March 15, 2003
Arrived at LAX at 5:45 AM for an early morning AM departure to EWR via DFW. This is part of my RTW that I started in AKL last OCtober. Since we are only allowes one transcon flight on a OWE ticket, but 6 segments in North America, i decided to use 3 of these segments to go to NYC and back to LAX. The first two segements are as stated above and the last segment to be reported on later. ( This is my JFK-LAX non stop transcon in Premium class )
The lines at LAX were very long to check in for first class. However, it moved quickly. I recieved both boarding passes and proceeded to the Admirals club by gate 45. I then had a quick cup of coffee and headed to gate 45 for my 757 flight to DFW. First was packed. Sitting in seat 2E I was reminded of just how old this plane looked and how I use to enjoy this same flight, AA 2408, when AA used a 767-200. What a pity. Anyway, I sat down and was immediately served a glass of water. The couple in fromt of me had mimosas at 6AM though. Breakfast was a choice of fresh fruit plate and cereal or a herb omelette with fried potatoes and canadian bacon. I was not that hungry and chose the fruit plate. It was HUGE with fresh fruit, and a box of corn flakes with milk. FA came by with a choice of buttermilk biscuits, or bagels. Most people chose the bagels. The flight time was 2 hours and 19 minutes, but it went quite rapidly as the meal service ended with only 1 hour left in the flight plan. Video entertainment included CBS comedies, and Eye on America. Quite nice for a short flight.

Arrived at Gate B5 in DFW and had to hustle it over to gate C7 for my flight to EWR. Took the tram which was very convenient. Then, as a walked to the gate, I discovered that I only had 5 minutes until boarding. This prevented me from going to the AC. However, arrived at the gate to find a very empty flight. Flight 92 was a MD-80. First Class was only 50 percent full and I had seats 4E and 4F to myself. Quite enjoyable. Sat down and was offered ANYTHING to drink. NOT just OJ, champagne or water, but anything that I wanted. Order a diet coke and was brought immediately. Then we left exactly on time and was told that the flight from DFW to EWR would be 2 hour and 50 minutes in length. As I boarded however I noticed that all passengers in coach were carrying "BISTRO BAGS' which is AA excuse for a snack. It seemed ridiculous that on a 3 hour flight coach passengers would not recieve a meal. In first we were given a choice of Greek salad with fresh shrimp or chicken salad on foccacia bread. Each entree was served with a pasta salad, rolls and butter as well as pre packaged Pepperigde farm MILANO chocolate cookies. I chose the salad and it was great. Dressing was an olive oil and vinegar dressing. No video entertainment on this flight however, so I watched my own DVD of "The Anniversary Party" with Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Very enjoyable especially after living in LA for 15 years.
Arrived in EWR 30 minutes early and had the obligatory 30 minute tarmac wait until our gait opened. All in all a very enjoyable First Class experience. More later