To kick off my trip to Japan via Mongolia, I flew American Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 first class on the 2hr30min flight from Miami to New York. American’s 737 first class is probably the single premium product I fly most often, yet for whatever reason, I’ve never actually reviewed it, so I figured it’s time to…
Continue reading: Review: American First Class Boeing 737 (MIA-LGA)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
It's too bad you didn't get better views on approach. I don't want to discount the "very rough landing," but landings at LaGuardia tend to be on the firm side due to the relatively short runway length.
My problem with AA's 737 first class is that it is wholly worse than it used to be. You used to get additional pitch, a less plasticky seat, more room to stick your bag under the seat in front, and often a PTV.
In a world where premium products keep getting better and better, it sucks for me that my single favorite domestic F product got worse in every way. Long live 2018 I guess
Regarding food, what are those red/green scoops? They taste horrible and I have no idea what they are. Some sort of bean paste?
The review omits a description for them. I assume Ben is as perplexed by them as I am.
@ Pat -- Hah, yeah, I think they're some sort of a hummus type thing? It tastes to me like low quality hummus with food coloring, but who knows...
The catering on these domestic flights is really shocking. JetBlue mint is really the only way to go. I'm all for them offering a domestic first non-lie flat product with their great service + catering. Would pay for it every time.
"A good landing is one that you can walk away from. An excellent landing is one where you can use the plane again."
I asked a flight attendant on a recent JFK-MIA flight... she said that it has been described to them as beet hummus and edamame hummus.
Not a bad review but a few things need to be addressed.... no need to constantly bring up what Delta offers when you are reviewing another airline. If you are obsessed with Delta, Fly Delta, PERIOD. Everything travel related is NOT centered around Delta. FACT.AA chose not to offer inseat IFE.....deal with it, if you require it, AA is not for you. Proper bulkhead? How about 'not the older tradional bulkhead"....it is lighter weight, looks fine and serves the purpose. Mesh curtain? The mesh curtain is REQUIRED by Homeland Security after the 9/11 attacks.....not even debatable for a US based carrier. I do agree that pillows and blankets should be offered in a Premium Cabin but this may still be a post covid hangover effect. No amenity kit......it is a Domestic Flight, what next Pajamas and slippers? Four meal options on a three hour flight is more than adequate and if an individual still has 'issues'......you may want to start your own airline or charter one. People have unrealistic expectations when it comes to satisfying these expectations. As much as I enjoy reading some of these reviews from Bloggers I also like to point out that your commentary is often times nothing more than STIRRING the Pot are creating unnecessary drama when there doesn't need to be. There is plenty that I do not like about airlines,hotels & restaurants but I accept them for what they are and I sure as hell am not fixated on "What would Delta do".....that is complete horseshit.
@Ben do you usaully spin the wheel by booking economy? If so, what are your odds of getting it?
This comment begs a question; if you weren't to review the features you criticize being discussed, @Andy, what would you be left with to review? "Here's the plane, and then we boarded, and then we flew, and then we landed, and then I got off"? I feel that many times over it's been mentioned that Ben isn't a good writer - which is fine - because this is a blog, and he makes up for this shortcoming with light-hearted commentary and decent photographs. (And it really is remarkable how he gets his photos without breaching the privacy of other passengers. Top marks for that!) He still needs to review something regarding the flight though, and to make all these suggestions here is frankly borderline immature and I am also detecting malevolence. Whether this is intentional or not from you I honestly have no idea. It would be necessary to meet with the people who write comments like this to perform a sort of pseudo interrogation of their motives, or at the least get a gauge on their opinions of other things without leading on that I was trying to understand their thoughts and motives for a specific comment they made here. Somewhere disarming and non-confrontational would be, e.g. at a cafe, gym cardio room, or a casual conversation if you were seated near each other at the same restaurant for one of the three major meals of the day (b'fast/lunch/dinner). Those Chinese restaurants with the big circular spinning tables always crack me up. I don't know which law of physics applies to the situation but you know when you spin it too fast and it causes the dishes to sometimes wobble outwards! Lol.
@Ben - AA seatbacks have two different ways to hold a smart-phone. 1) The flip-down panel that you show in your photo, but also 2) the small grey clip/bar with an "up arrow" on it allows you to wedge your phone in - in landscape mode - at eye-level. Much easier on your neck watching a film for a couple of hours at that height.
While his comment is a little strongly worded, there is a difference between a review and a comparative review.
Ironically, it is precisely because I frequently bring comparative industry information to my comments and alot of people don't like it - even though I believe it is important. I also think there is value in comparing each service aspect - just compare like to like - ie AA, DL and UA FC is comparable but QR is not comparable to US carrier business class or even AA's soon-to-end international FC.
There is also a subjective weighting of all of the factors... you and others regularly talk about an inch of space here or there whether the issue is domestic FC or the DL 767-300ER D1 seat.
For alot of people - the ease of dealing w/ DL and the generally better customer service is worth it.
Cranky has an article today on yet one more aspect of AA driving away premium customers, esp. those that have their travel managed through smaller agencies.
Everyone makes their choices as to how they weigh each product attribute.
Would note that AA is still flying 777's between MIA and JFK that you can book for the same price as domestic first class. Flew down with the family for president's week vacation, got a 777-200 on the way down with the reverse herringbone seats and yesterday took the 777-300 on the way back where we sat in the soon to be discarded actual first class seats. Obviously most of the time will get a 737, but sure was a comfortable way to fly between Miami and NY (and makes up for the so-so food).
Comparing aspects is useful, as one would think those who are truly looking for a review of such a banal domestic flight are comparing why they might select American or a competitor. You or I know what we'd get on just about any choice in the market but we aren't the target audience I'd assume.
I deal with American given I live near Charlotte and they have a frequently inexpensive First product (or easy upgrades with my AS MVP status) nonstop to just about anywhere in Eastern time in about 2 hours or less. Delta went from my favorite domestic carrier to where I will only fly them if they are cheapest/most direct after a marked degradation in service on short haul and some very poorly handled irregular operations. I'm sure Delta will get back to where it was and the recent RIF in needless blue pants/brown shoe MBA brigade is a good start.
@upstarter: Correct. That would make running the blog much easier. "I took a flight. The end."
I prefer no IFE. Too many interruptions from crew announcements and someone pecking on the back of my seat.
Grain bowl is boring af but you surely have to give them credit on that garlic dressing.
again, all you expressed is based on how you weigh personal attributes.
Given that you are in the CLT area, you have the same hub loyalty that every airline has - and is esp. acute in CLT given how much more air service the city has compared to its population.
DL has obviously struggled to recover service (human) levels but is still perceived as good as or better as AA and UA.
and DL is building a SkyClub in CLT so they clearly see the growth of their business there. and enough loyalty.
Ben also is hub captive and I wouldn't expect him or you to not consider loyalty benefits as part of your decision making process. DL just happens to be the 2nd largest carrier in both MIA and CLT.
and remember that some people have said on here that they are tired of seeing reviews of QR and E. Asian airlines to the neglect of US carriers. Ben is responding to that w/ this article. The only point is whether he has enough of a basis for currently and directly comparing AA to DL domestic FC on a Florida to NYC route - and I will leave it to him and his readers to decide if his comparisons are accurate.
How did you access the chase lounge on arrival? I thought it was only for departing passengers within 3 hours of scheduled departure?
No assurance the grain bowl is doing you any health benefits. Nutrients often need oil/fat source to be properly absorbed. Nutrients are lost to oxidation so a pre-prepared meal (i.e. leftovers, which is what airline food is) is not as nutritious as fresh.
Lentils have to be sprouted and soaked. There are also various (unknown) combinations of nutrients that are more effective (interaction) together, and there are also various cases of "anti-nutrients" where eating 2 things prevents you from absorbing the nutrients of either.
Lesson learned: Cook Mediterranean-style meals at home, splurge on the food you like when eating out.
"This is usually my go-to meal in American first class"
I get that but for reviewing purposes it would be good too see how (bad?) the meals with protein are...
Cool story bro. I must’ve flown jfk Mia six times on the 77W in seat 1A during COVID.
In Ben’s case , flying into LGA is perfectly fine. All you have to do is take a ride share down to JFK.
@ Ben - I remember you stated recently that you prefer vegetarian meals. For the purpose of the review, it would be great if you can hit one for the team once in a while and order a beef dish.
first, someone specifically included my name in the conversation before I ever joined it. And I probably would not have jumped into this article other than to read it.
Second, there is nothing "shilling" here in noting that DL is clearly doing quite ok and is AA's principle domestic competitor - and is growing its premium revenues in part because of the repeated missteps on AA's part.
DL simply delivers a higher quality product and no one would objectively disagree with that.
Some people "settle" for less because there are other factors involved which I noted.
You, like others, come out of the woodwork when anything negative is said about AA.
I would feel foolish spending a lot of money and effort to earn Ex Plat for just the “chance” to receive this type of upgrade. But that’s just me.
@ Max -- I actually don't mind the bulkhead seats in this configuration. The only downside is that you can't store bags there during takeoff and landing. Since I'm on my laptop most of the flight, it's useful to be in a non-bulkhead, so I can work from takeoff until shortly before touchdown.
@ neogucky -- Typically I try to find a way to guarantee first class, since I don't have good luck with upgrades at all. However, this flight looked like a slam dunk, as almost no first class seats were taken a few days out, the exit rows looked pretty empty, etc.
Do you see me in here defending AA? Lol.
"And I probably would not have jumped into this article other than to read it"
And yet, you came to the comments section on your own...nice try, shill boy.
DL might be better than UA and AA in some areas, but is lacking when compared to many non-US based airlines.
This is the new normal for the US3. EXP still gives you some decent perks. Also, what's not known is does an EXP get a better upgrade offer than others? Cash upgrades seem to be just like fares, they can change at a second's notice and the decrease can be substantial. Also, EXPs after CKs will get first shot at any F seats that goes unsold. But PLT and GLDs should give up the dream.
It looks like you might have been on the MAX. The first MAX AA received worked MIA-LGA-MIA it has ever since. I’ve noticed even a brand new MAX has interior issues. The new engines are great and not as loud but not much else to be excited about.
The chicken parmigiana is by far, their best dish for this cycle, the golden roast chicken next. The shawarma chicken is my least favorite. The grains bowl (it is what it is). If it tasted good, it wouldn’t be healthy.
Oh. They are instructed not to do predeparture beverages if there is any delay as to not stop boarding to serve drinks and board as quickly as possible.
Glad you liked the new seat. I’d say the cushion is the best part when it’s brand new but it goes flat and does not recover its thickness
once again, your comprehension of the basic facts is lacking, to say the least.
First, Ben specifically referred to Delta and compared his experience between AA and DL. This whole sub-thread is someone's objection to that.
Second, someone else specifically asked what I thought before I even participated in the thread.
Third, I specifically said that some people value different factors and that Ben and NedsKid have valid reasons including loyalty program participation to be hub loyal.
I hardly see where I jumped into the discussion on my own and certainly not to shill for Delta.
Me thinks you are a tad sensitive. Actually, a whole lot sensitive.
Just flew MEX-PHX on AA 737-8. The flight attendant was excellent, offered drinks prior to departure. It was a full flight. I was very impressed. We ordered the Sea Bass which was very tender and flakey. I could have done without the "red sauce" that was put on top of the fish, but managed to scrape it off well enough and melt my butter pallet on top. Who comes up with these sauces anyway?Everything else served with this entry was actually good. Desert was some kind of custard, and quite tasty. Order coffee and Baileys to go with. Great option for flying out of Mexico City on a short 3 1/2 hour flight
Looks fine. You got something to eat and drink. I'll generally trade decent legroom for a TV screen, anyways.
I understand that Lucky lives in an AA fortress hub. I have said this before, and I know I am "irrelevant" (according to my much younger partner..) BUT: I actively avoid AA. After 4 really bad back to back F class trips a few years ago.... NEVER again. NEVER. My money and miles goes to a quality and consistent experience which is always on Delta.
I've never been on a DL flight - on one of their mainline aircrafts - and had such a paltry experience as what's featured here. Even on their regional aircraft, there's always been a pre-departure drink served by friendly and proactive crew. For what the US3 charge for F nowadays, there's no comparison for me between United, Delta, and AA - I always go with Delta, and I live in both United's and AA's super hub of Chicago...
Wow, you have low standards. 3 1/2 stars for a meal that isn't even hot and no restroom. That feels like a 2 1/2 star experience to me!
Your reviews should be consistent across all airlines you fly. Would you *really* have rated a 3 hour business class flight 3 1/2 stars with this type of cabin and service had it been operated by Emirates or Qatar???
I think I'm be one of the few out there but I love the Golden Chicken meal. It's pretty healthy, especially since the size of the chicken breast tends to be a good size...so you get a good protein boost with that.
Serving cauliflower and lentils to people stuck in a metal tube with other people is a bad idea.
Give AA another chance you might get lucky and have a decent flight. Ben can fly AA 80% of the time and still fly United or Delta to places like NY, CHI , and LA utilize the US3 despite being hub captive but Ben also values EXP which is an all in. Doing the above would drop down to PPRO.
Jake, I think you have to rate a service against the expectations for that service. If you rated this against Emirates, then every domestic us flight would get 0 stars. That may be accurate but it's not very informative.
Well, Chris, some of us have to travel for business and/or want to travel on vacation and sometimes AA is the best choice. Some people may spend a bit at the end of the year to get over a status hurdle. But many just get status because the airline is the one that goes where we do. As of today I have 434K LPs for 2023. And I dislike American pretty intensely. But it goes where I need to go. Further Ben has said he doesn't go out of his way to earn EP anymore. But if the airline goes where you need to be, you get status and sometimes you get an upgrade.
Ben, would you be willing to share your estimated rolling LP balance? I'm always curious, where you have to be to have good luck getting upgrades. I'm ending the year around 450K and then I'll earn 250K in early march, so I'm curious if I might actually start to see some upgrades out of DFW at ~700K LP rolling balance.
if only they could get you and your bag to your destination within a few hours of the scheduled time... JetBlue woudl be amazing!
Yeah, that's what I meant. Just how rubbery and processed is the chicken on AA these days, or is it decent quality?
So what if he referred to Delta? That was still enough to trigger you to read the comments for some reason. It isn't like being mentioned in the comments section send you some kind of notification. So your comment about "would not have jumped into this article other than to read it" is a bit false.
You act like this is the first time you have jumped in about anything regarding Delta. I'm not the sensitive one here, you are the one who seems triggered every and any time Delta is mentioned and has to remind us how it is the greatest airline to ever exist since planes were invented.
The last time I flew this up front, the smoked salmon platter was pretty good...
yeah, you are hypersensitive.
Ben at least makes comparisons between like airlines. and his comparison is accurate for the most part.
Non-US airlines can't and don't fly between NYC and FLA.
and since you are already wound up, just wait till DL starts MIA to S. and Central America service on its own metal. Your head will burst.
Lol keep on shilling Delta, I hope they pay you well enough for your posts on here and all the other blogs you post on.
"Non-US airlines can't and don't fly between NYC and FLA."
Not relevant at all to what I said. But keep shilling Delta lol.
That’s a lot of flying…..my condolences. Maybe use Zoom when possible…be sure to kiss your kids & wife the next time you see them
Truly, AA has the WORST domestic First Class of any US carrier! That seat is the MOST uncomfortable and should not be considered First Class. I’ll add it’s also terrible to Hawaii mostly due to exceptionally high seniority flight attendants that for the most part, just want to chat in the galley. If it wasn’t for the miles, I would not be taking them to Paris in April.
Agree with the other commentator-.stop being obsessed with Delta. And your feeling of entitlement is over the top. There are real problems on this world. If you feel like you're ot being coddled enough in First Class, just deal with it.
And other commentators are correct- American Airlines is absolute garbage. Garbage.
Flew AA F/C Knoxville-Miami-Roatán last month. The Knoxville to Miami and back crews were substandard. No pre-departure drinks, Flight Attendant doodling on her phone for most of the flight. The Miami to Roatán and back flights were the complete opposite. Pre departure drinks, friendly Flight Attendants. No meal service on any of the flights as they we just short of AA distance for food requirements which was a bit irritating but we made up for that by visiting the Admirals lounge (admission based on the AA credit card). Overall it an OK trip, nice to have the space and some free drinks.
I think you're in the wrong place. This isn't a news review or non-profit discussion board. It's a review of a flight. If you don't like subjective reviews, or disagree with them, good... that's why they're there, to help travelers make an informed choice. Calling someone entitled for a review of a First Class seat on a blog dedicated to exactly that is ludicrous. There are plenty of social media places you can drag your vulnerability to and mouth off there instead. Leave this for those who travel and have an interest in the experience of others.
My god there are a lot of triggered individuals in here. Such a strange thing to do to visit a travel blog then whine about the subjective views of the author!
I hope you ignore them and keep doing what you're doing. I don't know how else to consider a flight or hotel experience without comparing it to other companies either - the comparison with DL is really useful, thanks.
Wow.Such drama in comments. You don’t like his style,stop reading.Civility matters.Im so tired of people being unnecessarily unkind.
There is nothing new about American Airlines 737 first class product. There's no need for a review It's the same seat that's been there for years on end.
I’ve spent 45 years flying internationally primarily from a base in Singapore, London or Hong Kong. Also had a few years in Dubai.
One thing that quoted shocked me back in the 1970s and 1980s was how different any flying within the USA or on US carriers was compared to the accepted global and international accepted standards worldwide.
Back then airport lounges operated on the basis that once inside everything on offer was free. This was a globally accepted norm. Except in the USA where some lounges had “bar tenders” (totally not necessary) and certain drinks had to be paid for plus there was a tip jar!
Really?
It seems nothing much has changed. US based airlines can sell a product as First Class (sic) but no lounge access, no IFE, indifferent hit or miss cabin crews, no exclusive toilets.
My mantra for the past 40 + years has been to avoid all US carriers where possible. Difficult if you live in the USA admittedly.
My preference is always:
1 any Asian carrier Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, JAL, ANA, Thai etc
2 any Middle East carrier Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Oman, Gulf Air
3 European carriers Lufthansa, British Airways, etc
4 if desperate or very very cheap sale then a US carrier
Yes for sure the pre-drink service has been 0/4 on my last four flights. Honestly, for flights under 2 1/2 hours or so, I don’t find the cost difference worth it!! May go coach and order my drinks/Food and such.