American flies some pretty snazzy A321s between Los Angeles and New York, which are in a three class configuration. I've flown this route several times before, though only ever in first class. I figured this flight would be a good opportunity to finally review business class, though there was no such luck. While the flight…
Continue reading: Review: American Economy Class A321 Los Angeles To New York
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Ben, do you normally show up just 45 minutes before your flight time on domestic flights? I don't like to show up to the airport much earlier than I have to, but even for me, that seems like cutting it way too close.
That's funny about the upgrade list. DL highlights your name so you know which one you are :).
Ben: you mention that you could have accessed the Flagship Lounge at LAX. I'm EP as well on AA. I thought you needed to be flying in FC on a three class domestic route to access Flagship. Since you were in Y, what would give you access? Would like to know in case I'm missing a benefit! Thanks! George
Ben, not getting upgraded on a domestic flight is not that tragic, but can you imagine something like this happening on a long flight to Asia ?
On a flight over 12 hours, would you still go ahead and fly on Economy or give up and lose your ticket ?
@ George -- It's because I was connecting same day to Madrid, so was an Executive Platinum member on an international itinerary. 🙂
MCE != regular economy. Still, good review overall. I still think it'd be amusing to have you review a true economy seat on a low cost carrier (Spirit/Allegiant/RyanAir) and review it like EK F. Photos of the non-present amuse bouche, non-present Krug, etc. A review of their frequent flyer programs (if such things exist) would probably be equally amusing.
@Luis: First flights out in the morning are often a safe bet for cutting it close, especially if there aren't many early flights out of that particular terminal (security/check-in lines). I've had a few 6am-7am departure time flights where the ticket counters didn't even open until 5:30a.
Also if you fly out of certain airports repeatedly you learn the ebb & flow of the place and which days/times are best and worst. During peak departure times it can make sense to have the taxi/Uber driver drop you off at the baggage claim level rather than deal with the mess in the Arrivals drive.
Thanks for the clarification Ben. I see now how you were eligible for Flagship Lounge access. I overlooked the fact that you were on an international itinerary to MAD.
Ben,
The next time someone asks why you got the freebie in coach, or what they meant by "loyalty", just tell them that you fly AA *every* Thanksgiving and Xmas.
@AlexS - sure they're a safe bet unless there happens to be a auto accident, problems with you ride such as a flat tire, forgetting something and needing to turn around and head back to house etc.
This will be judgemental, but the people you photographed in biz don't look like typical HVFers.
I'm not saying they are upgraders and didn't pay for seats.
What I am saying is AA, DL, and UA have all been matching JetBlue's $599 biz class fares on a roundtrip basis if you book about 30-90 days out. And I'm getting the sense upgrades are being displaced by these fares, which may be 1-2 time a year fliers.
It's odd to watch, and they are paying the price asked so deserve to be there, but very different from just a year or two ago when it was filled with road warriors.
I want to know how Greg can tell all that just from seeing three partially obscured faces and a tiny bit of one other person's head?
Good review. It keeps the blog more interesting when we see some economy class flight reviews instead of the constant reviews of first class reviews - one after another (believe me, it can get boring).
Good review Ben, as for upgrades it will continue to be difficult to use them as Airlines are looking for hard dollars and while they have frequent flyer programs ad nauseum they are focusing on the almighty $.Flying will continue to be less fun as time goes on.
maybe i have become a masochist or have developed a sort of stockholm syndrome with flying the 32B in Y but i have developed an affinity for this aircraft. i do JFK-LAX on the regular and rarely do i get the upgrade to J, so i have become quite familiar with the back of this bird. i tend to take an aisle seat in one of the last rows so i can get up often to stretch or use the lavs. for the most part, i've found the A321 to be a comfortable plane and the crews (esp the LA-based ones) have always been friendly and accommodating.
yes, B6's product is superior but until i can bank trueblue miles to AS or any program with real redemption value, this is the best way to fly transcon in Y, IMO.
How were you able to arrive at LAX at 6:15 and make a 7am flight? I've only has that kind of luck at Burbank!
I really like the A321s even in two class, from LAX-CLT. As a platinum it is about 50/50 as to whether my upgrade will clear. But even if it does not, pre booking in seat 10A is wonderful. There is nothing in front of you for 10'. It does not get cold by the exit.
True, coach is coach and food/drink is not free, there is no entertainment or power outlets but for flying cross country in coach, can beat the comfort.
I normally fly Southwest since Tampa and Orlando are my home airports (and Southwest focus cities) but recently i again started flying Delta and American and i was very impressed.
Also Lucky, I recently flew on Westjet from Orlando to Calgary and got amazing pictures. I would love to share them with you.