Review of American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Raleigh in Domestic First

Report No: 2020-1003

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this long, 18 flight series of US domestic mileage runs that I took in October 2020. After COVID-19, the demand for premium travel within the USA has decreased for short distances so on some occasions Domestic First tickets in the USA could be really cheap if you book in advance. American Airlines had a deal of DCA-RDU r/t for $227 which would have given me 240 British Airways Executive Club Tier Points so I decided to take 3 of these runs to achieve Gold status in British Airways Executive Club.

Although I am a Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum member at the moment, unless things change, I am pretty sure that I would lose it in mid-2022 so I have started working on a back-up plan as oneworld Emerald status is a really valuable status for a frequent traveler.

The third report of this series would contain a short American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Raleigh Durham onboard the Airbus A319. This time, as I had a longer layover, I was able to visit the American Airlines Admirals Club at Charlotte Concourse C/D.

Here is the routing
Part 1 

Part 2

Part 3

Loads for this flight

Domestic First: 100
Main Cabin: 95-100%  

CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT - CLT

After arriving at concourse D from my previous flight, it was time to head to the American Airlines Admirals Club for my layover which was close to 3 hours.

American Airlines ADMIRALS CLUB C/D - CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT

As my flight was going to depart from Concourse C, I have used the C/D club for the day. Both clubs in Charlotte are open at the moment.

The club was not that empty when I have entered, although, it was easy to find a seat.

During the morning, the American Airlines Citi MasterCard, offers free avocado toasts for passengers visiting the club.

Here is how a avocado toast looks like

There was also a breakfast bar, which had cereals, granola and instant oatmeal. There was another breakfast bar but it wasn't pictured this day, a photo of it would be available in report #9 of this series.

Food for purchase and the bar service was still available.

Such as the coke machine and the espresso machine; although for black coffee, you would need to visit a bar attendant.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

About 45 minutes before scheduled departure I have headed to the gate and spotted N738US, it would be my second time on this airframe and you could find the Flight-Report of my first flight on this specific aircraft here. That flight was on my previous mileage run.

The gate area was crowded and there was an announcement seeking volunteers to gate-check their carry-ons as the flight was going to be full today. Then, 30 minutes before departure, boarding had started with the respect of priorities.

AA 1818 CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT TO RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT

After a welcome from the crew at the aircraft door, I have headed to my seat

As you would expect on an AA A319, today's aircraft was equipped with the Oasis seats.

The legroom was decent as always, such as the seat pocket content.

Hand sanitizing wipes were available on the mid-seat console.

Such as a power outlet under the armrest.

Our neighbor was this American Eagle E-175 heading to Columbus, Ohio.

We had started our push-back on time and at that moment, the crew performed the safety demo.

During our pushback, it was possible to spot numerous American Airlines aircraft.

Shortly later, we were passing through the cargo terminal.

Some vehicle parking

And a UPS MD11.

Shortly later, it was our turn to take-off and we were in the air.

US military aircraft

Downtown Charlotte

Last few shots of CLT

After takeoff, I have slept for a while and when I woke up, it was time to discover the mobile IFE system.

Weather information for RDU

Expensive Wi-Fi for this short flight

And the menu for the movie & TV show options.

By the way, I had two neighbors on this flight. Here is the second one.

RDU before arrival

Before landing, I have hit the call button to ask for a cup of water which was promptly served. By the way, a trash run was made by the crew before arrival.

Shortly later, we had landed at Raleigh Durham Airport.

An American Airlines A319-100 at gate C11.

And gate C15, where we are going to park at.

RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT - RDU

After saying goodbye to the crew, I have left the aircraft and took this photo of N738US.

Now, it was time to spend about 2h15mins in the terminal before my next flight to Charlotte.

The journey would continue in the next report.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.