Originally Posted by lakewaygirl444

Total newbie, was afraid to fly for 27 years, so didn't! Have decided to go for it and travel with my daughter for sports. We have a tournament coming up in Reno.
TWO choices on American are: Nonstop (3:44 Hours) but on an Envoy Embraer E175. I keep reading only comfortable for short hops. 3:44 will be an hour over any of my 8 flights since giving up the fear.
OR,
a 5 hour 35 min flight stop in Phoenix on a 737. Which would be better, given my possible panic, claustrophobia. I have done ok on 2.5 hour direct flights so far, but the smaller plane has triggered some kind of fear. However, travel time is important, too.

Have to make a decision quick. Other questions ...on AA how do you tell if you have to change planes, all it says is "connection 33 m" in Phoenix.
Also, does First Class come with free bag, the wording is confusing on the website? Does First Class on a E175 have a meal?
And finally, if it is the same plane, do they let you get off of it while stopped in Phoenix?