#65 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings.
596 reviews
Hello and welcome to another trip report. On today's agenda, I will be flying business class on American Airlines from ORD to GUA. I booked the flight as part of a mixed cabin ticket from DCA to GUA with a stop in ORD. The round trip ticket cost came to around $900, which I would consider a good deal considering that other economy flights with economy on all legs cost the same amount. After landing from DCA, I headed straight to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge. The lounge was spectacular, with a buffet that included things like sushi and pork roast. Unfortunately, no a la carte dining for business class passengers, though that wasn't really an issue, it would be appreciated ;-). There was a large variety of seating options including restaurant style tables, plush armchairs, and high top seating. There was a wide selection of alcohol including Besserat champagne that retails for around $60 a bottle, so pretty respectable. There were also shower suites available, which I took full advantage of. Overall, the lounge was fantastic and one of the best I've ever been in.
After a while in the lounge, I realized the my flight was boarding and I arrived just in time and was the last one on the plane. I was greeted warmly by the flight attendants and was offered a pre-departure beverage of choice. I had a Sierra Mist. The cabin was in the standard 2-2 configuration in recliner seats for first/business class on a 737. The seats had been given an overhaul, replacing the old style cloth. The bulkheads were also changed to a dark grey color, giving the cabin a sleek and modern look. The seat had multiple drink holders and a pair of AC power outlets for the two seats to share. I believe this seat design is unique to AA, I haven't seen anything like it elsewhere. The recline was quite good, helped by the seat cushion sliding forward to increase the feel of the recline. The 40 inches of pitch was impressive and would prove to be more than sufficient for the flight ahead. Boy was I happy the plane wasn't retrofitted with an Oasis cabin given the long flight ahead.
Before long, the safety video was screened, we started our push-back, and were on our way. After a short taxi, we were airborne.
30 minutes after take off, hot towels were distributed and I was offered a drink. The flight attendant then acknowledged my pre-ordered meal. My drink was then delivered and it was soon followed by my fruit plate that was accompanied by yogurt and granola. The other option was an omelette. There was then a bread basket with warm breakfast breads. I chose a cinnamon roll and was not disappointed. That could also be said about the fruit plate. Another beverage was offered with the meal. I had a coffee. As soon as I finished, my tray was cleared and I was offered yet another beverage. Orange juice please! The flight attendants kept on passing through the cabin every 20 minutes or so to check if anyone needed anything. Around two hours before landing a snack mix was offered, along with the option of another drink. This crew was probably one of the best I've had on American.
We were treated to a great view on our approach into GUA. We flew right over downtown on our final approach. I bid farewell to the crew and was off to explore Guatemala.
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Overall, great crew and service made for a pleasant flight.
4 Comments
- The Flagship Lounge's are a huge improvement after those airline clubs; and alongside with the new AA Flagship First and Flagship Business product, AA is back in the competition on several routes. I would be using the same Flagship Lounge in ORD next month and hope the lounge to be empty as your visit.
- At least the 737-MAX aircraft are not flying at this time. AFAIK, AA was scheduling to operate 737-MAX-8 on some of their South American routes and obviously they have Oasis seats.
- What was the other option? If AA only offers fruit, granola, $1 Chobani yoghurt and pastries; it's really a shame for a 5 hour flight. Also, I was surprised with the 8.5 rating that you gave for the meal service.
Once again thanks for sharing and hope to see you in another report.
Not bad, but how many legs were in Y...only the DCA-ORD? I've gotten DCA to Central America for $900 all in F/J on several occasions before.
Flagship lounges are great. Such an upgrade from Admirals Clubs! And yes, the champagne is pretty decent. The Flagship Lounges have brought AA to the levels of Asian and European carrier Business class lounges, and even better in some respects.
Hah! Amen to that! With the Oasis retrofits, AA is going from having the best domestic F with 40" pitch and these comfortable seats with really good recline thanks to the sliding seat pan, as you mentioned, to one of the worst domestic F cabins of US carriers with only 37" pitch and the same seat as Intl Premium Economy but with less recline...not good. I keep reading that AA is reconsidering the whole Oasis project after getting tons of complaints, so let's hope it's true!
The breakfast seems a bit meager for a 4h flight, but I guess the fruit plate is the light option....just seems a little overly light, haha.
Thanks for sharing!
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