Review of American Eagle flight Los Angeles San Diego in Domestic First

Airline American Eagle
Flight AA6035
Seat 4A
Aircraft Embraer E-175
Flight time 00:45
Take-off 14 Dec 18, 14:00
Arrival at 14 Dec 18, 14:45
MQ   #40 out of 95 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 66 reviews
KévinDC
By SILVER 947
Published on 17th January 2019

Introduction



Happy New Year and welcome to the 2nd sector in this short series of flights,

For the better part of a decade since I've been on the airline status hamster wheel, the month of December has often meant a last minute mileage run to maintain status or reach a new level. At the end of 2018 I was a little under 10,000 status miles short so, like many previous years, I decided to take a quick day trip to the west coast. The routing this year was not particularly sexy and didn't involve any interesting or new aircraft types–the routing was purely determined on price and destination. I decided I would fly to San Diego, where my spouse was on a business trip, and we would fly home to DC together.

Domestic First class tickets yield at least 2 EQMs (Elite Qualifying Miles) per mile flown, so a transcontinental itinerary with over 5,000 flown miles would yield enough EQMs to reach the 10,000 I was missing.

The routing was DCA-LAX-SAN-PHX-DCA of which the first 3 segments will have reviews…after that, redeye-zombie-mode hit.

photo routing


Reports in this series:

Washington Reagan DCA ✈ Los Angeles Intl LAX | American Airlines, B737-800, First class
Los Angeles Intl LAX ✈ San Diego Intl SAN | American Eagle, E175, First class
San Diego Intl SAN ✈ Phoenix Sky Harbor PHX | American Airlines, A320-200, First class

Pre-flight



Having been burned with misconnecting on mileage runs in the past, I made sure to build in a good amount of time between flights on this trip. With the 20 minute early arrival from DCA, I had over 4 hours between flights. I was originally planning to head to In-N-Out to do a little planespotting before going lounge-hopping, but the weather was on the gloomy side that day, which is rare for LA, so I saved myself the long walk.

I did have to make a quick trip to one of the car rental places to pick something up from lost and found, so the early arrival gave me some extra time to do that. I took an Uber back from the car rental and got dropped off at Terminal 1. I wanted to go to Terminal 6, but it wasn't worth sitting in traffic for 10 minutes between terminals when I could just walk across the way from T1 to T6.

So I saved the Uber driver the pain and time crawling along past T1-T5 so he could bail out of the long backup.

On the way to Terminal 6 I walked past the iconic Jetsons-esque LAX Theme Building.

photo img_4490

The plan was to do a little lounge-hopping, starting with the Alaska Airlines lounge in Terminal 6. Alas, it was not to be! As I arrived at the entrance to the lounge, there was a huge sign in front of the elevator door indicating that Priority Pass customers were not being accepted at this time due to capacity constraints. Doh! I like Priority Pass, but this happens way too often!

I then decided to make the long walk out to TBIT (Tom Bradley Int'l Terminal), where the next closest Priority Pass options were located. The walk isn't that bad with underground walkways from Terminal 6, through Terminal 5, to Terminal 4. At T4, the path to TBIT leads back upstairs to the concourse level.

There are some nice views to be had on the walk along the T4 -> TBIT connector.
Though it's not as good of an #AvGeek fun time as In-N-Out, of course.

American Dreamliners parked at T4
photo img_4491

Hong Kong Airlines A350 across the way at TBIT
photo img_4492

A nice lineup of Asian 77Ws at TBIT
photo img_4493

The connector leads to the main central hall in TBIT, which is always a pleasant light-filled space. As you can see TBIT was decorated for the Holidays.

photo img_4494

By the time I got to TBIT, it was about 20 minutes before the Korean lounge would open up to Priority Pass holders. I'd originally planned on checking out the P.F. Chang's, as recommended by Socalnow, but after the Alaska Lounge experience, I wanted to get to the KAL lounge as it opened to avoid being denied entry for overcrowding again.

So I walked about the terminal for a few minutes and checked out the activity.

Hello again

photo img_4496

Spotted this beautiful Delta A350 on the other side of the terminal, but I couldn't get a better shot, unfortunately.

photo img_4495

KAL Lounge



I started slowly making my way towards the KAL lounge, which is located on the mezzanine level, at about 11:50 AM knowing that the lounge opened up to Priority Pass customers at noon.

I arrived outside the lounge at 11:58 AM.

photo img_4497

There were two other Priority Pass members in line in front of me. Wouldn't you know that they were turned away because it wasn't 12:00 PM on the dot yet! Wow, talk about strict!

When they say the lounge opens at 12:00, they're not kidding!
photo priority pass lax kal lounge_li

So my fellow Priority Pass holders and I waited the remaining 90 seconds until noon just outside the entrance.

Nice view of the concourse from outside the KAL Lounge, no tarmac views though.
photo img_4498

Once we had waited until exactly 12:00, we were allowed in. The front desk staff were actually very friendly–just sticklers about that noon rule!

I was expecting the lounge to be packed, but nope…we were the only ones there.

photo img_4499photo img_4500

I assume that the lounge offering changes after the 11AM departure of KE18 to a more basic spread for the Priority Pass hours–this would probably explain why the staff are so strict about entrance before noon. It is pretty common for lounges in the U.S. to offer reduced catering during periods where there would be mainly Priority Pass holders (e.g. British Airways Galleries Lounge during morning hours at my home airport IAD).

The KAL Lounge isn't huge, but it's reasonably spacious, and the fact that it was mostly empty was certainly pleasant.

Be warned that the USB ports and power outlets built into the tables between these seats don't work for some reason–at least the 3 or 4 that I tried.

photo img_4501

So I found myself a seat near the patio section where there were working USB ports and power outlets.

photo img_4506

For a U.S. lounge, the food offering was decent.

There were fruit and crudités, as well as some simple sushi rolls and a variety of finger sandwiches.

photo img_4502

There were some hot options as well–which appeared to have been the leftover breakfast fare from the earlier Korean Air flight.

photo img_4503

First I had myself a little brunch…

photo img_4504

…and then tried some sandwiches and sushi rolls.

photo img_4505

I should also mention that there was a decent adult beverage selection. Liquors are behind the bar and are served by a bar tender, but there are some wines and beer available for self-service. The red wine was a decent Bordeaux, which was above expectation for a lounge in the U.S.

I was not expecting much from the KAL Lounge, but it was an above-average experience overall.

Most passengers in the time I was there were Priority Pass with a few Air France passengers sprinkled in. By the time I left around 1:30 PM, it was still uncrowded with only about 20 people in the lounge. I imagine it fills up later as the Transatlantic bank approaches.

Boarding



I took the connector back from TBIT to T4, which is a quick walk.

photo img_4509photo img_4507

I had to hustle a bit to get back to T4 and catch the shuttle bus to the regional Terminal, which is a good 5 minute ride.
If connecting between a regional aircraft and mainline AA at LAX, make sure to allow some extra time.

photo aa lax terminals

Luckily the shuttle departed as soon as I got there and I arrived at the regional terminal just before boarding began.

photo img_4511

Boarding was a mad stampede as always. Though I was towards the back of the gate area, having arrived late, and didn't really make any effort to fight my way through the crowd to board quickly, I somehow ended up being the 3rd in line to board.

photo img_4512

The First class cabins on American Eagle E-175s are in a 1-2 configuration over 4 rows, compared to 2-2 in Economy.

photo img_4513photo img_4514

When travelling alone, the solo seats on the A side are best, if available.

photo aa seats lax-san

My solo seat, 4A

photo img_4515

Legroom is typical for domestic First with a 38" seat pitch.

photo img_4516

View outside the window of RJs lined up at the Regional Terminal

photo img_4517

The friendly FA serving F offered drinks shortly after everyone was settled in. Once again full bar was offered, so I had a refreshing Gin & Tonic ? to cool off after my mad dash from TBIT

photo img_4518


Though the First cabin was full (of course), Economy was only about 2/3 full so boarding was completed early.

photo img_4519

The Flight



With boarding completed early, the door was closed and we pushed back from the gate early.

photo img_4520photo img_4521

The winglet waves Goodbye for now to LAX ?

photo img_4522

This is one of those flights where you spend more time on the ground than in the air, but taxi time was relatively short given the regional terminal's proximity to the runways vs T4.

Taxiing past a United 787

photo img_4523

And a beautiful Fiji Airways A330

photo img_4524

Once we reached the departure runway there was no wait for takeoff.

photo img_4526

We took off over towards the Pacific Ocean with a lovely view of El Segundo's refineries and water treatment plant ^^

photo img_4527photo img_4528

Logically, we followed the Southern California coastline on out short 25 minute flight to San Diego.

Torrance and the Palos Verdes peninsula

photo img_4529photo img_4530

On the south side of the peninsula we reach the Port of Long Beach

photo img_4531

Just a few minutes after takeoff, the flight attendant was already in the cabin offering the snack basket and taking drink orders.

She actually knelt down to speak to passengers face-to-face, something I'd only seen on Asian carriers before. Impressive.

photo img_4532

The scenery becomes much less densely urban as we fly along the coast of Orange County, the homeland of the great Socalnow

photo img_4533photo img_4535

The FA was super efficient and very friendly. She was back in minutes with my Gin & Tonic

photo img_4534

The Southern California sun breaking through the clouds made for some cool lighting effects

photo img_4536photo img_4537

Between Carlsbad and Encinitas we began to make a slight left turn inland

photo img_4538photo img_4539

Then we began to make a right turn over the eastern suburbs near El Cajon to line up for RWY 27 and land from the southeast, which means I picked the good side of the aircraft for views of downtown!

photo img_4541photo img_4543

Looking towards the Naval base and Coronado

photo img_4544photo img_4545

Approaching downtown San Diego with the Naval Air Station in the distance

photo img_4546photo img_4548

Landing at SAN is so impressive being so close to the city center

photo img_4550photo img_4551

I'm sure there's some good planespotting from the top of those tall buildings ✈
#AvGeek

photo img_4552photo img_4553

Crossing over I-5

photo img_4554photo img_4555

Little Italy

photo img_4556

Almost there

photo img_4557

After a quick 26 minute flight, we landed at 2:39 PM

photo img_4558

We pulled in to the gate after a very short 2 minute taxi, 3 minutes ahead of schedule.

photo img_4559

SAN is a really convenient and pleasant, smaller airport; I was curbside in minutes and ready to head downtown.

Thanks for reading!
See more

Verdict

American Eagle

7.0/10
Cabin7.5
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi6.0
Meal/catering5.5

Korean Air Lounge - TBIT

7.0/10
Comfort7.5
Meal/catering7.5
Entertainment/wifi6.5
Services6.5

Los Angeles - LAX

7.5/10
Efficiency6.5
Access6.5
Services8.5
Cleanliness8.5

San Diego - SAN

8.5/10
Efficiency8.5
Access9.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.5

Conclusion

After a generally disappointing transcon flight from DC with no IFE and broken WiFi, this super short hop down to San Diego was a very pleasant little flight in comparison. The cabin crew were super friendly and efficient, especially the lead FA in F who worked really hard to offer good and attentive service on such a short flight. On these very short flights, PDBs are an essential part of the service in First, so I'm glad to see LAA and Eagle carriers have gotten more consistent about doing a full-bar PDB service like their LUS counterparts.

Information on the route Los Angeles (LAX) San Diego (SAN)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 4 avis concernant 4 compagnies sur la ligne Los Angeles (LAX) → San Diego (SAN).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Delta Air Lines avec 7.4/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 0 heures et 51 minutes.

  More information

12 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 484302 by
    ThomasDutch SILVER 632 Comments
    This is definitely something I miss with many major carriers nowadays. Flight attendants that really do enjoy their job and take their time to speak with passengers. Had it a couple years ago with THAI from Madrid (Economy flight), but can't really remember something to happen like that to me afterwards. Nice report though with some very impressive views, which I bet is a guarantee on that route!
    • Comment 484314 by
      KévinDC TEAM SILVER AUTHOR 6668 Comments
      Hi Thomas, Thanks for your comments!

      "Flight attendants that really do enjoy their job and take their time to speak with passengers."
      - That really makes for a great experience. I've been lucky to have had these kinds of crews quite often. I think it helps that I used to work in the industry to it's easy for me to relate with the cabin crew and chat in the galley

      "Nice report though with some very impressive views, which I bet is a guarantee on that route!"
      - Pretty much as long as it's not foggy.

      Thanks!
  • Comment 484306 by
    atco 134 Comments
    Hello Kevin,

    Very cool report of such a short hop. Looked like a lot of fun.
    Great idea of KAL to open their lounge to Priority Pass outside their flight hours, probably brings them a decent little extra income when the lounge would otherwise be deserted. Looks like a very solid lounge.

    I've been spotting at In-n-Out, its such a great place, I must make more effort to get back to LAX again (Its been 15 years!)

    Those views into SAN are spectacular. It must be one of the most centrally located large airports in the whole US, perhaps with DCA. Would love to experience that LOC 27 approach for myself one day.
    Happy to see that the FA did such a good job, although its a bit of a sad indictment of the more common service standard that this stands out as newsworthy.

    The Embraer's are great. I've only flown the 190 but I love the 1-2 up front and 2-2 seating with the large windows. The E190 is one of my favourite aircraft and of course the 175 is the same just a bit smaller.

    Looking forward to the last leg. Take care!
    • Comment 484315 by
      KévinDC TEAM SILVER AUTHOR 6668 Comments
      Hey Atco, thanks a lot for all the comments!

      "Great idea of KAL to open their lounge to Priority Pass outside their flight hours, probably brings them a decent little extra income when the lounge would otherwise be deserted."
      - Some BA, AF/KL, and VS lounges (and others too) do this as well. The more the better! Priority Pass options are pretty dismal in the U.S. compared to overseas where there are multiple PP lounges in most major airports. DCA, for example, has no PP lounges!

      "I've been spotting at In-n-Out, its such a great place, I must make more effort to get back to LAX again (Its been 15 years!)"
      - I try to go whenever I have a long enough layover at LAX. I've made special day trips out to LAX just to go planespotting there.

      "Would love to experience that LOC 27 approach for myself one day."
      - Yeah approaches into SAN are definitely cool. But I have a biased preference for the DCA river approach

      "although its a bit of a sad indictment of the more common service standard that this stands out as newsworthy."
      - Totally agree!

      "The E190 is one of my favourite aircraft and of course the 175 is the same just a bit smaller."
      - I'm a big fan of E-Jets. You can't go wrong from the passenger experience perspective, especially in Y. 2X2 seating with 19" width is about as good as it gets for Y.

      Thanks for stopping by!
  • Comment 484364 by
    Rewardflying 493 Comments
    Hi Kévin,

    Quite a report for a 30 minute flight! Having lived in San Diego I remember the approach well. Probably one of the more scenic arrivals you can get. Great shots of downtown!
  • Comment 484388 by
    757Fan 632 Comments
    I've found sometimes the best flights are the short ones and service on some of the regional flights can be awesome! Glad you had a nice flight down to SAN. We visited SAN for vacation last year, and had a blast. Great place to visit!
  • Comment 484418 by
    loukas 341 Comments
    Hi Kevin, it seems you had a very nice experience on this almost ultra-short hop. The single row in business class reminded me of the ERJ-145 that I like so much. Great shots during landing, it's almost like in Lisbon or even closer to the city center. Thanks for sharing!
  • Comment 484513 by
    hometoyyz 539 Comments
    Hello Kevin,

    Ah the short trip down to San Diego.

    “I was originally planning to head to In-N-Out to do a little planespotting before going lounge-hopping, but the weather was on the gloomy side that day”
    - That’s a shame. I really have to get around to doing the In-N-Out spotting extravaganza someday.

    12:00 means 12:00… even if there’s no one in the lounge. I can understand that if it’s 45 minutes to noon. 45 seconds, though?

    Catering looks good, and the lounge looks attractive. I was thinking this was the garbage KE lounge, but now I’m thinking I mixed up LAX and SFO.

    Always like the A seats on Embraers. The most passenger-friendly narrowbody out there, in all cabins — barring those that have flat beds up front.

    Nice views on the way there and surprisingly attentive service from your flight attendant. I think I’ve had exactly that combination of snacks on a Delta Connection flight before.

    “The scenery becomes much less densely urban as we fly along the coast of Orange County, the homeland of the great Socalnow”
    - I’d say he’s probably in that pic somewhere, but odds are better than even that he’s in some premium lounge in Asia somewhere.

    I love the San Diego approach. It’s an odd setup, but I’m not complaining.

    Lovely report for such a short flight. Thanks for sharing, and happy flying!
    • Comment 485084 by
      socalnow 976 Comments
      "I’d say he’s probably in that pic somewhere, but odds are better than even that he’s in some premium lounge in Asia somewhere."
      -I read the Flight Report from the exec. lounge at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Does that count?
  • Comment 485083 by
    socalnow 976 Comments
    Thanks for the report on this fun and scenic route Kevin.

    "I assume that the lounge offering changes after the 11AM departure of KE18 to a more basic spread for the Priority Pass hours–this would probably explain why the staff are so strict about entrance before noon."
    -A couple of observations. First, the food has improved over the last time I visited, which says a lot in that it was truly abysmal. Like Admirals Club five years ago abysmal. Second, I'm not sure if the spread changes as I've been in the lounge in proximity to KE departures and it was the a fore mentioned abysmal spread. I want to visit every airline lounge that I can gain entry to as I am fascinated by the diversity and enjoy making comparisons. Somehow KE seem to have a very consistent lounge experience and it's wholly poor, in my experience.
    “The scenery becomes much less densely urban as we fly along the coast of Orange County, the homeland of the great Socalnow.”
    -Ah shucks. I’d have waved had I known you were passing over.
    “I'm sure there's some good planespotting from the top of those tall buildings”
    -Drinks or dinner at Mr. A’s is a great avgeek time. The perspective is eye-level with the passengers. It’s a lot more expensive than the In N Out on Sepulveda and the traffic as far less interesting.

    Hope you enjoyed your stay. Sorry our weather wasn’t up to standard for your visit.

    Thanks again for sharing and happy flying.
  • Comment 556674 by
    airplanelover1 23 Comments
    Hello KévinDC, thanks for the in-depth report on even such a short flight! Even if I fly domestically out of LAX, I always make it a point to get to the airport early so I can plane watch and hang out inside TBIT until before my flight. Great pictures and thanks again!

Login to post a comment.