Hello everyone,
Welcome to the next installment in this new series of flights. This is the JFK-CDG segment. In this report we'll cover the American Airlines Flagship First Lounge at JFK and the new B767-300ER Business class cabin.
Routing:
Washington, DC Reagan National DCA - New York John F. Kennedy JFK, American Eagle, E175, Domestic First Class
New York John F. Kennedy JFK - Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle CDG, American Airlines, B767-300ER, Business Class [THIS REPORT]
Paris Orly ORY - New York Newark Liberty EWR, OpenSkies (By British Airways), B757-200, Business Class
Upon arriving from DC, I headed landside for some fresh air and to meet up with some friends who were also flying through JFK.
Welcome to New York! I had been up here for the weekend recently, but this time, I'm just passing through.
After hanging out and catching up with my friends for a bit, I headed back airside via the Priority AAccess lane at security.
The regular security line was super long, but the priority lane ony had about 5 or 6 people ahead of me and I was through in about 5 minutes.
I headed straight to the Flagship lounge located on the left past security. You can take a flight of stairs or the elevator.
Once I arrived at the lobby of the Flagship lounge, the friendly agent informed me that with my Executive Platinum/oneworld Emerald status I had access to the Flagship First Class lounge (which I knew, but it was nice to hear it).
She escorted us and swiped us in to the separate First class lounge.
At first glance the lounge seems a bit small, but there are only 3 or 4 other people so it feels really private and exclusive.
The food offering is well above average for a U.S. lounge
Open bar alcohol selection
Some whites and bubbly in the fridge
There's no real French champagne, but Chandon is a good California sparkling, in my opinion
Picked out a few things to snack on while enjoying the beautiful view of the tarmac out the large windows
Some planespotting from the lounge
Really love the look of 757s in the new AA colors
Asiana A380
AA 757 in oneworld colors
KE cargo 747
A 763 like the one I'll be flying later
Cathay Pacific 777-300ER
JetBlue in a special livery taking off
Finnair arriving from Helsinki
The lounge stayed very quiet for the several hours we were there
Some hot food was brought out so I decided to try it. The chicken breast was a bit rubbery, but the cherry sauce was good. Hot food in a U.S. airline lounge is a rare luxury so I won't complain ?
The Corporate screenshot
Although I was pretty full, some new kinds of sandwiches were brought out, so I tried them too. The croissant sandwich was pretty good. The other was very dry.
As we got closer to boarding time, I decided to take a shower to freshen up before the flight. There are 4 or 5 shower rooms in the First class section so it was no problem getting a shower room right away.
After showering, we packed up and headed to the gate as boarding was to begin in 15 minutes.
Spotted this beautiful AA 77W on the way to the gate.
Our flight was leaving from Gate 45 in the other concourse so I was able to get this shot of our plane across the way (on the left) before heading down into the tunnel between concourses.
Unfortunately, that was the only picture of my aircraft I was able to take on departure because boarding had started early and we boarded through the Priority lane as soon as we got to the gate.
We were warmly greeted by 2 Flight Attendants at the door of the aircraft that directed us to our seats.
Upon stepping onboard, I found the look of the new 767 Business class cabin to be very chic and modern, while keeping a classic touch with the wood accents. An overall very good first impression. I have flown on Delta 767s many times with similar seats, but much prefer the look of the AA cabin.
My seat 8G. I purposely chose this seat because I like being in the last row of Business class for more privacy and I knew that this seat had a large console between the seat and the aisle, giving even more space and privacy.
If I were traveling alone, I would choose this seat.
A few more cabin and seat views.
Again, this cabin is much nicer than Delta's cold, plasticky, and boring 767 cabins. The colors and wood add elegance and warmth to the aesthetic of the cabin.
Aside from a blanket and pillows, there is a bottle of water in a small storage space that also has power outlets.
The seat controls. Although cool and modern looking, are very sensitive and I found myself inadvertently adjusting my seat anytime I barely brushed up against the controls or accidentally rested my arm on them.
Seat pitch is great, as one would expect.
For all the flashy newness, AA did not install PTVs on these retrofitted 767s. It's kind of a shame, but also understandable since AA is not intending to keep the 767 fleet around for much longer with the arrival of 787s. In Business class, all passengers receive a tablet with similar pre-loaded content to the traditional in-seat IFE. In Economy class, these overhead screens are the only IFE.
View from my seat.
A few minutes after we settled in, a FA came around with a tray of pre-departure beverages, with the usual choices: water, orange juice, and sparkling wine.
Cheers!
Let's take a look at the menu. Like jetsetpanda, I also like the design of the menu cover.
Four choices of entrees is quite good. On most of my flights in Business class on other airlines, there are usually only 3 choices of entrees.
I had already pre-selected my meal option on AA.com. This is a really nice feature that AA offers to ensure your meal choice is available.
The boarding process was quick and the aircraft doors were closed quite early.
Because it was a beautiful day and there were several open seats in Business class. I moved to this seat to take some pics during taxi and takeoff. When our FA was nearby, I asked him if it was ok if I moved just for takeoff. He very politely explained to me that it was not a problem for me to move, but that this seat (8A) is a crew rest seat and that a member of the cockpit crew would most likely come back to sit there. He offered me to sit in the free window seat just one row in front. We chatted a little bit, and it turns out he is also a fan of planespotting/aviation photography. Very cool guy!
We ended up pushing back 10 minutes early. The moving map comes on the overhead screens.
The safety video plays during taxi. AA needs to come out with a new safety video, this one has the old branding and cabins.
A few shots during taxi.
Air Berlin A330
Alitalia A330
The daily Air France A380 at Terminal 1
Brussels Airlines A330
AZ A330 again
Two next gen Boeing planes, LOT Polish 787 at the gate with an Air China 747-8i taxiing in the background.
The moving map comes back on after the safety video.
Just a few planes in front of us the takeoff: The AZ A332 again and a DL A333 behind it.
The taxi time was relatively short for JFK, but a long line starts to build up behind us.
Another AA 767 takes off in front of us, then we get into position at the end of the runway.
I love 757s and the drab Unitental livery almost looks nice in this light…almost :-P
And here we go! ——✈️
A few shots of the CA 748i as we speed down the runway.
The lineup at Terminal 1
Delta's Terminal 2, which I affectionately call the Trailer–I'm still saddened that they tore down the historical landmark that was the Pan Am WorldPort (Terminal 3), but kept this monstrosity up this long. T3 was definitely getting old and not well maintained and just became impractical as an operational terminal, but should have been preserved for the architectural value, like the TWA T5, in my opinion.
And now, where T3 once stood just 2 years ago, has become parking for DL jets in front of their gleaming new T4 concourse.
Royal Air Maroc 787 taxiing.
Some winglet shots
And we start our relatively short Transatlantic crossing. Today's flight duration will only be about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Some nice views above Long Island sound as we continue out climb.
Once the seat belt sign was turned off, I returned to my seat as the Samsung Galaxy tablets were being distributed.
The content is essentially the same as on the normal in-seat integrated IFE, except that there is no moving map, of course.
…and that, is a shame for an AvGeek, but I'll survive :-P
Shortly after, FA's come around with hot towels
Warm nuts are served with pre-dinner drinks. I went for more sparkling wine. Although it was a Prosecco, it was decent.
When the first course of the meal arrived, I found the appetizer to be tiny. Although an interesting presentation, the quantity was really lacking. I feel like there should have been some salmon or shrimp to accompany the minuscule stuffed zucchini rolls.
I was really pleased with the main, however. The beef was not too overcooked (beef is always overcooked on airplanes) and was tender. The Blue cheese potatoes were delicious.
Grilled Beef Filet with thyme jus, blue cheese potatoes au gratin, sautéed spinach and mushrooms
For desert, I couldn't make up my mind. As a Frenchman, I had to have a separate cheese course before dessert, so that was a given.
But then I couldn't decide on the Brownie Ice cream or Cappuccino cake–they both sounded good. The FA suggested, I try both. Good idea!
The Ice cream was good, but a little too frozen. I would have preferred a Sunday with all the toppings like they used to do, but it was fine.
The Cappuccino cake was tasty. I had a Sherry to accompany my dessert.
Luckily I had some lactaid pills in my bag for all that dairy :-P
Enjoyed a Cognac digestif before getting ready for bed.
I then continued watching a movie, Tomorrowland, and slept a good 3 hours.
I was awoken for breakfast, as I had requested. I wasn't terribly hungry and would have continued sleeping, but as AA doesn't have an arrivals lounge in Paris anymore, and we had to get on the road for a long drive right away after landing, I figured I'd better eat breakfast.
The breakfast was good and hearty overall.
I tried to get a little more sleep after breakfast, but we ended up landing almost an hour ahead of scheduled arrival time.
On arrival, somehow I had my camera in some weird fisheye mode, when I took this pic. I guess it's kind of representative of the half-asleep state I was in on arrival ?
And some non-distorted last shots of the cabin on deplaning.
There was absolutely no one at immigration, which was nice for a change. With so few flights arriving so early, the airport was pretty empty and the bags were delivered rather quickly.
We were in the rental car and on our way even before the scheduled arrival time!
Thanks for reading!
Very nice and in-depth report! My next report will be about a 767-300ER as well.
I am really astoud that AA did not install personal TVs. Even though they are taking these aircraft out of service, the seats could be reused on other of their planes. If I'm right these are the same seats like in Swiss and Austrian (and others') business class.
Catering looks very tasty. Yummy!
Thanks for your comment! Oh cool, there aren't too many 767s left in Europe, so I look forward to seeing which airline it will be.
Yes, it's a shame AA didn't install PTVs--it's fine in Business class since there are tablets, but in Economy class it must be really boring to fly without PTVs on a long-haul. Yes, this seat design, the Thompson Vantage suite, is the same seat as on LX and OS, and several others as well, you are correct. Thanks for reading!
Hi Kevin !
Thanks for sharing !
This cabin looks really great. The lack of moving maps is terrible for us av-geeks ^^
AA's logic : Bring your own. No IFE in Economy ?
It's a shame Lactaid isn't in supermarkets in Europe !
@+
Thanks for your comment :-)
No moving map sucks for AvGeeks for sure, but luckily, I got my fix from the times when they showed it on the overhead TVs, LOL. But I was still en manque
I guess in Economy, you have to bring your own, but I'm not sure if there are power outlets in Y--if there are not, you better have enough battery to last the flight :-P
Yes, it's too bad there is no lactaid in Europe and very few lactose-free products for those of us who are lactose-intolerant. I always bring some lactaid pills with me when I come home to France so that I can enjoy all the cheese I want! haha. Luckily, there is a Lactose-free milk sold in France called Matin Léger so at least I have that when I go to France.
Thanks for reading! @+
Salut Kevin.
The regular security line was super long, but the priority lane ony had about 5 or 6 people ahead of me and I was through in about 5 minutes.
- It's a zoo in the morning. It took me 15-20 min. to clear.
She escorted us and swiped us in to the separate First class lounge.
- Believe it or not, I have never experienced a Flagship lounge when I was EXP. One of these days. In the meantime, I plan to visit the new Pier when I go to HKG in Nov. and take advantage of my Emerald status. ;)
The food offering is well above average for a U.S. lounge
- Very decent indeed.
Some planespotting from the lounge
- Nice spotting and pics.
As we got closer to boarding time, I decided to take a shower to freshen up before the flight.
- I liked Dermatologica products better. I have never gotten used to the scents of Red Flower.
I found the look of the new 767 Business class cabin to be very chic and modern, while keeping a classic touch with the wood accents.
- I agree with you, the wood accents are lovely. However, not much privacy in this cabin layout.
Like jetsetpanda, I also like the design of the menu cover.
- You have great taste. :P
AA needs to come out with a new safety video, this one has the old branding and cabins.
- More reasons to keep it for nostalgic value. ha ha.
I love 757s and the drab Unitental livery almost looks nice in this light...almost :-P
- I hate that livery and logo. Looks like someone going through an identity crisis. They should have renamed it either CO or UA.
The AZ A332 again and a DL A333 behind it.
- Birds of the same alliance flock together.
This is a really nice feature that AA offers to ensure your meal choice is available.
- Provided it works as it is supposed to. For my GIG-JFK flight, the pre-order menu only gave me 2 choices.
I found the appetizer to be tiny.
- I thought it was the child's meal. :P Oh another vegetarian appetizer in small portions. The cost cutting continues and is in full force.
I was really pleased with the main, however.
- And it was served separately, unlike what I experienced on my two long haul flights.
The breakfast was good and hearty overall.
- The omelette is becoming boring. There should be at least 3 choices for breakfast.
Thank you for sharing this nice FR Kevin.
Thanks for your comments as always!
I guess I got lucky with security because I know it can be a hot mess. The regular line was certainly a zoo. But the Priority line was ok. I went through twice: when I got first arrived around 11AM and again around 3PM. I guess I avoided the really busy times earlier in the morning and in the late afternoon with the Transatlantic push. I wonder if I would have had access to the special hidden Flagship security lane? Probably not, I think it's just for actual International and Transcon F pax.
I've heard good things about the Pier. I went to the Wing First class loungein Februrary, as you know, and wasn't super impressed--though, don't get me wrong, it's still really nice.
I liked Dermatologica products better. I have never gotten used to the scents of Red Flower - Agree, I prefer Dermatologica as well. I really like AF's l'Occitane products too.
However, not much privacy in this cabin layout. - Exactly, that's why I chose the last row. I much prefer the 77W seats, but for a 767, these seats are perfect on short TATL flights.
thought it was the child's meal. :P Oh another vegetarian appetizer in small portions. The cost cutting continues and is in full force. - HAH! That's a good one...although I'm not sure kids would enjoy zucchini lol. But it was ridiculously small--with the loads of money AA/US have been making since the merger, this kind of cost-cutting seems a little much.
The omelette is becoming boring. There should be at least 3 choices for breakfast. - 2 choices, one of which is a hot option isn't bad for a short TATL flight in my experience. AF, for example, has no hot option--just one choice, pastries and fruit.
More reasons to keep it for nostalgic value. ha ha - why add to the frustration of those who remember the good old days :-P
Provided it works as it is supposed to. For my GIG-JFK flight, the pre-order menu only gave me 2 choices - with the crappy catering you had on those flights, I'm surprised you were given even 2 choices online, lol
Welcome to my playground ^^ Funnily, I recently flew DL and have more flights booked with them soon.
Based on US standards, the lounge is pretty ok. I've never tried the Delta lounge at JFK with the open rooftop. How do both lounges compare ?
I wouldn't have gone for row 8. I understand your privacy points but the baby bassinet right behind you and it may be a nuisance for such a short night flight.
On the Transcon. flights, the menu indicates Champagnes & Prosecco but not here, and you actually get a prosecco. It may be a fine one, but still the appellation is mis-used (and by the way, I had a Gosset Excellence on the very same flight !)
The catering is the usual one. No mistakes possible with the full range of choice (chicken, beef, fish, veggie) but no surprise. As you quote, it's nothing premium ; but it's adequate for a quick dinner.
I hate when these short night flights arrive early ^^
Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for your comments!
Ah, so now that that I'm flying AA more, you switch to DL, lol. Looking forward to seeing the DL reports; you'll be able to tell me which you prefer.
It's hard to compare the Sky Club and Flagship First lounges--technically, I guess, as a lounge, the Flagship lounge is better because it has much better food and alcohol selection (The DL lounge has no free bubbly, California or otherwise). But I love the JFK Sky Club because of the Sky Deck. If the Flagship lounge had a terrace, it would then be waaaay better than the Sky Club.
Yes, being in the last row of Business class you always take the risk of having a baby right behind you with the bulkhead there, but I've been lucky each time I've done that. Plus there's always the noise-cancelling headphones...although, they don't always work for the loudest babies. lol
You are correct, AA definitely uses the Champagne appelation incorrectly; I've mentioned this in previous reports. But based on previous legal decisions in the U.S., AA is technically allowed to call whatever it wants champagne as the appelation is not recognized in the United States. Wine makers in the U.S. avoid calling sparkling wines champagne out of respect, and will say either California Champagne or Méthode Champenoise--but technically, they are allowed to use the word champagne in the U.S. It's also an American cultural thing. People call anything with bubble champagne and champagne from France Real champagne in my experience, lol.
You can't go wrong with the choices for main course; there's something for everyone. Yes, it's nothing fancy, but it is good, and there is some creativity--I found the blue cheese potatoes to be creative.
I hate when these short night flights arrive early - I hate how short these flights are. I don't mind arriving early and avoiding the crowds, but it's hard waking up when it's not even midnight for me in the U.S. Because we arrived on August 15th, a big holiday weekend in France, as you know, our early arrival helped us avoid traffic jams. We had to drive all the way to Rodez right away, so we got there much faster than if we had been stuck in the usual traffic jams that formed later in the day.
Thanks for this FR.
The flagship lounge is really the perfect way to spend the day in confort for an avgeek!
The food offering are comparable to what onne would find in a business lounge around the world, but in the US the offerings are indeed great.
I'm also impressed by the breakfast offered on the plane. It's a real meal and not some kind of snack like you get on AF for instance on east coast flights.
The cabin looks like a different one from DL, even with the same seat, they really succeeded in creating a warm and modern atmosphere.
Too bad they didn't retrofit the coach seats with PTV as well!
Thanks for reading! Yes, the flagship lounge is pleasant. It would be so wonderful if it had an outdoor terrace like the DL Sky Club. Yes, the food offering is essentially what you get in a good Business lounge outside the U.S., but in the U.S. it's way above average. I wanted to compare the breakfast to AF's poor offering on similar routes, but I didn't want to bash AF, but you definitely got the same feeling I had. The cabin looks great. Y looked good too, except for not having any PTVs, which is really a shame, as you say.
Thanks for sharing this very nice FR.
The new cabin looks nice! Just sad that they didn't put an IFE...
Nice spotting, I really love the first one during the taxi with the 767 from the back.
The cost cutting is on his way as we can see for the meal...
See you
Thanks very much for stopping by! Yes, the cabin would be perfect, if they had just put PTVs in--AA works in mysterious ways.
Thank you--I do love planespotting :-)
Cost-cutting, is the American way...or is it the AAmerican wAAy :-P
Thanks for your comments!
Thank you for sharing this FR with us!
Great spotting at JFK! Probably my favourite part of any FR :).
The new 763 cabin looks good and the seats do look very comfortable.
Well it's sad to see the moving map as the only missing feauture on these tablets. The moving map is all I need on flights (a window seat as well).
That appetizer was really disappointing. The rest of the catering looks good though.
See you on the next one!
Thank you for comments! Glad you enjoyed the spotting :-) It's one of my favorite parts of any FR as well #AvGeek
I'm the same way with the moving map. On some flights, that all I'll watch on the PTV and the scenery outside. Luckily, because it was a night flight and we landed in Paris when it was still night, I didn't miss anything.
Yep, the appetizer is sad, but the rest was good. Thanks for reading!
Hot food in a U.S. airline lounge is a rare luxury so I won't complain ?--> I really think that you should come back to France more often (LOL)
Aren't you bothered by the noise coming from the Y class when you travel on the last row of J Class? Especially baby bassinets on the bulkhead?
Again, this cabin is much nicer than Delta's cold, plasticky, and boring 767 cabins.--> and black color is nicer as well.
I like the variety of international tails at JFK. Nice picture of CA 747-8.
Compared to Adan's flights, catering looks more attractive.
Thank you Kevin.
I really think that you should come back to France more often (LOL) - I wish, I could! But once or twice a year is all I can do :-( But there was hot dishes in a BA lounge at ORY when I was there last week.
Aren't you bothered by the noise coming from the Y class when you travel on the last row of J Class? Especially baby bassinets on the bulkhead? -- No, I've been lucky and haven't had any babies in the bulkhead behind me in a long time. Plus, that's what noise-cancelling headphones are for :-)
I like the variety of international tails at JFK. Nice picture of CA 747-8. - Me too! JFK, LAX, and LHR are my 3 favorite places for planespotting!
Thanks for your comments Bernard!
Thanks for sharing this great report with us Kevin! Plenty of nice spotting!
It's nice that they have a priority security line at JFK for premium passengers. This unfortunately is not a common feature of most airports.
The lounge doesn't look that much improved visually, but I guess the reduced crowd makes it a much better lounge experience since you can actually take some peaceful rest without the masses coming and going. So to summarize the food in the lounge, it was rubbery and dry. I guess we have to give them credit for trying though :) That shower looks pretty utilitarian with that old curtain.
Thank you for all of the photos of the CA B748, you know I'm a fan! CA will always have a special place in my heart, lol. Overall, nice spotting on this sunny day in New York! The AA 757 does look much better in the new livery than the tin can livery.
The appetizer is way too small, especially considering it doesn't contain a protein. The plating on the main looks much better and far better than what jetsetpanda saw on his recent trip. Again, the breakfast service is done without laying linens, so that looks to be the new service trend unfortunately.
Even on an old plane, this cabin really does make it look modern. Definitely the best US products out there on AA. I think the Cirrus seats have more functionality, but these have more space.
See you for the next one!
Thanks for your comments!
Yeah, AA is inconsistent about premium security lanes. They used to not have one in the C Terminal at DCA (the former US Terminal) and it's a hub! They only recently put one in, but the sign is super tiny and there is usually such a clusterf*** of people around that it's easy to go into the wrong lane. Then in bigger hubs like JFK and DFW, they are clearly marked and separate. JFK even has a private and completely separate security lane for just International First class passengers, which is nice.
The lounge doesn't look that much improved visually, but I guess the reduced crowd makes it a much better lounge experience - Yeah, there's really no difference with the Regular lounge visually--it's just a more private and quiet space with upgraded food and beverage. I also like that it's self serve alcohol. I was popping bottles of Chandon like it was my job :-P
I generally don't like having bartenders in lounges because you have to wait for drinks, even soda, and then you feel compelled to tip. And as a good American, I always tip. And yeah, the showers in the regular lounge seem nicer in general. Maybe they haven't gotten to renovations in the F class section yet.
Thank you for all of the photos of the CA B748 - so glad you enjoyed them--I know how much everyone loves CA :-P It is a beatiful bird, though.
The appetizer is way too small, especially considering it doesn't contain a protein. - It's downright microscopic. That appetizer is just all kinds of wrong. I need MEAT lol.
the breakfast service is done without laying linens, so that looks to be the new service trend unfortunately - Yup, it's not very premium class and it's unfortunate. They only layed linens for one out of three meal services on my DFW-HKG flight too, so it's definitely become standard service protocol. It's so weird how some aspects of AA still feel premium compared to other U.S. carriers and then others just feel cheap. AA is going through an identity crisis, though nothing like what CO/UA went through during that hot mess of a merger.
Definitely the best US products out there on AA. I think the Cirrus seats have more functionality, but these have more space. - I wouldn't say you have more space--the seat itself is narrower than a Cirrus, and the foot well is more restricting. But because you don't have high walls around you like the Cirrus, it feels more open and airy, which can be good or some people and bad for others who would prefer more privacy. Personally I like the Cirrus seats better, but I also really like these Thompson vantage seats. But you are right, AA's new seats are definitely leading the U.S. industry. DL may have the Cirrus and Thompson Vantage seats, but AA did it better by putting a lot more thought and investing more in the product. DL got the cheapest most basic versions of both seats. And UA....well...2-4-2 in Business on a 777 isn't even in the same league, by a long shot. Once AA refurbishes all the old 772s and gets rid of those angled NGBC seats then they'll really be able to say that they offer the best Business class hard product of any U.S. carrier--for now it's still too inconsistent.
Thanks for stopping by!
Once I arrived at the lobby of the Flagship lounge, the friendly agent informed me that with my Executive Platinum/oneworld Emerald status I had access to the Flagship First Class lounge (which I knew, but it was nice to hear it).
I had a good laugh over this!
Overall a great read, you seem to have a better experience than Jetsetpanda on his GIG run.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi, thanks for your comments!
I had a good laugh over this! - Glad to hear it :-) Hey, having top status at an airline is one of the few times you get to feel special in life...and even then, it's hit or miss. So I enjoy it while I can, LOL.
you seem to have a better experience than Jetsetpanda on his GIG run - Yeah, I was surprised by how poor the service was on those flights. I guess AA feels like they own the Latin American market from the U.S. so they must not feel the need to compete on service. With LAN and TAM now the same company, oneworld basically rules the US-South American traffic.
Hi Kevin!
"I love 757s and the drab Unitental livery almost looks nice in this light…almost :-P"
I thought Unitental doesn't fly to Kennedy since the merger?
Hi Drew,
Unitental maintained some PS service out of JFK for a few years after the merger. This flight was in August 2015, shortly before they finally pulled out of JFK.