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

Report No: 2020-1009

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 ninth report of this series would be a short hop from Charlotte Douglas Airport from Raleigh Durham Airport onboard the American Airlines Airbus A319. During my layover in Charlotte, I also had the occasion to visit the American Airlines Admirals Club in 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 from my previous flight, it was time to head to the American Airlines Admirals Club during my layover.

American Airlines ADMIRALS CLUB - CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT

As my flight was going to depart from gate C8, I decided to visit the club in Concourse C/D.

The C/D club is the larger club in Charlotte which offers plenty of seating.

The breakfast offerings could be seen below.
In addition, there was a bar that people could grab instant oatmeal and cereals.

Both the soft drink and the espresso machine was self-service. Although, black coffee should be ordered from the bar.

There are also pay-to-eat options but I didn't ordered anything from there.

Here is my selection for the day.
By the way, in the club, avocado toasts were offered by the lounge staff. 

At 11:00, the bar was slightly modified for the rest-of-the day service. Also, in the other food bar, oatmeals and cereals have disappeared.

Before heading to the gate, as gates C2, C4 and C6 remained empty, I was able to spot our A319 that would take me to RDU that day.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

Before boarding, I have left the club and headed to the boarding gate area which was crowded as the flight was going to be a full flight.

N708UW would be the aircraft taking me to RDU that day.

Boarding had started on time with the respect of priorities. I have boarded with Group 1 for this flight.

AA 1818 CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT TO RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew at the aircraft door, I have headed to my seat 1F for this short flight. I normally don't choose the first row but this time, when I booked the ticket, row 2 was completely occupied.

Here is the legroom in the first row.

Like all other Oasis configured PMUS A319's, this aircraft had power outlets at each seat.

The seat pocket content

While our flight was boarding, this A321 was parked next door.

The overhead panel

After boarding was completed, the aircraft door was closed and we had started our pushback.

Our gate

In the rear-plan of the photo below, you would see American aircraft that was grounded due to COVID.

UPS 757F at the cargo terminal

American Airlines 737-800 landing

Shortly later, it was our turn to take off and we had took off towards the north.

Downtown Charlotte

And we're over the clouds

Throughout the flight, no service was offered by the crew although drinks could be requested through the call button.

This aircraft was equipped with the Gogo mobile IFE system.

Weather at RDU

Wi-Fi options

Movies & TV shows menu

For the remainder of the flight, I have slept and woke up just after we've arrived at RDU

That day, we have parked at gate C15.

RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT - RDU

After saying goodbye and thank you to the crew, I have left the aircraft.

Now, it was time to wander around the terminal till my next flight back to Charlotte.
The journey would continue in the next report.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.