Getting onto the 777, I must admit it was great not to have to fight for the arm rest. Space was strikingly good, and a welcome glass of bubbly much appreciated. Newspapers were also offered in all cabins. Push back was abort 40 minutes late, which increased to 1 hour by the time we landed. Dinner was O.K. (there is a ''dine when you want' service and quick bite service if you want to sleep) but the choice (especially of sweets) was pretty limited. Breakfast of fruit, juice, cereal, a muffin and a big mug of Coffee was excellent. Cabin service was good with no opportunity missed to smile at, or be friendly with the customer. Your name was always used. Entertainment not VOD but as it was an overnight flight I wanted to sleep anyway. No flat bed, but the seat was very comfortable and I managed about 6 hours sleep. The Map/data screen was on all the time on the bulkhead at the front of the cabin, which was quite interesting during take off and landing.
So, especially given AA was a third of the price of VS J, I was pretty impressed. The lounge was not up to much but the service on board more than made up for this, and has gone a long way to removing my assumption that AA is the Grumpy Airline.
By the way. On the recommendation of my US friends I tried to concoctions to help with the sleep this time round. Diphenhydramine to help me actually get off to sleep, and Melatonin, which I have to take for the next 3 days or so before bed, to help resetting the body clock. Both are freely available in the States, but I believe need a prescription over here. Anyway the first results are looking good. It is unusual for me to sleep on board, but as I said I got about 6 hours (With out ear plugs/mask or any of that gumph). The clock feels OK at the moment, but only time will tell - I'll probably start a new thread on this.
