Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Community > Trip Reports
Reload this Page >

First time flying American. Live updates... (23 Dec 2017)

First time flying American. Live updates... (23 Dec 2017)

Old Dec 22, 2017, 12:52 am
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
First time flying American. Live updates... (23 Dec 2017)

So I have booked a business class flight to New York on American Airlines. I normally fly Virgin, BA or Delta but decided to give AA a go. My experience so far...

Heathrow
Noticed that business class is in Area B and head there. As I approach the business check in desks a gentleman asks which class I am in, and perhaps due to my accent, if I have "status" with BA.

When I inform him I am BA Gold he directs me to the First Class check in area, where, after a short wait, I am given my boarding pass by a very pleasant agent. He mentions the AA Lounge but also suggests I try the new Qantas lounge.

Qantas lounge is currently closed so I decide to visit the Admirals Club for the first time.

Again, very friendly service and I am directed to the First section which has Moet on free pour.

I actually like this place. Its nicely laid out, theres a table service restaurant and its bright.



So far so good AA!
cedric likes this.

Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 8:30 pm
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 1:28 am
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
I have left the AA Lounge to see what the new Qantas Lounge is like.

It's very nice. Small but stylish. There are three people here so service has been very attentive! No hot food though but a good selection of breakfast pastries, yogurts etc.




Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 8:30 pm
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 2:07 am
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
Originally Posted by Sealink
I have left the AA Lounge to see what the new Qantas Lounge is like.
Since you're lounge-hopping (one of my favorite activities), you might as well try them all, including CX and BA.
Sealink and trooper like this.
CloudCoder is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 2:56 am
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
Ive been to BA and CX before so good to try AA and QF this time.

Now on board. Offered usual water, orange or sparkling wine: in plastic glasses. This seems usual for US Airlines before take off.

Seat is comfortable but narrow - I really like the high back - and legroom is great.

My Normal Carriage...




Legroom





One thing that was odd was that the inflight safety video was on this screen. On BA, they flip the screens out while this is playing.

I loved the AA video, really well done and kept my attention. And its the kind of video I'd watch again to see what I'd missed.

One thing that was different was the extra 'car style' seatbelt that I had to wear. It connects into the standard seat belt which also must be worn.


Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 11:44 pm
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 2:59 am
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
Todays menu






Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 8:28 pm
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 3:00 am
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
No idea why Flyertalk has cropped the pics
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 4:06 am
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113
Meal order taken.

I'm in the air and using the WiFi. Let's see.
It's $19 for the duration of the flight. (Aer Lingus is the only airline that I have flown who offer this for free in J)

A little bit Ryanair with two hard sell announcements about American Airlines credit cards.

Hot towels handed our about 15 minutes after take off, and Bose headphones.



Staff are pleasant. Unlike my first DL experience where I found them to be very distant.

I admit, I didn't get the hang of this remote at all. The screen didn't see what to do what the remote wanted.


Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 5:34 am
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,191
glad your enjoying it
fotographer is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 5:43 am
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,113


Pre lunch drinks


Starter
Sealink is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 6:55 am
  #10  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
This is very nice, but properly belongs in the Trip Reports forum. We will pack this off there soon. We will try to move after the OP has seen this notice.

Safe travels,

/Moderator
Sealink likes this.
JDiver is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 7:08 am
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Originally Posted by CloudCoder
Since you're lounge-hopping (one of my favorite activities), you might as well try them all, including CX and BA.
I thought BA flights leave at T5, but AA/CX/QF is at T3. The only way to get to T5 from T3 is by shuttle bus?
andersonCooper is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2017, 8:47 am
  #12  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,624
BA has flights leaving from T3. There is a Galleries and Galleries First lounge in T3
Catbert10 is offline  
Old Dec 24, 2017, 2:23 am
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Originally Posted by Sealink
I'm in the air and using the WiFi. Let's see.
It's $19 for the duration of the flight. (Aer Lingus is the only airline that I have flown who offer this for free in J)
Not entirely correct - you can have free access to AA international WiFi (Panasonic) if you have iPass. I use it frequently and it is very good.
rossmacd is offline  
Old Dec 24, 2017, 2:36 am
  #14  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,760
Originally Posted by rossmacd
Not entirely correct - you can have free access to AA international WiFi (Panasonic) if you have iPass. I use it frequently and it is very good.
or have t mobile like me all WiFi on Gogo flights are free. Unfortunately I believe Gogo is not the carrier of choice when flying overseas
enviroian is online now  
Old Dec 24, 2017, 2:46 am
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Originally Posted by enviroian


or have t mobile like me all WiFi on Gogo flights are free. Unfortunately I believe Gogo is not the carrier of choice when flying overseas
Yes, true, but international (in this case TATL) are not provided by GoGo.

iPass does not give free access on the domestic GoGo WiFi (unfortunately!)
rossmacd is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.