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

Report No: 2020-1005

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 fifth report of this series would be on another American Airlines Domestic First flight onboard their Airbus A319 but this time from Charlotte to Philadelphia with a visit to the American Airlines Admirals Club in Charlotte Concourse B.

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 from my previous flight, as the Admirals Club in B gates was closest club to my departure gate I've headed over there.

AMERICAN AIRLINES ADMIRALS CLUB B - CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT

At the entry, there was a surprise. The lounge was at full capacity so the passengers were directed to the C/D club. Although after a 3-4 minute wait at the entrance, there were people leaving, and after the areas that they were seating were cleaned, passengers in the line were admitted to the club.

The food offerings were generally pre-packed snacks including mini-carrots, brownies, marshmallow cakes, cheese cubes, cookies, etc…

The self-serve espresso and fountain drink machine was also open but not photographed.

Here is my selection for the day; soup was available through the bar and the only available soup was this Southwest Corn soup.

As a drink, I've got a green tea for this visit.

By the way, here is the pay-to-order food and beverage menu.

The paid food options were the same as the C/D club.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

When it was close to boarding, I've left the aircraft and headed to my gate which was B8.

Today's aircraft, N723UW is at the gate

The gate area was relatively crowded as it was going to be a full flight. Boarding had started on time with the respect of priorities.

AA 423 CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT TO PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew and being handed two hand sanitizing wipes, I have headed to my seat 2F. As usual, it was the Oasis seats that many people dislike but I find it comfortable. By the way, I found the seat reclined when I arrive so this means that it's not cleaned thoroughly or the crew did not pay attention when preparing the aircraft.

The legroom was decent as usual.

The two hand sanitizing wipes that the crew handed to me during boarding

Like the Oasis configured AA 319's, this aircraft had power outlets but not USB ports.

Here is the seatback pocket content

Our neighbor for the day was N717UW which was going to head to Detroit.

During boarding, I have spotted this American A320 which would operate AA1999 to Wilmington

And this American Eagle E-175 was heading towards the runway for its flight to Indianapolis.

And at that time, this A319 had arrived from Portland, ME and heading to it's arrival gate.

While boarding continued, the mobile IFE system was luckily activated so I was able to take a sneak peek into it.

Weather information for Philadelphia

Wi-Fi options for todays flight

And the movies & TV shows menu

We have started our pushback a few minutes later than our scheduled departure time.

And, it was time to head towards the runway

An American Eagle E-145 taxiing.

And after waiting for a few minutes for our turn at the runway, it's time to take off.

Downtown Charlotte

For the majority of the flight, I have slept, although I've noticed that the crew was offering drinks to First Class passengers that were awake.

Philadelphia Downtown

Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln Financial Field

And, we've landed a few minutes later than our scheduled arrival time.

Similar to CLT, AA dominates the operations at PHL

And after a short taxi, we have parked to the A-East concourse.

PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT - PHL

After saying goodbye to the crew, I have left the aircraft and I was inside the terminal.

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