Usually I dont write trip reports about my domestic first class experiences, but I did fly American today from Tampa to Chicago to New York in order to work towards my Exectuive Platinum challenge, so figured Id report back, since I realize my blog is at times United-centric.
Continue reading: Review: American Airlines First Class from Tampa to Chicago to New York
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
FWIW, elites flying internationally and intl passengers in premium cabins get free wifi at the Admiral's Clubs - you just have to ask at the desk. But I agree, it's a shame that they don't offer it to Amex Plat cardholders.
Just ask the AAngel for a wifi code when you're checking in with your Amex. They've never denied me.
The other huge Admirals Club benefit is almost all of their lounges have showers. It doesn't matter what class of service you're flying. If you can access the lounge, you can get a free shower.
Sounds like you had a great experience on the dAArkside. Maybe you'll fly them more in the future?
I have been using a tether.com app on my android smartphone for "free" wifi access. So far I have been very happy with it. That might be another option to explore, if you have a smartphone.
Singapore Airlines crews are truely exceptional. AA ??!?!
I think you just lost a reader.
@Jumpcut You've been very lucky with the AAngels. I'm usually not so fortunate. It seems like they have to keep a detailed log of who they're giving them to, and why they qualify but perhaps I'm off base here.
i know for sure that if you are flying internationally, and you are either a) flying business/first, b) platinum/EXP, or c) both of the above, you will get free wifi at the ord lounge.
i always check in with my amex plat when flying domestic, but due to months of coming to the lounge and seeing the same AAngel over and over again, we have a rapport going on now, and she always hands me a wifi card with a wink. GO AANGELS!!
I'm a United Prem Exec/CO Gold and have been for years - but was a AA Plat for a time I lived in Wichita, KS. AA aalways struck me as 'old school' - not that UA is particularly progressive - but there was something about the service aspect, and the flight attendants in particular, in that AA always seemed truly professional.
On the other hand, the company - as the business is run - always seemed cheap as hell. Cutting corners on amenities, no free wi-fi in lounges as mentioned above, for example, seems to be the way they do business. Always seemed to be pushed kicking and screaming and playing catch-up when it came to freebies - weren't they one of the last lounges to go forward with free drinks (not sure they even do now, have't been in an AA lounge in at least 5 years).
But who am I to judge - AA never filed for bankruptcy, either.
I have flown AA almost exclusively with periodic flights on other domestic airlines. Overall, I think AA's biggest asset is the professionalism of the people who work for them. They have the best attitude and professionalism of anyone in the business. Yes, they do have an excellent pension plan which might eventually cripple AA. However, they do invest in people relations and make you feel like a guest instead of a burden. On some days that is enough to put me in a good mood.
Snacks, coffee, tea etc free throughout all Admirals Clubs and now bar is free as well.
Seriously people, chill with the whole putting "AA" in the middle of words that have the letter "a" in them when talking about American. It's not clever, it's not funny, it's just really annoying.
@AAndrew - AAgreed it's AAnoying 🙂 Seriously, as a United guy looking to jump ship, the timing of you sampling AA couldnt have been better.
Did either of your seatmates find it interesting when you took pictures of the mints?
Excellent trip report, Lucky. I'm a fan of those slimline first class seats. I find them to be more comfortable than any other standard domestic F seat....though I've admittedly not flown VX.
I've found most of the Admirals Clubs facilities to exceed those of United's Red Carpet Clubs, but the snack choices are definitely limited vs UA. On the other hand, I like the fact that I can at least purchase a decent sandwich in an Admirals Club if I choose to. I've seen this option at some, but not all RCC's I've visited, though that's an admittedly limited universe.
Two things. First, Delta has the foaming soap! Second, I have never figured out how Delta runs the meal choices. You said AA uses FEBO. Is there any logic to Delta?
First off, was a real pleasure to hear you speak Saturday.
Regarding the AA FAs, especially in first; I find them of a much better lot in the past year or so. The luck of the draw is happening more and more often.
Flying UA nearly exclusively for domestic trips, the thing that stood out to me is the photos of the center console. So clean! The button are not worn, there is material on the console covering, and there are not 10 years of crumbs and other 'passenger matter' in the nooks and crannies.
I trust you charged the stickers to your AX Plat, and have AA selected as your airline of choice? Then I'd be interested to know if you get the sticker fee back as part of the $200 rebate.
I agree that AA first class is good. The only thing they could do better is offer everyone meals. Currently Jews like me cannot eat the free meals because they are not kosher, and American is the only airline other than US Airways that doesn't serve special meals in first class on these shorter flights.