Hello Flight Report community and thanks for stopping by this review, the eighth and final installment of my American AAdvantage miles purge.
It has been clear for several years that the American Airlines Advantage frequent flyer program was out of sync with the other major US carriers. It has remained very generous on the redemption side while the others have had significant devaluations. Smart money was on a correction coming sooner before later. It was with this in mind that I decided to structure a grand adventure and cut deeply into my AAdvantage miles inventory.
The final tally was SNA-PHX-LHR-CDG for 62,500 AA miles, CDG-DOH-DEL for 40,000 AA miles, and DEL-AUH-JFK-LAX for 90,000 AA miles.So 192,500 AA miles lighter, I was off.
I was still reeling from the spectacular Etihad flights and the oddity of deplaning an A380 from the Abu Dhabi as a domestic passenger. With my head still in the clouds I manage to find the Air Train to T8 and visit the AA premium check in to obtain my boarding pass. Security is quiet at this time and pre-check has me through in 5 min.
Cool evolution of the AA logo.
Entrance to T8 airside.
I decide to head to the "Flagship" lounge. It's a good thing they have committed to a remodel as this ship is sinking.
I have the pleasure of being welcomed in to the Admirals Club and then subsequently the Flagship Lounge by a staffer who manages to not utter a single word. That takes some skill! It's almost reflexive to greet someone when they present themselves before you so to be able to overcome that instinct is rather impressive.
The lounge is a dump. It's a room full of worn out furniture.
The breakfast spread is out, which is far more substantial than one would find in the adjacent Admirals Club.
I pass of the food and opt to take a shower. This means going back out to the charismatic staffers at the entrance. The desk in the Flagship Lounge htat is usually staffed, was not. O boy were they thrilled to have to stand up and walk me to a shower suite.
Turns out it was all for naught as the shower was so gross and infested with mildew that I thought better of using it.
I returned to the Flagship Lounge and tok one of the comfy seat by the window. There is a good view of the ramp.
The buffet was switched to lunch.
As departure time approached I left for the gate. On my way out I overheard a couple of AA "suits" talking about the new Flagship Lounge. If you're familiar with the Admirals Club/Flagship Lounge complex there is a large "bridge" that is just outside the lounge. Apparently this space it to be the new Flagship Lounge.
Off to the gate via the underground walkway. A 777 getting some service.
The aircraft for AA3.
Boarding for First Class was called shortly and I did the "pardon me" and "excuse me" dance to navigate through the lice and to the gate.
On board the cabin is still in top shape and still the best commercial airline way of getting across the USA.
Great IFE screen size and resolution.
Pre-departure beverage service is offered promptly and I opt for champagne.
The lunch menu for today's flight is offered.
Offers to top up the champagne pre-departure were made and appreciated.
Soon we were off the gate for an on time departure and taxi over to 13R.
Bar service started eventually and I requested a gin & tonic. Served in a "heritage" glass.
The table was set for lunch again after some delay. Interesting wrapped salt and pepper shaker.
Over Ohio and only a table setting so far.
Warm bread was offered from a basket and I chose the sourdough roll.
Wine was offered for lunch and I opted for the Argentinian red blend. It was very nice and perfect for consumption at altitude.
After what seemed like an inordinate delay and to my surprise I was presented with a salad to start. I expected the salmon starter that I had selected. The salad was simple but good fresh ingredients.
When the flight attendant cleared the salad I inquired about the starter. She thought she had already served it. Oops, no matter, she apologized and delivered the salmon. The salmon was extremely salty.
For the main I opted for the Thai Beef Red Curry. It was a fine dish. The curry ad a nice balance of sweetness from the coconut milk and some heat form the chilies. It was overcooked, of course.
To finish the meal I requested the cheese. Nothing special here. The wine was kept topped up throughout the entire meal.
The table was cleared and I put the seat in bed mode and snoozed the rest of the way to LAX. I declined the warm cookie service prior to arrival.
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Verdict
American Airlines
7.3/10
Cabin8.0
Cabin crew6.5
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Meal/catering6.5
American Airlines Flagship Lounge - 8
7.1/10
Comfort7.5
Meal/catering7.5
Entertainment/wifi6.0
Services7.5
New York - JFK
7.5/10
Efficiency7.5
Access7.5
Services7.5
Cleanliness7.5
Los Angeles - LAX
7.5/10
Efficiency7.5
Access7.5
Services7.5
Cleanliness7.5
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this American AAdvantage miles purge.
The Ground Service: The premium AA check in at JFK is quite spacious and entry is controlled by one AA's finest and angriest staff. The process was very quick and efficient.
The Lounge: The Flagship Lounge is quite dated and run down so news of the new lounge is welcome. It's still miles ahead of the Admirals Club.
The Cabin: Full flat bed and direct aisle access on a domestic flight are fantastic. The seat is great with many storage options and good padding.
The Crew: Rather indifferent and a bit scatter brained but of no malice. The service seemed slow. I guess that qualifies as good in the US!?!
The Food and Beverage: The food is definitely more of a Business Class quality but there is an adequate amount of selection and portions are good.
Overall: The only First Class among the US3 in the transcon market. The seat is conducive to work and/or sleep so it's a valuable product that seems to have a good following.
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I loved your review of the lounge, haha. It's tough to go from an ME3 level of service back to the states. I had a similar experience in January when I spent time in the MIA Admirals Club after experiencing the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge. US airlines can complain all they want about ME3 subsidies, but it doesn't cost anything to smile at your customers.
It's tough to go from an ME3 level of service back to the states. -So true. I'm sure the experiences with QR and EY influenced my opinions of the AA lounge.
US airlines can complain all they want about ME3 subsidies, but it doesn't cost anything to smile at your customers. -Very well said. It's an unfortunate situation in that we U.S. consumers don't demand better.
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4 Comments
Thanks for sharing!
It's tough to go from an ME3 level of service back to the states.
-So true. I'm sure the experiences with QR and EY influenced my opinions of the AA lounge.
US airlines can complain all they want about ME3 subsidies, but it doesn't cost anything to smile at your customers.
-Very well said. It's an unfortunate situation in that we U.S. consumers don't demand better.
Thanks again Nick and happy flying.
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