American 777 First Class: More Of A “Business Class Plus”

American 777 First Class: More Of A “Business Class Plus”

58

A few days ago, I wrapped my quick detour to Africa, and flew American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER first class on the nine hour flight from London (LHR) to Miami (MIA).

I wasn’t actually supposed to take this flight — my intent was to fly British Airways Club Suites, but hours before my flight, the plane was swapped to one with the old business class (this trip was a disaster when it comes to plane swaps). So at that point I decided to just book a nonstop flight back home on American, and figured I’d check out the carrier’s first class (or so it’s called), given that a reasonably priced last minute award was available, and I wouldn’t be on the hook for high carrier surcharges.

For context, American’s only international first class is found on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ERs, and those planes are supposed to be reconfigured as of late 2025, at which point international first class will be eliminated, and replaced by a new business class. I figured it was time to give American’s most premium product one last try before it’s discontinued.

So, how was American’s international first class? It depends on how you frame it. If you compare it to the world’s best first class products, it’s a complete joke, and you’ll spend the whole flight just comparing everything to Emirates and crying. However, if you view this as a “business class plus” product, and are redeeming a reasonable number of miles, you’ll probably be happy.

The seats are ultimately quite comfortable, and the bedding and amenities are good, but the soft product is otherwise lackluster. Let me share some initial thoughts, and then soon I’ll have a full review.

American’s 777 first class seats are big but not private

American’s Boeing 777 first class cabin consists of eight seats, spread across two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.

American Airlines Boeing 777 first class cabin

To American’s credit, the seats are quite spacious, and they’ve aged surprisingly well, given that the seats are being discontinued sooner rather than later.

American Airlines Boeing 777 first class seat
American Airlines Boeing 777 first class seat
American Airlines Boeing 777 first class seat

I find the seats to be comfortable for both lounging and sleeping. One innovative aspect of the first class seats is how they swivel, so you can actually turn your seat so that it fully faces the window. This is super fun, since there’s a little desk that can pop out from the side. Talk about an “office” with a view!

American Airlines Boeing 777 first class seat

Of course this isn’t the world’s most spectacular first class suite, or anything, but the hard product is one of the stronger aspects of the experience. The one thing I don’t like about it is the total lack of privacy. It actually has less privacy than the business class seats. It’s not a huge deal, I’m just surprised no sort of privacy partition was installed a decade back, when these seats were introduced.

American’s 777 first class also has excellent entertainment, but that’s the case across cabins on the long haul fleet. The selection of movies and TV shows is extensive, so you shouldn’t get bored.

American Airlines Boeing 777 first class entertainment

There’s also Wi-Fi on the 777s, provided by Panasonic. A pass for the entire flight costs $35, which is steep, but at least there are no data caps, and I found the speeds to be very good. Last year, American managed to improve the Wi-Fi speeds on its wide body jets, and it’s noticeable. I was actually able to stay productive for most of the flight, rather than constantly waiting for pages to load.

American’s first class amenities are good enough

One thing where American nicely differentiates first class from business class is with the amenities. Each first class passenger was offered an amenity kit, which was decent enough, with Joann Vargas and Relevant products.

American Airlines first class amenity kit

There were also comfy pajamas and slippers from Nest, which are offered on this route in first class, but not business class.

American Airlines first class pajamas
American Airlines first class slippers

The bedding is also solid, with a small pillow and day blanket, plus a larger set of Casper bedding, which includes a larger pillow, a mattress pad, and a cozy duvet.

American Airlines first class bedding
American Airlines first class bedding
American Airlines first class turndown service

American’s first class catering is hilariously bad

American’s first class catering is not good. It’s basically the same as the carrier’s business class catering, except there’s soup and olives (what a product investment!). Heck, the entire service isn’t even performed directly on the tray table, but rather all the food is brought out on a tray, like you’d find in a not-great business class product.

Service began with warm mixed nuts and olives, so that’s one of the two aspects of the meal service that’s differentiated (in business class you only get mixed nuts).

American Airlines first class lunch — nuts & olives

Next up was a tray with the starter and salad, described as a mixed field greens salad with toasted walnuts, diced apples, and sultanas, and native lobster, with crisp fennel salad, pink grapefruit, and orange dressing.

American Airlines first class lunch — salad & starter

The next course was a slow-roasted tomato soup with pesto crouton garnish. This is the other part of the experience that’s different than business class, since there’s no soup in business class.

American Airlines first class lunch — soup

For the main course, I selected the organic Scottish salmon with jasmine rice, bok choy, and Asian spices. Organic food on American?! Damn, they’re really investing!

American Airlines first class lunch — main course

Lastly, for dessert I had the ice cream sundae, which is the dessert that US airlines seem to do best.

American Airlines first class lunch — dessert

Then before landing, the pre-arrival snack was a Mediterranean orzo salad with orzo pasta, feta cheese, mixed olives, roasted broccolini, blistered tomatoes, and roasted pepper puree.

American Airlines first class snack

If you think the above doesn’t look very first class, wait until you see the wine list. The highlight of the list was the Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Millesime 2015, which is a champagne you’ll find on several airlines in business class.

The rest of the wine list? Well, I can’t fully speak to the quality, but there’s not a single wine on the list that retails for over $12 per bottle. Yes, in international first class.

American Airlines first class wine list

So yeah, I just stuck to Diet Coke and water for the flight.

American’s first class service was well intentioned

I try to come into flights on US airlines with reasonable expectations on the service front. I know what to realistically expect, and I tend to think that if I can get personable, informal, and relatively attentive service, that’s a huge win.

So I’ve gotta say, for the most part, the American crews working the Miami to London are pretty great, by American standards. There seems to be a bit of a “mafia” working this route, with the same senior crew consistently bidding for the route, so they actually have pretty good teamwork, and crews also get to know frequent passengers on the route.

In first class, we had the purser, who was… okay. He was perhaps the least enthusiastic crew member. For example, upon boarding, his greeting to me was “sparkling wine, water, orange juice?” No “hello,” or “welcome onboard,” or “are you familiar with the seat?”

Then there was a lady working first class, and she was honestly lovely, in the most Waffle House kind of way possible. I started off the flight as her “honey,” then I became her “sweetie,” and then after waking up from my nap, I was a “babe.”

But, you know, she was on top of things, and constantly checked on passengers, and she was also genuinely fun and entertaining, so that’s about all you can ask for. She made the most of the limited product that American gives crews to work with. It was a stark contrast to when I flew American’s 777 first class from Dallas to Hong Kong back in the day, and had a crew that just clearly didn’t want to be there.

Then the best part of service on this flight was Arthur, who wasn’t even working first class. I had him on this exact route in business class last year, and he was awesome. I saw him again this flight, when he kept checking on first class passengers as well, and he’s stellar, and a true professional.

So this was honestly one of my better service experiences in American first class.

Bottom line

While American is eliminating its international first class late next year, the airline has already clearly given up on offering a substantially differentiated soft product. That being said, if you come in with the right expectations, the experience could still be worth it.

On the plus side, American’s 777 first class offers spacious seats, extensive entertainment, and reasonably good bedding and amenities. On this flight, I also had a well intentioned crew, which is more than I can say about many other American flights.

The food and drinks is really where the experience falls flat, though. The catering is almost identical to what you’ll find in business class, while the wine list has to be among the worst of any airline in the world in first class.

All that being said, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly American first class again if the points requirement were reasonable. I’d gladly pay an extra 10-20K miles for this product over business class. However, I pity the person who is booking a full fare ticket in this product (though I assume they’d be doing so based on schedule more than anything else).

What do you make of American’s 777 first class?

Conversations (58)
The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.
Type your response here.

If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. Anyone can comment, and your email address will not be published. Register to save your unique username and earn special OMAAT reputation perks!

  1. Brian Perry Guest

    Everyone seems to forget that this product was released over 11 years ago when no one else had anything like it. Of course it needs to be updated and things have moved. I had quickly with many airlines that's one of the reasons American is changing the product and all of that. At that time, most business class pods were not even really pods and we're nothing like they are today

  2. Azamaraal Diamond

    I've never flown international on a US airline before but have flown BA, Condor, Asiana, AC, CX, JAL, QF, QR, HU, SQ, EY, EK, SAA, S7, Wardair, CP, ANZ, TN, TK, KLM, ANA, Alitalia, BR, AF, GA, GF, FI, LH, OA, LX, TP, and TG long haul over the years.
    We will be flying UA Polaris on a 777 - 200 SFO-LHR in January connecting to WY IST-MCT-BKK 73M8, 789.
    Can anyone please...

    I've never flown international on a US airline before but have flown BA, Condor, Asiana, AC, CX, JAL, QF, QR, HU, SQ, EY, EK, SAA, S7, Wardair, CP, ANZ, TN, TK, KLM, ANA, Alitalia, BR, AF, GA, GF, FI, LH, OA, LX, TP, and TG long haul over the years.
    We will be flying UA Polaris on a 777 - 200 SFO-LHR in January connecting to WY IST-MCT-BKK 73M8, 789.
    Can anyone please suggest the best seats for two on UA? Confing is 8 rows, 6 rows for J. Is Polaris going to be better than LH (which was a disaster last year SFO-MUC?
    Thanks

  3. Miami305 Diamond

    The crew you got is the exception on AA. Most the FAs are laazy.
    But then you get these gems here and there that are frustrating... why can't they all be like that! AA needs clear out the dead weight.

    1. Seasoned traveler Guest

      Ok, enough of the so called FIRST CLASS service on US carriers.......IT IS NOT FIRST CLASS, it will NEVER be, they do not have the pride or honor to offer such service. it all money for them. It does not matter how you dress it up, you can put a tux in a penguin and it's still a penguin. Unfortunately, some of the good foreign airlines, not all, are copying the US carriers First Class...

      Ok, enough of the so called FIRST CLASS service on US carriers.......IT IS NOT FIRST CLASS, it will NEVER be, they do not have the pride or honor to offer such service. it all money for them. It does not matter how you dress it up, you can put a tux in a penguin and it's still a penguin. Unfortunately, some of the good foreign airlines, not all, are copying the US carriers First Class standard, and they are copying it, it's a shame that we set the pace in so many issues world wide, and we fall short of the desired results......and they follow....

  4. George Romey Guest

    I've scored an F seat sold as business on a couple of domestic runs. The seat provides more room. I'll get the full experience as I turned in nearly 450K miles to take the 77W from LAX to SYD this summer to escape the mid summer heat in July. Now I just have to hope the 789 doesn't get put on that route in the down season. Mods aren't happening until later next year.

  5. Michael Guest

    I have flown the 777-300 in 1A a dozen times, my favorite seat frankly.

    This week was my first time since 2020 during a long period of long hauls for work - the hard product is as good as it was then. It met my desires and renewed some nostalgia for a 3 window office in the skies. Those that look at a screen at 100% brightness with the windows closed, you should probably...

    I have flown the 777-300 in 1A a dozen times, my favorite seat frankly.

    This week was my first time since 2020 during a long period of long hauls for work - the hard product is as good as it was then. It met my desires and renewed some nostalgia for a 3 window office in the skies. Those that look at a screen at 100% brightness with the windows closed, you should probably just sit on a boat - you'll enjoy it more. The AA soft product, frankly, was only good when the FC staff was on break and the BC crew came forward. Only then was service worth while. I had all but asked for privacy from the incompetent forward crew, but save for laziness and a proactive BC crew, things turned around. For food - well - ugh. American has had one decent meal the past 4 years and it is the short rib, when they don't list it stop wasting time - I'd rather grab Auntie Anne's from the airport and volunteer to re-route....beg even. No one has ever said an in flight chicken enchilada is appetizing. Ask the airport Papacito's - they know it doesn't even sell on the ground.

    1. MiamiTop Guest

      >I have flown the 777-300 in 1A a dozen times, my favorite seat frankly.

      You do realize this isn't as much of a flex you think it is? You can literally get the points to indulge in that mediocre experience buying toilet paper at Dollar Tree.

      Go fly La Premiere paid with cash. Then come back to brag.

  6. Pete Guest

    “ I started off the flight as her “honey,” then I became her “sweetie,” and then after waking up from my nap, I was a “babe.””

    I don’t hate this. It’s preferable to a totally disinterested “sir”. I’m not that hung-up on bring addressed as “mister”, and always invite the crew to call me by my first name.

    1. Azamaraal Diamond

      I think honey, sweety and babe are something very American deep south. It really is inappropriate to non-Americans but we accept it for what it is - an attempt to be friendly. But Hi, Alan or sir or even "what would you like me to call you" would be more appropriate.

  7. St James Guest

    Aesthetically and now in terms of service, I've always thought of AA F as encapsulating a fundamental misunderstanding of what first class is supposed to be. The whole "office" style and whatnot screams as very American "look at how hard I work and I'm successful!" If I'm paying the eye-watering sums they're asking for this seat (or back when it was newer anyway) as a cash fare, I want to relax in a luxurious space....

    Aesthetically and now in terms of service, I've always thought of AA F as encapsulating a fundamental misunderstanding of what first class is supposed to be. The whole "office" style and whatnot screams as very American "look at how hard I work and I'm successful!" If I'm paying the eye-watering sums they're asking for this seat (or back when it was newer anyway) as a cash fare, I want to relax in a luxurious space. I don't want to be working or feel like I'm in my office. First class is supposed to be a luxury product, while business class is the practical one.

    Also, the diet coke and water is a hilarious throwback to old Ben lol.

  8. Mark Guest

    I’m always curious about pajamas in the amenity kits. Do people actually bundle up their clothes, haul everything into the tiny bathroom, and change into pajamas after dinner…then do it all over again an hour before landing? What if there’s a line at “prepare for landing” time? Are you going to get stuck wearing your first class PJs through customs?

    1. yoloswag420 Guest

      Why do you act like it's such an ordeal? Changing takes like 1m and it's that simple.

      If it was so difficult airlines wouldn't offer it at all. Some of y'all find the most tiny things to complain about.

    2. AeroB13a New Member

      Mark, as a frequent world traveling First and Business Class passenger, that is a very common question which I am asked.
      Personally, as soon as the seatbelt signs go out I change from my usual attire, a suit, into the provided PJ’s.
      I carry-on my own if I know none are provided on a particular flight and change regardless.
      The lavatory is hardly ever engaged immediately after takeoff, or, while the final...

      Mark, as a frequent world traveling First and Business Class passenger, that is a very common question which I am asked.
      Personally, as soon as the seatbelt signs go out I change from my usual attire, a suit, into the provided PJ’s.
      I carry-on my own if I know none are provided on a particular flight and change regardless.
      The lavatory is hardly ever engaged immediately after takeoff, or, while the final flight meal is being served.
      In all my passenger years I have never needed to disembark in my PJ’s, which quite frankly, look far smarter than some passengers day clothes.
      I hope this helps?

  9. Jedward Guest

    lol better than Cathay “first class” (which u love)

  10. A PLATINUM MEMBER OF oneworld Guest

    Dear Readers, i believe that the AA staff write these reviews which are so biased and clearly if we compare US carriers with other European, Middle eastern n Asian Airlines.... US carriers dont come close to providing from Pre Check in to flying to picking up ones luggage.
    And worse.. If u fly economy on other airlines, you dont have to fork out extra $60 for checked bags and getting pulled off by cops...

    Dear Readers, i believe that the AA staff write these reviews which are so biased and clearly if we compare US carriers with other European, Middle eastern n Asian Airlines.... US carriers dont come close to providing from Pre Check in to flying to picking up ones luggage.
    And worse.. If u fly economy on other airlines, you dont have to fork out extra $60 for checked bags and getting pulled off by cops because youe looks or clothes threatened a flight attendant!!! And oooh.. I nearly forgot.. The long haul flight are crewed with the oldest cabin crew mostly over 60yrs+ in many cases which they bid for and get awarded monthly... Older than grand parent. Lousy services in flght services also!!!! Whoever wrote this article... I wonder if they ever flew a real frst class flight on Singapore airlines, Emirates or Lufthansa before eriting incorrect info!!!

  11. AeroB13a Guest

    GAME ON!
    They started it, they have been verbally abusing numerous guests who have posted comments on this website, long before I became a regular reader.
    They continue in the same vein with whomever they choose to victimise.
    They have become the site trolls who contribute nothing of any value on any topic.
    Their only interests are self gratification and the attempted belittling of others.
    Their command and comprehension of...

    GAME ON!
    They started it, they have been verbally abusing numerous guests who have posted comments on this website, long before I became a regular reader.
    They continue in the same vein with whomever they choose to victimise.
    They have become the site trolls who contribute nothing of any value on any topic.
    Their only interests are self gratification and the attempted belittling of others.
    Their command and comprehension of the English language is infantile, even by third world standards.
    However, if they wish me to indulge them by trading insults, then I repeat …. Game ON!
    When commenters Eskimo or Mason (likely to be the same numpty) judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about their own need to be critical, in an infantile manner.
    Criticism of Eskimo or Mason may not be agreeable, but in their case it is necessary, it fulfils the same function as pain in the human body by calling attention to the unhealthy state of their minds.
    Criticism however is easy for Eskimo and Mason; achievement in their case is impossible.
    One of the greatest lessons in life is to acknowledge that even fools are right sometimes …. however, sadly Eskimo and Mason are proving to be the exception.
    Finally, if Mason and Eskimo agree on everything, then surely one of them is unnecessary?

    1. Eskimo Guest

      And yet here you are, using 9 paragraphs just to say you're doing what I'm doing, but you're still doing inferior.

      Oh, what an incompetent hypocrite.

    2. AeroB13a Guest

      Criticism is easy for the multi faceted Eskimo/Mason/etc; achievement in your case is difficult.
      Your ignorance of the English language is as profound as your aviation and banking knowledge, even an infant knows that one sentence does not constitute a paragraph.
      One chooses to start a new sentence one a new line in order to make it easier for the children to read.
      One might say that you are as dumb as...

      Criticism is easy for the multi faceted Eskimo/Mason/etc; achievement in your case is difficult.
      Your ignorance of the English language is as profound as your aviation and banking knowledge, even an infant knows that one sentence does not constitute a paragraph.
      One chooses to start a new sentence one a new line in order to make it easier for the children to read.
      One might say that you are as dumb as a rock, however, at least a rock can hold a door open.
      The simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to others.
      How remiss of me, I should never have engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man.

    3. digital_notmad Diamond

      Those clowns really do have a tortured grasp of the English language, fittingly so, I suppose. Tbf it's at least funny when they turn it on Dunn, who himself has never quite figured out how the mechanics of persuasive writing work, let alone the substance of it. Anyway, happy hunting!

  12. Bill Guest

    Be happy for the olives. Bob Crandall thought they were a drag on profits.

  13. Rich Guest

    @ben i flew business dfw akl wednesday and they've changed the bedding to a nest duvet and nothings else. AND NO PYJAMAS. Cutting back.

  14. Bill n DC Diamond

    But the Swivel Seats!! Which I love!
    I got DCA SYD next May in First for 70,000 AA miles. Wasn’t going to go in May but when I saw this availability, I booked. Traveling on to AUH via QR First to Abu Dhabi, then EY Apartment with shower to L.HR. Home on BA 1st using 80,000 AS miles
    I’ve actually flown this 3 times after what I thought would be last flight with original conversion schedule.
    Have Fun

  15. Mike Guest

    Definitely inferior to Delta One, but I would rank it on par with United Polaris. Polaris seat/cabin is slightly better than AA and AA seems like slightly better food than UA.

    1. Azamaraal Diamond

      Oh god - Polaris food is worse than AA? I thought S7 was the worst! Then there was Egyptair....
      The Polaris Lounge in SFO was great last year - maybe "dinner" before departure?

  16. Jake Guest

    The Yealands Sauvignon Blanc is a good wine you'd find served in a long haul economy or economy class cabin. At least they don't serve undrinkable swill like they do in domestic business class!

  17. King Guest

    Personally I don't like that FC on AA, no privacy.

  18. uldguy Diamond

    Flying in a premium cabin on AA reminds me of NW back in the day. If you come in with relatively low expectations you won’t be disappointed.

    On a side note, there are quite a few former NW middle to senior management who are now at AA. The renewed focus on D0 is due to that. It’s a metric NW placed a lot of emphasis on.

  19. Motion to Dismiss Gold

    What other airlines are serving Nicolas Feuillatte 2015 in business class? I’ve seen the non-vintage in business class on various airlines, but the vintage is pretty decent. Is it Krug? No, but it’s not terrible. In Air India F I was served non-vintage Laurent Perrier which was so disappointing and boring.

  20. Davisson Guest

    I just flew this cabin from LHR to DFW last week… service was a complete joke. Worse than most business class services. Also food was mediocre at best. I had one piece of lobster in that salad only. The nuts felt stale and old.
    Anyway, the seats are decent and bedding was good, that’s the only redeeming feature. This is worse than BA F where that can be a decent business+ experience.

    1. Fred Farkle Guest

      Pre-COVID, there were two flight attendants in F. That's what the workload requires. (If you don't know what the workload is, please don't offer snide comments.) During COVID, they dropped it to one. Post-COVID, they never restored the second position. The poor service is not for the FA not trying. It's understaffing.

    2. Brian W Guest

      People want to fly F with points or on a cheap app upgrade. The margin isn't there to support an F product like you find on AF or Singapore.

  21. Robert I Guest

    Don't spend a dollar you don't have to absolutely spend!

  22. InternationalTraveler Diamond

    Given that BA seems to price the flights with Club Suites consistently higher on routes where planes of the old and new configurations operate, I would be bummed if I paid the higher fares for the Club Suite in case of a last minute swap. The seat re-assignments would be messy. In the old Club, the window seats are semi decent.

    Overall AA First looks much better than I expected (except maybe the drinks)....

    Given that BA seems to price the flights with Club Suites consistently higher on routes where planes of the old and new configurations operate, I would be bummed if I paid the higher fares for the Club Suite in case of a last minute swap. The seat re-assignments would be messy. In the old Club, the window seats are semi decent.

    Overall AA First looks much better than I expected (except maybe the drinks). Besides caviar, LH shares many dishes between First and Business Class too.

  23. Fred Farkle Guest

    I've flown AA in F between the US and UK many times. Revenue and points. I've seen the decline in the offering. Catering in F, whether long haul or transcon has suffered. Service in F, whether long haul or transcon has suffered. Post-COVID, AA management made a conscious choice to not restore pre-COVID quality. At the same time, point prices have doubled to tripled. Finally, AA takes less care of its CKs, which was "it" for me.

  24. NK3 Diamond

    There is an interesting mix of amenities. It looks like the new (non-Casper) mattress pad, comforter and larger pillow that were announced in April, plus the old Casper lumbar pillow and blanket. And the amenity kit is the 13 lune one, not the Raven + Lily kits with Macabalm and Pholk Beauty products that were announced a little over 2 months ago.

  25. Love Travel Guest

    As a long time AA elite based in Miami and an even longer time traveler, I really appreciate that Ben is willing to give honest reviews like this one. AA’s products (not to mention their regard for customer loyalty) has tanked and it’s a shame. It’s nice to know that someone is actually relating to my experiences.

    I came to find OMAAT after TPG started their email wall. Their endless praise of terrible carriers (which...

    As a long time AA elite based in Miami and an even longer time traveler, I really appreciate that Ben is willing to give honest reviews like this one. AA’s products (not to mention their regard for customer loyalty) has tanked and it’s a shame. It’s nice to know that someone is actually relating to my experiences.

    I came to find OMAAT after TPG started their email wall. Their endless praise of terrible carriers (which I’ve now added AA too) just because they get paid by them was nauseating.

    Keep up the great work, Ben. I especially appreciate how much effort you put into writing all these articles yourself.

  26. Regis Guest

    Complete joke is right. I regret to say I have flown this product - on points - and the service and catering was apalling, although the hard product was acceptable. Except for me, the first class cabin was all filled with non rev staff, so they don't really care. They know nobody is crazy enough to pay for that.

  27. Regis Guest

    Complete joke is right. I regret to say I have flown this product - on points - and the service and catering was apalling, although the hard product was acceptable. Except for me, the first class cabin was all filled with non rev staff, so they don't really care. They know nobody is crazy enough to pay for it.

  28. BRMM Guest

    There are some other *small* distinctions from business. In first you get the little whipped butter dish vs. just a wrapped butter disc, and in first you get the bigger salt and pepper shakers (vs. the smaller ones, like on your second tray). And you get stemmed glassware (at least you used to; it appears maybe you didn't order any wine...I wouldn't blame you, with that list).

    The food doesn't actually look bad, though--it's fairly...

    There are some other *small* distinctions from business. In first you get the little whipped butter dish vs. just a wrapped butter disc, and in first you get the bigger salt and pepper shakers (vs. the smaller ones, like on your second tray). And you get stemmed glassware (at least you used to; it appears maybe you didn't order any wine...I wouldn't blame you, with that list).

    The food doesn't actually look bad, though--it's fairly well presented on the plate and not sloppy. If that were presented the on nicer china (e.g., BA first class) and directly on the table, it'd be more 'first class.' But it looks edible and pretty enjoyable.

  29. Eskimo Guest

    The people 37:0 AeroB13a Brainwashed pedophile poop reader apologist.

    "the plane was swapped to one with the old business class. So at that point I decided to just book a nonstop flight back home on American"
    AA before BA.
    If you can't process that rationally, then try use your specialty skill, reading alphabet poop. A comes before B, alphabetically even if covered in poop.

    But I assume we're just BA bashing and have...

    The people 37:0 AeroB13a Brainwashed pedophile poop reader apologist.

    "the plane was swapped to one with the old business class. So at that point I decided to just book a nonstop flight back home on American"
    AA before BA.
    If you can't process that rationally, then try use your specialty skill, reading alphabet poop. A comes before B, alphabetically even if covered in poop.

    But I assume we're just BA bashing and have no knowledge of air travel, unlikely to have travelled beyond national borders, and never set foot inside a BA aircraft.

    1. Redacted Guest

      This comment makes no sense. Ben reviews plenty of BA flights, and non-Club Suite BA business is awful. At least he got a nice seat on this one.

    2. Mason Guest

      @Redacted

      It's about a ret*rded pedophile BA apologist by the name of AeroB13a, not Ben.

      Maybe AeroB13a should take the wisdom of Proximanova and start to "visualise yourself flying British Airways or British Airways or BAW or something of that kind! ;)" while flying other carriers, assuming that he'd set his foot into any non-BA plane.

    3. JAL fanboy Guest

      You need mental help.

    4. D3kingg Guest

      @Redacted

      I chatted up my seat mates on both of my club suites flights. Might as well make the best of it.

    5. MiamiTop Guest

      Did you have a stroke while writing this nonsense?

  30. yoloswag420 Guest

    The food doesn't actually look that bad though? You didn't really comment on taste though.

    The wine list is pretty mediocre, but what can you expect these days?

    Given the relatively low price and surcharges of AA F, it's at least a decent-ish way to cross the pond.

    1. neogucky Gold

      Agreed, the food looks decent. It sounds like only olives and soup are different to J but if I will get this exact menu without those AA definitely exceeds my culinary expectations for business class.

  31. George Guest

    Better than your favorite (Lufthansa)

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ George -- By what metric is Lufthansa my favorite?

    2. Proximanova Member

      Maybe he’s talking about the days when LH was legitimately your favourite airline in the world, which was a decade ago, when Germany won the World Cup. Reference: https://onemileatatime.com/im-just-caviar-less-biased-review-lufthansa-first-class/

      Now, perhaps JAL seems to be your current favourite, up with EVA, SQ and QR, though it’s not a one-way street and all are brilliant on their day. Cue the sound of masonry below.

  32. Abidjan Diamond

    Glorified business class is the perfect way to describe the product. Good riddance. I will miss the swivel seat though. As usual, it's the soft product where AA continues to swing and miss (with some exceptions).

  33. Mick Guest

    Im seeing first class awards from syd to lax for 75k miles atm. Pretty amazing price considering how inflated other points prices have become. I actually like AA biz so I wonder how much of a premium this is.

    I’m flying JAL first next week from Tokyo to Sydney. The old product. Open product but like LH first it seems a little more cocooned than AA F.

    I’m flying with my 11yo and...

    Im seeing first class awards from syd to lax for 75k miles atm. Pretty amazing price considering how inflated other points prices have become. I actually like AA biz so I wonder how much of a premium this is.

    I’m flying JAL first next week from Tokyo to Sydney. The old product. Open product but like LH first it seems a little more cocooned than AA F.

    I’m flying with my 11yo and wondering if we should take the two middle seats or window and aisle (gaining a view but ironically creating too much privacy shield to chat)!

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Mick -- If traveling with an 11-year-old, I'd probably choose the center seats. It's fun to both be able to swivel the seats toward the center, and dine face-to-face. But you can't go wrong either way. Enjoy the flight, and that's quite a good deal!

    2. Steven E Guest

      So first class SYD LAX - so you know that will be a QF A380 as AA doesn’t have first class

    3. Stu Guest

      Flew SYD > LAX in May on a AA 777-300ER in first for 108k miles. My experience was as Ben aptly described and dubbed Business Plus. Disappointing at the time to me based on my expectations.

    4. Mick Guest

      Im not flying AA. I’m flying JAL F this time. Tokyo to Sydney. 60k AA points (used to be 50k). Osaka to Tokyo in first class on a 767 included. Super interested to see what’s it’s like domestically.

      Noting that there is a ton of JAL F availability atm to and from Oz. Sometime three seats. And almost nothing in other classes.

    5. Michael Member

      That's an odd comment on a post that's about AA First Class... AA does have a First Class, and it is offered on the SYD-LAX flights.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Eskimo Guest

And yet here you are, using 9 paragraphs just to say you're doing what I'm doing, but you're still doing inferior. Oh, what an incompetent hypocrite.

4
AeroB13a Guest

GAME ON! They started it, they have been verbally abusing numerous guests who have posted comments on this website, long before I became a regular reader. They continue in the same vein with whomever they choose to victimise. They have become the site trolls who contribute nothing of any value on any topic. Their only interests are self gratification and the attempted belittling of others. Their command and comprehension of the English language is infantile, even by third world standards. However, if they wish me to indulge them by trading insults, then I repeat …. Game ON! When commenters Eskimo or Mason (likely to be the same numpty) judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about their own need to be critical, in an infantile manner. Criticism of Eskimo or Mason may not be agreeable, but in their case it is necessary, it fulfils the same function as pain in the human body by calling attention to the unhealthy state of their minds. Criticism however is easy for Eskimo and Mason; achievement in their case is impossible. One of the greatest lessons in life is to acknowledge that even fools are right sometimes …. however, sadly Eskimo and Mason are proving to be the exception. Finally, if Mason and Eskimo agree on everything, then surely one of them is unnecessary?

3
Redacted Guest

This comment makes no sense. Ben reviews plenty of BA flights, and non-Club Suite BA business is awful. At least he got a nice seat on this one.

3
Meet Ben Schlappig, OMAAT Founder
5,163,247 Miles Traveled

32,614,600 Words Written

35,045 Posts Published

Keep Exploring OMAAT