Review of American Airlines flight Washington → New York in Domestic First

Report No: 2020-1007

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 seventh report of this series would be the first report of the second day in my DCA-RDU TP run series. The itinerary for the second day is similar to the first day so my journey would start with the American Airlines A319 onboard a flight from Washington DCA to New York La Guardia.

Here is the routing
Part 1 

Part 2

Part 3

Loads for this flight

Domestic First: 60-65%
Main Cabin: 20-25%  

Washington Reagan AIRPORT - DCA

During the day of my flight, I have arrived 1h10mins before the flight. The situation was same like the first part of the report. Alongside with a Delta flight to Detroit, our flight was the first flights to depart that day.

Here is the National Hall of DCA

As it the day before the start of a long weekend, the lines for the TSA document check was longer. I have waited 5 minutes for my documents to be checked before heading towards security. Although there was a priority lane, it was closed so this wait was at the general boarding lane.

After clearing security, there are no lounge options as the Admirals Club in DCA Terminal B/C is closed due to low demand and the club in Terminal C opens at 05:30 which makes it unsenseful to go there for a 06:00 departure.

The terminal was mostly empty

GATE AREA & BOARDING

While I arrived at the gate N757UW was there.

Before boarding, the gate agent made an announcement that passengers should fill out the NY state health form before our arrival at LGA. Although, on the date I travelled it wasn't necessary to fill out the form for passengers arriving from Virginia, I didn't fill out the form and nobody checked anything upon arrival at LGA.

Boarding had started on time where the gate agent gave us the necessary QR codes for those who've been to a restricted state ( according to the NY state ) within the last 14 days.

AA 2115 Washington Reagan AIRPORT TO New York LA GUARDIA AIRPORT

While I boarded the aircraft a surprise was waiting for me. The same crew with my previous DCA-LGA flight was in charge of this flight and they have recognized me and welcomed me back onboard. While they handed me a hand sanitizing wipe, they told me that they are the fixed crew for this flight until the end of October.

As expected, this aircraft was equipped with the Oasis seats.

The legroom is generous in First Class

Here is the health declaration QR paper given by the gate agent and the hand sanitizing wipe by the aircraft crew.

Onboard this A319, there weren't any USB ports but there were power outlets at each seat.

The seat pocket had the usual content

Before takeoff, the cabin crew asked if we needed anything and I have opted for a cup of water.

The Washington Monument from our parking position

We have pushed back on time and Delta aircraft was visible at Terminal B.

This time, we would be the first one to takeoff that morning, the Delta A319 to Detroit was still waiting permission to taxi.

And we have took off on time.

During our takeoff, I had the opportunity to take beautiful photos of Washington DC, starting with the Washington Monument

The White House

And more of the city

We're getting away from DC

And a last shot of DC

The personal device entertainment system menu

Weather information for New York.

Wi-Fi options for this flight

Movies & TV shows menu

During the flight, the crew have asked if we liked any drinks, although I've opted for nothing. They have also done trash runs.

JFK Airport

And shortly after spotting JFK, we have made a turn

Manhattan is visible

And we have landed at LGA far before our scheduled arrival time.

The JetBlue Terminal, which isn't connected to any other terminals in the airport.

The American Airlines hangar at LGA

American Airlines aircraft at Terminal B Concourse D.

And we were going to park at gate D10.

More AA aircraft at Concourse D

After I said goodbye and hope to see you on another flight to the crew, I have left the aircraft.

New York LA GUARDIA AIRPORT - LGA

The last shot of N757UW for the day

And now, it was time to head towards the Admirals Club before my previous flight.

This report has come to an end.
The journey would continue in the next report.