered:
Much better:
Overall, I give AA high marks for the meal service on this flight.
Pajamas + Slippers + Amenity Kit
American Airlines offers complimentary pajamas on its longest flights in business class (currently Auckland, Sydney, and Doha), but I was not aware of this, it was not mentioned on the menu, and flight attendants did not proactively offer any. I am disappointed because I have never tried AA’s pajamas.
Slippers, however, were placed proactively at every seat.
So was an amenity kit, which was Shinola branded and included:
- DS & Durga lip balm and body lotion
- dental kit
- mouthwash
- eyeshade
- socks
- tissues
- earplugs
Lavatory
Lavatories included an oversized square basin which is so much easier to use than the standard (small) sink. No other amenities were present beyond soap and paper towels.
CONCLUSION
We landed in New York about 30 minutes late due to headwinds, which made for a very tight connection to Los Angeles.
I chose to fly American Airlines from Doha to New York abroad the 777-200 in business class so that I could contrast it with Qatar Airways on the same 777 aircraft on the same route – stay tuned for that side-by-side comparison.
While it was not a perfect flight, it got better and I arrived in New York well-rested and well-fed. Is it the best business class product in the world? Certainly not. But it was quite serviceable and more than that, it was good enough that I would not hesitate to fly AA again, especially when I can upgrade.
Premier executive status? Wasn’t that a United status from the 2000s?
Lol. Yes. I meant Executive Platinum status.
Wow is all I can say. I flew UA FRA-IAD last month in Polaris. I loved the seat, the flight attendants were very friendly and proactive, and the entertainment options were great. However, the food was horrendous. I’m impressed.
I was very impressed by the food. AA does well here.
That is a lovely mug shot.
What a horrendous and awful J cabin. Absolutely no privacy whatsoever!!
Absolutely awful! Would never fly AA.
Of course the Polaris seat is better than this, but if you get a 777 with the Super Diamond seats, the experience is better than on UA in almost every way (and it pains me to say that).
United has definitely been slow to bring stuff back, but it soon will be better. I was on a corporate account webinar with United a few weeks ago and they definitely acknowledge that the onboard service is lagging behind and that it will be fixed. Scott wants to be number one in every way, routes, planes, product, everything, and he will get there.
Hi Jared! I’m still not completely ready to jump off the United Airlines bandwagon just yet. Something somehow keeps me from splitting. Weird, I know ! Let’s hope the changes you’re talking about happen sooner rather than later!!
Never jump ship from United! Even if their food sucks, the route network and hard product is so superior to AA or DL.
For many people they also prefer Star Alliance to One World (in terms of all the airlines involved).
Great review & thank you, Matthew — How can you tell which AA 777s have the Super Diamond seats?
The seat map will show you. But if like my flight, a last-minute swap may result in a switch in configuration.
Privacy is limited, but I think it still easily beats the Lufthansa business class seat (for example).
Not if you are an exhibitionist!
And BTW, Matthew , how did you know the other person was a non rev, are you sure about that??
I am. There’s a backstory I did not get into. She was supposed to be working the flight but called in sick, then decided to non-rev in business class back to JFK. That’s a cardinal sin (fireable offense) for a FA. The others FAs were advising her to call her union rep immediately upon arrival at JFK.
Was she really sick? And sitting next to you?
She was sitting right next to me and no, she did not appear sick and ate the meals.
The pyjama’s situation really annoys me…
They offer pyjama’s on certain routes — you are one of the biggest avgeeks I know, and you were not aware of this and didn’t get any.
This probably means 99,9999999% of the passengers in Biz on these routes probably also wouldn’t know..
Feels like they do this deliberately and very cheap. meh.
Not impressed.
Am I wrong?
Another great review (and pics) Matthew. Appreciate your work reviewing this new flight for AA, which I would suggest is a really important line for them. The ability of AA and other One World passengers to connect traffic in DOH is important and they need to get this right. Seems they have a good start!
Your upgrade costs (points + cash) seemed very reasonable for this flight!
Keep up the good work and may I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday.
Thank you Mike. I wish you the same.
I actually prefer these over the Super Diamonds as those seats (any many copies of it) really limit foot and leg space when fully reclined. It causes a bit of claustrophobia for me that I otherwise don’t experience in these or the Cirrus seats in the 773ER or Cathay’s long haul.
Maybe American Airlines is improving. Love to hear good news when it comes to US airlines. I think they are listening. Kind of.
Solid report. American Airlines had a very solid core product in Business Class. It is not plush and yes the Collins Diamond seats are far superior and feature more storage and generally more private. Food on AA has improved considerably and from my experience as an EP on AA who has flown Delta One and Polaris this year since May 2022, I’ve found the catering on AA substantially better and more plentiful. It was horrible on United (FCO-EWR) and felt cheap on DL (CDG-SLC). AA and QR are very different airlines for sure with different service ethos’ but some of my most restful long haul flights have been on AA in recent years and I’ve found the crews to be generally engaging, polite, and efficient.
Nice report, although it’s telling you’re a UA diehard w/o saying you’re a UA diehard. “Premier Executive status”
Thank you…..great review….but at this point I’m a 100% United flyer.
6’3 and 180 pounds… about a month ago i flew Polaris (the new staggered seats), and could barely fit in it. no storage space either? and the food was literally inedible. it made SNAP junior high lunch look glamorous. whereas i just flew this AA 772 a couple days ago with this back/forward business class. some of the seats wobble, but i found them so much more spacious, and the food/service so much better. Y’all UA fliers have Stockholm syndrome.
So, a couple of rhetorical questions: was the meal product so varied and decent b/c it was loaded at Doha – meaning would the food have been as good if loaded at DFW or JFK? and second: if the FAs were concerned about your picture-taking should they not have either engaged you or ground personnel before flying off? It seems odd to “cold-shoulder” you out of some bizarre security concern yet take no action.
Great review, Matthew! I agree that your experience on AA with this flight sums everything up quite well though pretty surprised no warmed nuts were offered as I get those on domestics over 900 miles consistently. I recently traveled to AKL and was proactively offered pajamas both ways – they are very nice but disappointed you didn’t get to try them. While the zodiac concept D seats aren’t terrible, like you I prefer the super diamonds. I’m excited to try the new biz product coming in 2024!
Nice review, thank you. BUT … about that selfie/mug shot/mirror photo. If you looked like that and knocked on my door or got onto my airplane, I’d be suspicious also. With you looking like that, I’m actually impressed that the flight attendants did NOT call security.
Come on Matthew. You’re a veteran, a handsome gentleman, a highly educated professional. Surely [and in this case I certainly will call you Shirley, you deserve it :-)] you can take a better selfie. With absolute minimal effort. Comb your hair and smile, how difficult is that?
Please Photoshop a smiling, better groomed head onto the photo in this post, that would significantly improve it. Thanks again.
This was after sleeping…
I liked it. Au naturel ❤️❤️
So you decided to eat the special meal instead of just returning it? What happened to the passenger that had ordered the special meal? Did they go without a meal since you decided to eat their breakfast?
I thought it was the halloumi cheese. When I bit into it, I saw it was fish.
Do you really think that passenger would want that meal after it was served to someone else? Even if he hadn’t tasted it? I don’t even think they’re allowed to do that. No sneezy food for me, thank you.
I took TLV-MIA and was offered pajamas by the crew. The Casper mattress pad was amazing! Slept very well.
I’ve never felt that the American seats lack privacy. You are reasonably cocooned in. In the mini cabin it’s pretty hard to see anyone else. All in all I think the AA product is superior to United, including the flagship lounges.
I just flew this back in coach, due to WC no upgrades and miles for J were 150k+, but milesaver coach was just 30k! I needed 2 tickets, settled on this.
As EXP did not get into Al M lounge, but to another oneworld lounge, it filled up quickly and it had a 3 hour wait, I was told by other EXP passengers sitting next to me. Menu items, full bar and buffet.
In coach 3 meals, one was that same chicken wrap and also that same omelet, so you got served coaxh food in a fancy dish.
15 hours is long, sleeping pills did the trick for 8 hours, they have live TV so watched 2 soccer games. I did get bulkhead so could stretch out. FA were surprisingly ok, no dragons.
Sucks that NYC JFK has minimal AA conectivity.
I found AA forward international and domestic forward cabin service substantially improved during 2h 2022. The food was decent, the crew was friendly, the Flagship lounges are nice and the AA lounges are, well, acceptable N. American lounges.
I do prefer Alaska. Their service has been genuinely friendly all through the pandemic. Their route network however, is not as extensive and it is much easier to get EXP through cards on American.
Handsomely handsome,
I fly AA to keep my QRPC Platinum.. no other reason than that.
Do you know is Executive Plat members with system wide upgrades can use it on the DOH-JFK flight?
Yes, they can – sadly, mine had expired or I certainly would have preferred this method over miles.
AA has at least 2 shamefully woeful business class options: 2-2 config in A320 and Concept D in 777-200ER. The latter is by far the worse because for the former, you know in advance you’ll be paying business fare and sitting side by side with someone in essentially PE for at most 5-6 hours, and you can decide to opt out. For the latter, woe to the traveler who purchases their ticket in the dark, and in the dark is the only way to purchase the ticket, because of the well-known fact, played down in this review, that ALL 777-200ER seat maps show an exclusively forward-facing config until 24 hrs before the flight, but only roughly half of 777-200ERs have forward-facing config; the rest are the dismal Concept D. The worst flying that I do is the horrific moment when I discover that my LAX-LHR 10+ hour 777-200ER is fitted out with absurdly narrow, storage-absent, privacy-absent Concept D. And extra woe to the unsuspecting traveler who books 777-200ER middle seats in he 1-2-1 configuration and spends 10+ hours lying flat in close proximity to a likely odious stranger.