yyzflyer

Well here goes my first attempt at a trip report. I can’t hope to compete with my favorite authors like techgirl , Carfield and Seat 2A , but I’ve enjoyed so many of yours it was time to contribute with something I have some knowledge of – routine flights to Las Vegas. We’ve done this route so many times, but on this one I remembered to take notes.

This flight started with Mrs. yyzflyer receiving an offer from Treasure Island casino for $49 a night including a free buffet for two. Not a bad deal considering we had never stayed at TI before. The next problem would be airfare. Not being able to find an acceptable price for our dates, it was time to break one of my rules and use frequent-flyer miles for the trip. 80,000 AAdvantage miles later we had 2 FC tickets on our first choice of flights. I was ready with at least 3 alternative itineraries. Thank you AA.

Monday, June 17
We arrived at the airport to find very long check-in lines for a mid-Monday morning. Even the elite/FC line was full, with only one agent working the FC desk. Another agent quizzed several people in the line ahead of us, with some moving to the regular check-in line. One woman complained how “lucky” we were as she moved to the regular line, but she would have the last laugh as she beat us to the desk by several minutes. When we were next in line, the passenger ahead was found to be using someone else’s Gold or Platinum card and was scolded by the agent, but checked in at the FC desk anyway. Our check-in was a breeze as we elected to go with carryon luggage only. US Immigration and Customs was courteous and quick, then off to Security. To our surprise there is now a FC/Business security line, although not for Elite airline status as we learned having to show our C class boarding passes. We will rethink this choice next time as every passenger in the FC line was subjected to a thorough search in full view of the regular lines where only random people were given a full screening. Mrs. yyzflyer’s bag was searched while I was required to undo my belt and top button of my pants, followed by a full pat-down. At the gate, the first FC passenger was selected for secondary inspection – he was just removing his shoes as we passed while the security agent was pulling out clothes from his suitcase. (There is no privacy screen at YYZ, so the whole procedure is in view of all boarding passengers.) He was the last passenger to board the plane and I joked with him about the incident, as he was sitting across the aisle.

YYZ-DFW American Airlines 2073
MD-80 Business Class
Our MD-80 had the new overhead bins that accommodate roll-on bags lengthwise, greatly increasing the space available. AA has done a nice job on these, including replacement of the doors on the side not modified to achieve a matching look. No preflight drink service was offered, but once airborne service was prompt and efficient. Meal orders were taken from back to front as expected, although on my last 7 odd-numbered segments this is only the second time this procedure has been followed. The FA referred to us by name – always a nice touch. Drink service with AA’s outstanding hot nuts was followed by hot towel service. Meal choices were crusted salmon with pasta shells and a green salad with red peppers or cold grilled chicken Caesar salad with fresh grated cheese. Mrs. yyzflyer had the salmon, while I had the chicken. Both meals were accompanied by additional cheese and crackers and hot rolls, with very large chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. AA is experimenting with wines again, offering Cabernet and Chardonnay from small California vineyards.

DFW-LAS American Airlines 71
MD-80 First Class
Another MD-80 with the new overhead bins. We were late departing due to late connections. Pre-flight drink service was provided. We had an excellent FA on this flight, once again calling FC passengers by name. Drinks and hot nuts were followed with hot towel service. Meal choices for this “snack” flight were chicken fajita pizza or salmon lentil salad, and were taken from back to front. This was very good for us in row 5, as the pizza proved very popular and was gone by row 4. The salad was much less popular, with most remaining passengers declining meal service rather than accept it despite the FA’s repeated suggestion to “try it”. She commented about AA’s catering always under-supplying the most popular entrée on LAS flights. The very hot pizza was served with a romaine salad with red peppers and shredded radishes. A packaged cookie (usual AA variety) and wine accompanied the meal. Drink refills were plentiful. Despite our late departure, we arrived on time.

We headed to Alamo to pick up our rental car. This was a whole separate adventure and is here for anyone who is interested or has had problems with Alamo in LAS. (Note: Here is where the rookie inserts his first link in an FT message – hope it works.) Somewhat later with our rental car we headed to Treasure Island. Check-in was a breeze; we were given a standard room on a high floor overlooking the mall construction next door and I-15. Since we had been well fed by AA (really) we skipped dinner in favor of exploring Treasure Island. This is a very nice casino in which we have not spent much time in the past. Before we knew it midnight had arrived (3 a.m. Eastern Time) and we called it a night.

Tuesday, June 18
Dawn came early and that Eastern Time thing had us finished breakfast quite early. Then it was off to Bellagio – our current favorite casino – to invest in the local economy, a few coins at a time. Next the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace for the obligatory stop at FAO Schwarz, followed by a light lunch at Planet Hollywood. We prefer The Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops, but it’s a bit too heavy for lunch, especially since we planned to try the famous Bellagio buffet for dinner. We spent some time at Caesar’s, but were unable to relieve the Emperor of any of his money. Mrs. yyzflyer was now feeling the onset of a cold, so we decided to return to our room to rest. A couple of hours and decongestants later, we headed back to Bellagio to meet FTer The_Banking_Scot for dinner. This certainly is a diverse buffet with items such as sturgeon, venison and sushi available. I tried a few new things, but my rather boring tastes dictated most of my choices. Mrs. yyzflyer is really into seafood and was impressed with the large selection, including already cracked crab legs and large shrimp. TBS had visited the Bellagio buffet before, so was more familiar with their selection. It was an excellent evening of food and conversation, but as TBS and I analyzed the relative merits of AA’s transatlantic service versus Virgin Atlantic it was clear that Mrs. yyzflyer’s cold was getting the better of her, so we called it a night. The Bellagio buffet, as varied as it was, is a little pricey by Las Vegas standards (especially if you have to pay in Canpesos). We were fortunate to be comped this time, as I’m not sure I would rush to pay the asking price.

Wednesday, June 19
We started the day by redeeming our TI free buffet coupons for breakfast. They were surprised, insisting that we could use them for dinner, but we had dinner reservations at one of our favorite Vegas restaurants The Buccaneer Bay Club. More on that later. The TI breakfast buffet is adequate – probably worth just the $7.95 they charge for it. We arrived early and by the time we left a huge lineup had assembled. Perhaps it’s better than we thought? We took the tram to The Mirage and managed to improve the contents of our wallets to some degree. Returning to our own hotel, Mrs. yyzflyer rediscovered one of her favorite machines featuring Regis Philbin. Regis was very generous, returning many more nickels than were invested. Still full from breakfast, we decided to return to our old home in Vegas, the MGM Grand. Shortly after leaving TI our car problems culminated with having to return the vehicle to Alamo. This took a big bite out of midday. Finally we arrived at the MGM Grand. Many Las Vegas regulars despise the MGM, but it has always been good to us. Today was no exception. This is where we noticed the biggest change on this trip, however. A staff shortage resulted in waits of up to 30 minutes to have a machine refilled, one area in which MGM used to excel. This trip they were by far the worst. Now late afternoon, it was time to return to Treasure Island to change for dinner. We dined at The Buccaneer Bay Club, on the second floor of TI, overlooking the famous pirate battle. This is an excellent restaurant, although quite expensive, eased this time by a 2-for-1 coupon. We both had steaks, accompanied by a Merlot from one of our favorite Napa Valley wineries. We have never had a bad meal here and recommend it highly. More Regis, and then off to bed with an early flight Thursday morning.

Thursday, June 20
Relatively quick car return and speedy check-in at the AA counter. We elected to check bags this time, leaving only Mrs. yyzflyer’s small backpack as carry-on. Random passengers were selected to have their checked bags x-rayed. Security lines were lengthy and slow-moving. The experienced security people blamed on-the-job trainees. Fortunately we had allowed plenty of extra time – most of which was required. I got the thorough wanding, but not the hands-on approach I had received in Toronto. Additional candidates were selected at the gate, including an elderly gentleman with a metal mechanical hand. I felt sorry for him, as he seemed very confused by the whole process.

LAS-DFW American Airlines 70
MD-80 First Class
Plane was boarded quickly and efficiently. I should mention that the previous two flights on this trip were 100% full in F and Y, and this was no exception to the pattern. Pre-departure coffee and orange juice were served, and departure was on time. Once at altitude hot towels were provided, followed by breakfast. The choices were an omelette with ham and potatoes or cereal with a fruit plate. We both chose the omelette, which was also accompanied by fruit and hot biscuits or bagels. Service on this flight was excellent, but we were late arriving in DFW, leaving only 27 minutes until our next flight. Past experience at DFW has taught us not to use the TrAAin if at all possible, but this time it seemed unlikely we would make it from the last gate in C terminal to mid-A terminal without using it. When we exited the TrAAin the departure monitor indicated “Final boarding” for our flight. We literally ran the rest of the way, joining the end of the last group.

DFW-YYZ American Airlines 488
MD-80 Business Class
Another very full plane. All C/J seats were taken, and the repeated announcements about sharing overhead space indicated Y must have been full as well. Our very entertaining FA served preflight drinks. Many jokes were exchanged, as apparently DFW catering had forgotten to load coffee pots and wine openers resulting in a lack of “stimulants and depressants”. The pilot waited until the last possible moment for these items to arrive, but we departed without them. The safety briefing was most entertaining, while still serving its purpose. Once airborne drinks and hot nuts, including refills of both, were served. Hot towels followed. The meal choices were shrimp salad or chicken foccacia sandwich with a grilled mushroom, onion and potato medley. Accompanying the meals were fresh fruit, Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese and hot rolls. Wine with screw caps was reallocated from coach and served liberally in the front cabin, which turned into quite a party environment. Glasses, whether filled with wine, water or Coke, were never allowed to empty until we began our descent into Toronto. Obviously a substantial number of AA Elite flyers were on this flight, judging by the number of SOS’s given to the FC FA. I had forgotten to pack any, so obtained his information and will mail ours in. This was truly a great flight for a short route on an MD-80.

Conclusions
 I really like American’s domestic F service on this route. It may not be the best, but is consistent. Since we rarely get to fly true international, only their long-distance flights such as LAX-YYZ or ORD-LAX have offered better F service in my experience.
 We enjoyed Treasure Island and will return.
 I am very unlikely to rent from Alamo in Las Vegas again.
 A great FA can make such a difference on what could have been an average flight.
 Checked bags can make it from the last gate in Terminal C to mid-Terminal A at DFW in just over 20 minutes. We’ve made tight connections there before with checked baggage, but this was a record.

Edited to fix URL.



[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 08-10-2002).]

jsmeeker

AA has MD-80s with a business class cabin?

Seiple

I think he's referring to what AA calls First Class (or would be called Business in every other country).

Thanks for the trip report.

Guava

One thing is clear, AA First/Business Class service within North America is superior to Air Canada. How ironic, just a few years ago, I would kick myself for saying that.

Thanks for the great report.

Guava

It wasn't like that before - until like 2 years ago. It used to be that all flights within or between U.S. and Canada are all marketed as First Class for all 2 cabins flights but for one reason or the other, AA decides to drop the First Class notation for flights to/from Canada.

QFAA

Yeah, as much as I enjoy the Dom F product, it is THE SAME as the Dom J on other carriers -- just about identical in training, livery, presentation, food, and mood as with Qantas domestic J for example.

Rather wonder if most Americans would be surprised to find there's no domestic first class in Australia.

Yes, a country CAN survive without calling the front two-class cabin "first"!

yyzflyer

AA markets all First Class service to/from Canada as Business Class, including the YYZ-LAX transcons. Even your boarding pass will reflect C or J instead of F. The service is the same as domestic F corresponding to the length of the flight. YYZ-DFW is about the same as DFW-LAS, but YYZ-LAX is a lot closer to domestic Flagship service than ORD-LAX for example. Nobody's really sure how changing the name gives them a competitive edge over AC's Executive Class, but the service is much better IMO.

dknn

My friend and I dined at this place in May and thought the food was good, minus the cook who watched one episode too many of Emeril and overly seasoned the vegetables. The biggest treat was when I woke up in the middle of night soaking in sweat and having to vomit. Both my friend and I were the victim of this meal

aamilesslave

Don't ever rent from Dollar in Vegas either. Awfully long time to pick up the car (at 9am at that). Computers were down when I picked up and dropped off. Good news is that I was charged 2 days instead of 3, but I should have coughed up a couple of extra bucks for the convenience of Avis Preferred....

travellin man

I completely agree about the MGM! I went there earlier this year, and while I absolutely love the casino (and have had plenty of luck there), it took simply FOREVER to cash out when my machine ran out of coins (and it happened a couple of times). I had to have someone watch my machine while I hunted for anyone to help me.

Still, the payout was good. I just wish they'd hire more casino workers.