First time flying American. Live updates... (23 Dec 2017)
#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!
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!
Last edited by Sealink; Dec 28, 2017 at 8:30 pm
#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.
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
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
#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.
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
#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.
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
#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
Safe travels,
/Moderator
#11
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
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.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,760
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
#15
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
iPass does not give free access on the domestic GoGo WiFi (unfortunately!)