Most domestic travel within the US is served by single-aisle narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737/757, MD-80/83, A319/320 which get you where you need to go but are otherwise boring.
On rare cases, there exists widebody aircraft serving domestic routes for the purposes of repositioning international flights or for large cross country loads. Getting on one of these domestic widebody aircraft can be an amazing experience especially if you are on a First or Business Class ticket because you get to experience an international quality seat for a domestic flight as opposed to a big recliner.
While difficult to find a full consolidated schedule of widebody aircraft on other airlines, AA actually publishes the domestic widebody schedule on its cargo website here.
The real gem for AA is when they fly 777’s on domestic routes. As an example of information that can pulled from this schedule, it appears AA will be flying the new 777-300ER on Wednesday May, 8th from JFK-DFW. In the current schedule, I also see the 777-200 listed everyday on two routes between MIA-LAX.
Finding these widebody aircraft on AA is near and dear to my heart because it was actually what got me hooked on points, miles and travel hacking. For the first full year of my frequent traveling life, I lived in Chicago and worked in Dallas during the week. American Airlines obviously dominates this route so I spent a good majority of my time flying MD-80’s down and back which I absolutely dread. One day a coworker let me know that AA actually flew a 777 on this route once per day and the aircraft was being sold as two class service for a three-class configured plane. With no status on American Airlines at all, we were able to pick Business Class seats on a 777 for this domestic route with an Economy ticket. It sure beat flying in coach on those MD-80s! This trick no longer exists but knowing which routes are served by a widebody aircraft can be a nice change of pace for domestic travel.
About alex
Alex loves to travel and does so a lot. Logging 100,000 flight miles each year over the past 4 years, Alex uses points and miles to power his passion. Alex is continuously striving to experience the far reaches of the globe. In his day job, Alex is a Management Consultant frequently on the road advising Technology organizations. I love thinking about, reading about, and talking about all things travel. Feel free to reach me at pmmalex@gmail.com
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Is there something similar for Delta?
This is great. Especially after the fiasco lately with DFW-LIM for me on a really old 757 overnight! I’ll keep an eye on these for domestic! Thanks!
The ORD to DFW 777 flight – that was at like 6:30 out of Terminal K, right? I used to love that flight when I commuted to beautiful Skokie for work once per month.
You can also look up United’s schedule and look for the widebody indications (as well as see which routes have the newer vs older configurations):
http://www.unitedcargo.com/utilities/cp1/frtSched.jsp
@Limey47 – Not that I am aware of.
@Brian from DFW – Yes! Good old 2349/2350. It was generally 630PM down and 130PM back.
@DanR – Thanks. That is helpful.
There actually is something similar for delta and usair. I’ve flown as a silver medallion on the ATL -JFK route on their 767 which was continuing on to. IST. I was upgraded to the business class seating. Usair does operate their a330 on a CLT -PHL route then on to an international flight. ( cant remember which). I’d like to try this envoy class seating since its better than their typical 767. one.
“In the current schedule, I also see them listed everyday on two routes between MIA-LAX.”
By “them” – I assume you mean the 777-200.
@Elizabeth – Yes, thanks.