AA First JFK-DFW-NRT
May 30, 2002 | 10:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,988
AA First JFK-DFW-NRT
Hi all,
Here is part three of my trip report, which concerns my recent flight from JFK to NRT via DFW on American first. It also marks the raise of my AA elite status from gold to platinum. It was pretty cool. The domestic sector continues to be disappointing and cutbacks are very obvious, but the international sector was fine, and the crews are very attentive. Due to transpacific experiences with AA during the past two months, the Dallas based crews seem to be best among the AA F/As. I did not fly the nonstop JFK to NRT flight because I wanted more miles and the lack of a real flagship lounge at JFK.
May 22, 2002
AA 1091 JFK-DFW Lv0700 Arr0958
McDonald Douglas MD-80 N245AA
The check in desks were pretty busy at JFK this morning, as there were couple flights heading to Puerto Rico and the usual morning transcontinental traffic to the West Coast. I used the first class line, which was pretty deserted. A very kind F/A checked me in. The process took a bit longer because I made some date changes and she needed to reissue the ticket. I just patiently waited along side and read a book. After ten minutes, she printed out all my boarding passes, including the CX segment to Taipei. The bags were checked all the way to TPE as well, with the Premium tags. She apologized for the wait and I apologized for not arriving early enough. She told me about the Admiral Club and thanked me for flying American Airlines. I did not go to the Admiral Club because boarding was almost ready. I bought a glass of OJ from the AU BON PAIN. I went through the security quickly and went to gate 42.
Boarding began at 6:21am a bit earlier than the published time. The agents once again reminded folks flying in Y to pick up their bistro bags as they boarded. The boarding process was very slow this morning because a couple folks in first class carried quite a number of carryon bags. MD-80 was a fine aircraft, but when it came to handling the carryon situation, it was pretty bad. It took them more than five minutes to figure out the situation. The early morning time only made things worse. Fortunately, the F/As and nearby passengers helped out. The flight was fairly full, as there were many connections. Most passengers indeed were catching a connecting flight from DFW. After everyone settled down, the F/As served us a pre-takeoff beverage and then to my surprise, newspapers including USA today, New York Times, and WSJ were offered. Door was closed at 6:56am and we pushed back early. We were able to beat the rush hour this morning and took off from R/W31L at 7:13am, after a BWIAs Boeing 737-800 took off. Why I said so because I saw the line of planes forming after us UA, AA, B6 and all those morning flights headed towards the West Coast.
Flying time was only two hours and fifty-four minutes, which was almost an hour less than normal. Therefore the AA service was very insufficient, with only a bistro bag in Y and a one-tray breakfast in first. Anyway, the F/As began the beverage service after takeoff. Hot towel was served before the breakfast service began. The order was taken from the back because it was an odd numbered flight. Here were the choices for main entre French toast with sausages or Rice Krispy cereal with banana. I chose the French toast, which was basically three slices of cinnamon flavored toasts with a bottle of syrup and two pieces of sausages. Accompanying the hot breakfast was a fruit bowl with 3slices of melon, strawberry, 2 grapefruit segments & grapes. The cold breakfast featured a larger fruit plate, which included an extra slice of melon, strawberry, and grapes, and a banana. There was a choice of breakfast pastries biscuits or bagels. After the breakfast service, I went to bed, as AAs MD-80s had no entertainment option. I remember that AA announced that it would add some kinds of entertainment to its MD-80s on the pre-911 days, but I have yet to see one. It was possibly postponed.
Descent began at 9:35am and we landed on R/W17L at 9:07am DFW was an hour behind from NYC. We parked at Gate A14. Unlike United, AA international first class did not offer any concierge service. I did not care much because I liked to walk around the airport before heading to the lounge.
AA 61 DFW-NRT Lv1115 Arr1430+1
Boeing 777-200 N785AN
The flagship lounge was very nice and the receptionist had to give me an access key to get into the Flagship lounge. There was a receptionist and he immediately checked my boarding pass and told me to help myself with the beverages and snacks. He offered to show me around, but I said that I would be fine on my own. The lounge was deserted due to the early times and the European flights had not started yet. The dcor was nice with many sofas and business stations. There were three Internet stations in the business center. There was a full beverage bar with all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the continental breakfast buffet included many Danish parties, cereals, fruits, and yogurts. It was pretty full for a US airline. A couple attendants walked by and asked me if I needed anything.
I left the lounge a bit early, so I could take a look at the plane we were flying today and the duty free shops. Boarding began early at 10:40am, and I was among the first few passengers aboard the flight. First class was half full and it was noticeable that there were many non-rev passengers this afternoon. Our F/As today were Matthew, Joan, and Lori, which were definitely among the best in the American fleet. They made the flight so much better than my previous NRT-ORD flights. Once again, the flight attendants are definitely influential on ones decisions among a good or bad flight. Matthew was the head purser and Lori offered me newspapers and my choice of pre-takeoff beverage, as I took my seat. Then they were busy passing out newspapers, amenity kits, and menus. The door was closed five minutes earlier than our scheduled departure time. We pushed back late as we were loading a couple late connecting bags. DFW were pretty busy this afternoon and we waited along a fairly long time. We took off from R/W17R at 11:39am.
Flying time was eleven hours and forty-fives, which were definitely shorter than the normal thirteen hours routine. Due to some tail winds, we were able to land on NRT early. However, the ATC control at NRT held us back a bit. The flight route took us from DFW to Gainesville, as we climbed to 35,000ft. After we passed by Denver, Spokane, and Vancouver, we climbed to 37,000ft. Then we continued into Anchorage and climbed higher to 39,000ft, and eventually 40,000ft.
After the pilot signaled the F/As that it was safe to work, Matthew passed out the Bose headphones and took us beverage and entre order. He took the time to tell us about the duty free service (he wanted to make sure that we all got our first choice) and the entertainment programs. Then Lori passed out the hot towels and our choice of beverage was accompanied by a choice of warm roasted nuts or vegetable dips on ranch dressing. Then our tables were set up, followed by the appetizer cart, salad cart, entrees, fruit and cheese cart, and dessert cart. AAs first class service was very drawn out and used mostly trolley service, which the passengers could look at the food and made our decisions. Here was the menu transcript!
Western Lunch
To Start
An assortment of warm roasted Nuts or fresh Vegetables served in a Ranch Dressing to accompany your preferred Cocktail or Beverage
Appetizer
Smoked Salmon accompanied by Capers, Red Onion and Sour Cream garnished with Lemon wedges and served with Toast Points
The Salad Cart
Fresh seasonal Greens served with a Peppered Romano Cheese Dressing or an individual bottle of Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Lobster Tail and Claw with Lemon wedges
Your choice of fresh Vegetables including Artichoke Hearts, raosted Tomatoes, English Cucumber Slices and Yellow Squash offered with Unos Focaccia Bread
Bread Basket
Entres
Filet of Beef
A tender cut of beef seasoned with fresh Sage, complemented by a Port Wine Demi-Glace, accompanied by Haricots Verts with Garlic Shallot Butter and a Potato Diamond
Or
Seafood Risotto
Grilled Shrimp and Scallops served with a roasted Tomato Risotto and a creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
Or
Lemon Thyme Chicken
Lemon and Thyme-herbed Breast of Chicken presented with mashed red potatoes and herbed asparagus
Japanese Lunch
Appetizer Tray
Kobachi Dish
Lobster, Salmon Roe and Yam Paste Tofu with Ooba Herb enhanced by Wasabi-Flavored Soy Sauce
It was pretty good and I like the lobster, although it was a bit tiny.
Hassun Dish
Grilled Salmon complemented by Miso flavor presented with Lotus Root and Foie Gras, grilled Scallop and Eggplant accented by Japanese herb sauce
It was pretty good again, but it was a bit heavy to mix lotus root with goose liver.
Western Style Dish
Grilled Beef Sirloin featured with a Camembert Cheese layer and Asparagus presented with Dill accompanied by a creamy Plum dressing
It was very interesting but was very heavy. The mix of the appetizers focuses on cheese, cream sauce, and heavy ingredients. The favor was a bit focused on the heavy side for an Asian audience.
Main Tray
Simmered Dish
Bamboo Shoot and Wakame Seaweed with Okura, Carrot, Japanese Pumpkin and dried Bonito Flakes
Entre
Grilled Filet of Beef complemented by Leek Sauce presented with assorted Wild Mushrooms & Snap Peas
Soup
Miso Soup with Wakame Seaweed and Tofu
Accompanied by steamed Rice and assorted Seasonal Pickles
The Fruit and Cheese Cart
Four Cheese complemented by fresh seasonal Fruit, served with selected Crackers, and offered with Port and other fine Wines
Stilton, Cheddar and Camembert cheese, and white grapes and apple as fruits
The Dessert Cart
Ice Cream Sundae
Vanilla ice cream with a choice of Hot Fudge, Butterscotch, or seasonal Berry toppings, Whipped Creams and Pecans
Godiva Chocolate
I have not seen this golden box for so long that I am so surprised by it. I even had a second piece. Thanks AA for keeping it. Shame on you, United!
After the meal, bottled waters were passed out Evian of course. I then took the sleeper seats on the full recline position and went to sleep. There was a mid-flight afternoon snack, but I slept through it.
Afternoon Refreshment
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
Japanese Soba Noodles Or Smoked Chicken Pizza
I woke up about four hours prior to arrival. I watched a couple episodes of Spin City, and I asked Matthew for some writing papers and playing cards. Unfortunately, none of them were available. They did not even carry the playing cards anymore. Anyway, the F/As passed more bottled water out and asked us what we wanted to drink. Matthew went around and chatted with the F class passengers, as some of them were AA employees.
About two and a half-hour prior to arrival, the supper service began first with beverage and Japanese snacks. Unlike United, the meal was served in sequences salad, entre, and dessert. Here was the transcript.
Salad
Seasonal Salad Greens with julienned Pepper, Corn, and Tomato offered with an Oregano Cilantro Vinaigrette
A pretty nice salad, and two kinds of rolls sourdough or cheese rolls were offered. I just love the cheese rolls and had two of them throughout the meal.
Entre
Mushroom Leek Soup
A creamy Soup with Shiitake and Cremini Mushrooms and Leeks with Sourdough Croutons
My choice of entre - very good and lots of mushrooms, and not too heavy
Or
Pineapple Chicken with Asian Slaw
Chicken Breast in a Pineapple Soy Marinade, served with a julienned Asian Slaw, enhanced by a Rice Wine Vinaigrette
Dessert
Toffee Crunch Cheesecake
I was surprised to see the whole cake, which was sliced in front of us, and it was good.
The supper service was pretty good and after the service, the flight attendants began preparing the cabin for arrival. As usual, the NRT video was shown, and the first class Bose headphones were collected half an hour prior to arrival. The departure forms were also passed out. Descent soon began at 11pm DFW time, and there was not much holding today. To my surprise, we landed on the brand new NRT 2nd R/W16L at 1:26pm. We used the whole runway for the landing and it was not surprising as the 2nd NRT runway was a bit shorter than planned. Boeing 777 was the largest type of aircraft to use this runway. Anyway, it was a fairly good flight and we were parked at gate 11 on 1:43pm.
Then I connected to CX 451 to Taipei. I guess I did not need to write about CX again on this familiar route. The NRT-TPE route once again featured a full dinner in first class, and the F/As were flexible about the serving time, as there were only four passengers. The food was good as usual, and there was not much special about it. The highlight was that we had a close view of Mt. Fuji and I took a few spectacular pictures. The bags made it all the way to TPE, and CX had added F class tags on my bags at NRT. The bags came out among the first patch. Anyway, I reached the Platinum status after this flight and look forward to fly more Oneworld alliance carriers.
Carfield
Here is part three of my trip report, which concerns my recent flight from JFK to NRT via DFW on American first. It also marks the raise of my AA elite status from gold to platinum. It was pretty cool. The domestic sector continues to be disappointing and cutbacks are very obvious, but the international sector was fine, and the crews are very attentive. Due to transpacific experiences with AA during the past two months, the Dallas based crews seem to be best among the AA F/As. I did not fly the nonstop JFK to NRT flight because I wanted more miles and the lack of a real flagship lounge at JFK.
May 22, 2002
AA 1091 JFK-DFW Lv0700 Arr0958
McDonald Douglas MD-80 N245AA
The check in desks were pretty busy at JFK this morning, as there were couple flights heading to Puerto Rico and the usual morning transcontinental traffic to the West Coast. I used the first class line, which was pretty deserted. A very kind F/A checked me in. The process took a bit longer because I made some date changes and she needed to reissue the ticket. I just patiently waited along side and read a book. After ten minutes, she printed out all my boarding passes, including the CX segment to Taipei. The bags were checked all the way to TPE as well, with the Premium tags. She apologized for the wait and I apologized for not arriving early enough. She told me about the Admiral Club and thanked me for flying American Airlines. I did not go to the Admiral Club because boarding was almost ready. I bought a glass of OJ from the AU BON PAIN. I went through the security quickly and went to gate 42.
Boarding began at 6:21am a bit earlier than the published time. The agents once again reminded folks flying in Y to pick up their bistro bags as they boarded. The boarding process was very slow this morning because a couple folks in first class carried quite a number of carryon bags. MD-80 was a fine aircraft, but when it came to handling the carryon situation, it was pretty bad. It took them more than five minutes to figure out the situation. The early morning time only made things worse. Fortunately, the F/As and nearby passengers helped out. The flight was fairly full, as there were many connections. Most passengers indeed were catching a connecting flight from DFW. After everyone settled down, the F/As served us a pre-takeoff beverage and then to my surprise, newspapers including USA today, New York Times, and WSJ were offered. Door was closed at 6:56am and we pushed back early. We were able to beat the rush hour this morning and took off from R/W31L at 7:13am, after a BWIAs Boeing 737-800 took off. Why I said so because I saw the line of planes forming after us UA, AA, B6 and all those morning flights headed towards the West Coast.
Flying time was only two hours and fifty-four minutes, which was almost an hour less than normal. Therefore the AA service was very insufficient, with only a bistro bag in Y and a one-tray breakfast in first. Anyway, the F/As began the beverage service after takeoff. Hot towel was served before the breakfast service began. The order was taken from the back because it was an odd numbered flight. Here were the choices for main entre French toast with sausages or Rice Krispy cereal with banana. I chose the French toast, which was basically three slices of cinnamon flavored toasts with a bottle of syrup and two pieces of sausages. Accompanying the hot breakfast was a fruit bowl with 3slices of melon, strawberry, 2 grapefruit segments & grapes. The cold breakfast featured a larger fruit plate, which included an extra slice of melon, strawberry, and grapes, and a banana. There was a choice of breakfast pastries biscuits or bagels. After the breakfast service, I went to bed, as AAs MD-80s had no entertainment option. I remember that AA announced that it would add some kinds of entertainment to its MD-80s on the pre-911 days, but I have yet to see one. It was possibly postponed.
Descent began at 9:35am and we landed on R/W17L at 9:07am DFW was an hour behind from NYC. We parked at Gate A14. Unlike United, AA international first class did not offer any concierge service. I did not care much because I liked to walk around the airport before heading to the lounge.
AA 61 DFW-NRT Lv1115 Arr1430+1
Boeing 777-200 N785AN
The flagship lounge was very nice and the receptionist had to give me an access key to get into the Flagship lounge. There was a receptionist and he immediately checked my boarding pass and told me to help myself with the beverages and snacks. He offered to show me around, but I said that I would be fine on my own. The lounge was deserted due to the early times and the European flights had not started yet. The dcor was nice with many sofas and business stations. There were three Internet stations in the business center. There was a full beverage bar with all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the continental breakfast buffet included many Danish parties, cereals, fruits, and yogurts. It was pretty full for a US airline. A couple attendants walked by and asked me if I needed anything.
I left the lounge a bit early, so I could take a look at the plane we were flying today and the duty free shops. Boarding began early at 10:40am, and I was among the first few passengers aboard the flight. First class was half full and it was noticeable that there were many non-rev passengers this afternoon. Our F/As today were Matthew, Joan, and Lori, which were definitely among the best in the American fleet. They made the flight so much better than my previous NRT-ORD flights. Once again, the flight attendants are definitely influential on ones decisions among a good or bad flight. Matthew was the head purser and Lori offered me newspapers and my choice of pre-takeoff beverage, as I took my seat. Then they were busy passing out newspapers, amenity kits, and menus. The door was closed five minutes earlier than our scheduled departure time. We pushed back late as we were loading a couple late connecting bags. DFW were pretty busy this afternoon and we waited along a fairly long time. We took off from R/W17R at 11:39am.
Flying time was eleven hours and forty-fives, which were definitely shorter than the normal thirteen hours routine. Due to some tail winds, we were able to land on NRT early. However, the ATC control at NRT held us back a bit. The flight route took us from DFW to Gainesville, as we climbed to 35,000ft. After we passed by Denver, Spokane, and Vancouver, we climbed to 37,000ft. Then we continued into Anchorage and climbed higher to 39,000ft, and eventually 40,000ft.
After the pilot signaled the F/As that it was safe to work, Matthew passed out the Bose headphones and took us beverage and entre order. He took the time to tell us about the duty free service (he wanted to make sure that we all got our first choice) and the entertainment programs. Then Lori passed out the hot towels and our choice of beverage was accompanied by a choice of warm roasted nuts or vegetable dips on ranch dressing. Then our tables were set up, followed by the appetizer cart, salad cart, entrees, fruit and cheese cart, and dessert cart. AAs first class service was very drawn out and used mostly trolley service, which the passengers could look at the food and made our decisions. Here was the menu transcript!
Western Lunch
To Start
An assortment of warm roasted Nuts or fresh Vegetables served in a Ranch Dressing to accompany your preferred Cocktail or Beverage
Appetizer
Smoked Salmon accompanied by Capers, Red Onion and Sour Cream garnished with Lemon wedges and served with Toast Points
The Salad Cart
Fresh seasonal Greens served with a Peppered Romano Cheese Dressing or an individual bottle of Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Lobster Tail and Claw with Lemon wedges
Your choice of fresh Vegetables including Artichoke Hearts, raosted Tomatoes, English Cucumber Slices and Yellow Squash offered with Unos Focaccia Bread
Bread Basket
Entres
Filet of Beef
A tender cut of beef seasoned with fresh Sage, complemented by a Port Wine Demi-Glace, accompanied by Haricots Verts with Garlic Shallot Butter and a Potato Diamond
Or
Seafood Risotto
Grilled Shrimp and Scallops served with a roasted Tomato Risotto and a creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
Or
Lemon Thyme Chicken
Lemon and Thyme-herbed Breast of Chicken presented with mashed red potatoes and herbed asparagus
Japanese Lunch
Appetizer Tray
Kobachi Dish
Lobster, Salmon Roe and Yam Paste Tofu with Ooba Herb enhanced by Wasabi-Flavored Soy Sauce
It was pretty good and I like the lobster, although it was a bit tiny.
Hassun Dish
Grilled Salmon complemented by Miso flavor presented with Lotus Root and Foie Gras, grilled Scallop and Eggplant accented by Japanese herb sauce
It was pretty good again, but it was a bit heavy to mix lotus root with goose liver.
Western Style Dish
Grilled Beef Sirloin featured with a Camembert Cheese layer and Asparagus presented with Dill accompanied by a creamy Plum dressing
It was very interesting but was very heavy. The mix of the appetizers focuses on cheese, cream sauce, and heavy ingredients. The favor was a bit focused on the heavy side for an Asian audience.
Main Tray
Simmered Dish
Bamboo Shoot and Wakame Seaweed with Okura, Carrot, Japanese Pumpkin and dried Bonito Flakes
Entre
Grilled Filet of Beef complemented by Leek Sauce presented with assorted Wild Mushrooms & Snap Peas
Soup
Miso Soup with Wakame Seaweed and Tofu
Accompanied by steamed Rice and assorted Seasonal Pickles
The Fruit and Cheese Cart
Four Cheese complemented by fresh seasonal Fruit, served with selected Crackers, and offered with Port and other fine Wines
Stilton, Cheddar and Camembert cheese, and white grapes and apple as fruits
The Dessert Cart
Ice Cream Sundae
Vanilla ice cream with a choice of Hot Fudge, Butterscotch, or seasonal Berry toppings, Whipped Creams and Pecans
Godiva Chocolate
I have not seen this golden box for so long that I am so surprised by it. I even had a second piece. Thanks AA for keeping it. Shame on you, United!
After the meal, bottled waters were passed out Evian of course. I then took the sleeper seats on the full recline position and went to sleep. There was a mid-flight afternoon snack, but I slept through it.
Afternoon Refreshment
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
Japanese Soba Noodles Or Smoked Chicken Pizza
I woke up about four hours prior to arrival. I watched a couple episodes of Spin City, and I asked Matthew for some writing papers and playing cards. Unfortunately, none of them were available. They did not even carry the playing cards anymore. Anyway, the F/As passed more bottled water out and asked us what we wanted to drink. Matthew went around and chatted with the F class passengers, as some of them were AA employees.
About two and a half-hour prior to arrival, the supper service began first with beverage and Japanese snacks. Unlike United, the meal was served in sequences salad, entre, and dessert. Here was the transcript.
Salad
Seasonal Salad Greens with julienned Pepper, Corn, and Tomato offered with an Oregano Cilantro Vinaigrette
A pretty nice salad, and two kinds of rolls sourdough or cheese rolls were offered. I just love the cheese rolls and had two of them throughout the meal.
Entre
Mushroom Leek Soup
A creamy Soup with Shiitake and Cremini Mushrooms and Leeks with Sourdough Croutons
My choice of entre - very good and lots of mushrooms, and not too heavy
Or
Pineapple Chicken with Asian Slaw
Chicken Breast in a Pineapple Soy Marinade, served with a julienned Asian Slaw, enhanced by a Rice Wine Vinaigrette
Dessert
Toffee Crunch Cheesecake
I was surprised to see the whole cake, which was sliced in front of us, and it was good.
The supper service was pretty good and after the service, the flight attendants began preparing the cabin for arrival. As usual, the NRT video was shown, and the first class Bose headphones were collected half an hour prior to arrival. The departure forms were also passed out. Descent soon began at 11pm DFW time, and there was not much holding today. To my surprise, we landed on the brand new NRT 2nd R/W16L at 1:26pm. We used the whole runway for the landing and it was not surprising as the 2nd NRT runway was a bit shorter than planned. Boeing 777 was the largest type of aircraft to use this runway. Anyway, it was a fairly good flight and we were parked at gate 11 on 1:43pm.
Then I connected to CX 451 to Taipei. I guess I did not need to write about CX again on this familiar route. The NRT-TPE route once again featured a full dinner in first class, and the F/As were flexible about the serving time, as there were only four passengers. The food was good as usual, and there was not much special about it. The highlight was that we had a close view of Mt. Fuji and I took a few spectacular pictures. The bags made it all the way to TPE, and CX had added F class tags on my bags at NRT. The bags came out among the first patch. Anyway, I reached the Platinum status after this flight and look forward to fly more Oneworld alliance carriers.
Carfield
May 31, 2002 | 10:55 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: FTFOE
Programs: TalkBoard: We discuss / ad nauseum things that mean / so very little
Posts: 10,225
Nice report Carfield! Glad you enjoyed the flights.
FewMiles..
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FewMiles..
------------------
[ FlyerTalkers' Resources on the Web ]
[ Unofficial Guide to AAdvantage ] [ Unofficial oneworld Info Desk ]
Jun 2, 2002 | 9:23 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AA CK, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Platinum, Avis Presidents
Posts: 236
I was at Kennedy at the same time as you on 5/22. I had a 7:15am flight to SJU and was checking in at about 5:30am. Had I only known. What a shame.