A321

[F/A_Wannabe]

Just wondering what it's like to work/fly on the A321? Do any of you guys/gals like the aircraft?

[quickcallqueen]

I like the A321, overall I like the airbus aircrafts better than the boeing. I think all the airbus have user friendly galleys and lighting systems. My only complaint about the airbus is the half size carts. On full flights , it is not unusual for me to have to restock the cart four times to complete the service.
About the A321, I really wish we could have the a/c boarded through the 2L door instead of the 1L door. I know that we would mean new jetways, yes a major expense. Another thing about our A321s is that non of them are EOW equipped. I know that it would cost millions to retrofit them to be EOW equipped.

[Vistajetset]

The A321 is comfortable for most passengers. I too would like to utilize the extra-large door at 2L, which I understand we paid extra for, for boarding. (Although there would be little room for a f/a to be positioned there)

I think we should try to deliver pre-departures whenever possible, but it's an unpleasant start to a flight when you have to muscle your way up and down the aisle. I am always amazed by people who bark that you are in their way. (A good reason to work in the galley!)

I also understand that the jetways we have are fine, they just come too close to the #1 engine for comfort. (not much room for error for the guy/gal that is driving the jetway.$$$ CANCEL-CANCEL)

The first row of seats in coach, a "two set" placed in front of the 2R door (like the 757) should be removed. Besides being in the way in an evac, they are set more inboard than the other rows, causing almost every rollaboard to get snagged as they enter coach.

It's cold by the doors but I like the lavatory layout. It's a long plane without being "endless." Like any plane, if it is staffed properly it is easy to work.

The pilots say it is underpowered and I tend to agree. If you sit near the 3L door for takeoff, you'll hear a dramatic pull back on thrust very shortly after becoming airborne, followed by a very slow and gradual climb. The first time I sat there I was just waiting for the emergency signal! 757's, by comparison, are rockets! I think A321 is a great plane for us and our customers, but I'd like to see it more on mid-range routes and more widebodies on transcons (besides the odd 767 to LAX.) Someday, maybe.

[FAUS02]

I too enjoy working the 321. It's esp. nice for the paxs. It's much more roommier than the 757. I also find it nice to work. As far as the half-size carts go, i've never had to restock in the middle of a service, although it is true that it is a pain to have to restock after a service to get ready for the next service, but you have to do that on a full-size cart as well. I think a good "B" always prepares the cart ahead of time with extra juices or sodas depending on the time of day. As far as boarding, i agree, it is a pain to have to use the 1L door. I hope the co. can fix that soon, although i'm sure it's not on their top list of priorities. A lot of "A" FAs skip the pre-departure service, which i think is wrong. Just hold up boarding. Those paxs are our bread & butter, they deserve better.

[trvlr64]

hey FAUS02.......I am one of your "bread and butter" customers. I am a US1 to be exact. I don't have a problem with the "A" not serving me during a predeparture. Infact I actually ask for nothing during this time and usually don't ask for anything during the flight, unless it's a rather long one (2 hours +). I'd rather see the plane get off the gate faster so we didn't have to waste time awaiting takeoff. I say get our butts on the plane and let's GO !! LOL

Too many times I have been shocked by other PAX asking for wine during the predeparture. Personally I wouldn't pry open a bottle for oen drink. Why do some PAX think this is a bar??

[trvlr64]

Oh yeah about the airbuses from a passenger point of view.

Generally I prefer the 737/757/767. The airbuses are nice with a bit more leg room (key word...bit). But since I am only 5'7" in height, I have noticed that the seat backs I face are a bit higher than those on the Boeing line. This sort of irritates me and I feel closed in. But this is only when I have to sit in coach......which thank god isn't often.....LOL

[bmibaby]

I used to work for bmi british midland, before i moved t our no-frills subsidiary bmibaby (hence the name)
The Airbus A321, was one of the types I flew from my base.
It has lovely galleys, and, I agree that the half-sized carts aren;t so great for having to provide a full service, but, are quite easy to handle.
We used them on flights from 1 - 3 hours, and, it was easy to do, with about 6 FAs. (2 Business Doors 1-2 and 4 Economy 2-4)
Much easier than 1-3 hours on the Boeing 737, with 3 FAs.
Also the doors. Easy to work in my opinion and the "slide thing" is better on the Airbus than the Boeing.
So the Airbus gets my vote.

[bmibunny]

I love the whole Airbus family of airraft.
I find they are both more cabin crew and passenger friendly than their Boeing counterparts.

I hate the Airbus! Any plane that thinks it's safe to land and it's not can overide the pilot and land itself. No thanks, I think the pilots can see if it's safe to land or not better then a computer! You can keep the Scairbus!

[GB737]

I've worked Airbus shorthaul and Boeing shorthaul ... and I prefer the Boeing!

[bmibunny]

Why do you prefer Boeing?

[JetBoy76]

I LOVE AIRBUS images/icons/grin.gif
We now have 319, 320, 321, 330, 340, and to me they are way more use friendly than Boeing, the 747 is a slave ship, the 767 with the old galleys are a Tetanus Shot waiting to happen, and the 737 oh God, never mind images/icons/shocked.gif
HAPPY FLYING graemlins/windsock_smilie.gif

[go_fly]

LOL jetBoy!
Don't mention the 727s or 737s!

[flyBE]

hi!
Well, I have never worked on Boeing or Airbus jets, but, I have found out that most crew and pax prefer the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, to the Boeing 737NG family of aircraft.
I am still "happy" flying the RJs.
'Coz someone has to do it!