Finally learning this plane.

 

It's very hands off but I find it interesting that the altitude still had to be constantly set. (unless I missed something?)

 

The flight plan has the altitudes programmed in, why doesn't the plane change altitude it automatically from the MCDU?

Yeh they are a bit differnet from the Boeings. Where is it programmed in??

I would strongly suggest you go through the step by step manual.

If you do not like to read, try the tutorial videos. Though they may be abit long, you can choose only the parts you like to watch.

http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/67438-step-by-step-flight-videos-now-available-version-110/

A general idea applies to both Boeings and Airbuses: The aircraft will never climb higher than the altitude set in the MCP/FCU, no matter what the cruise level or the altitude restrictions in the FMC/FMGS are. The opposite applies to descents. (Like in "Why haven't you noticed that yet in your Boeing?"  )

 

And then there's a conceptual difference, as well: A Boeing will descent at the TOD if the MCP altitude is lower than the current flight level. (Like in "Boeings do it just like that".) The Airbuses require an additional altitude button push on the FCU. (Like in "Airbus pilot input required at the TOD.")

If you dial in your cruise altitude at take off, it will follow the profile in the flight plan until you reach cruise. Then just remember to reduce it and manually initiate your descent as it won't automatically descend at TOD

Altitude is decided by ATC, so it wouldnt make sense for a plane to automatically change altitude