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

Report No: 2020-1017

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 seventeenth report would be my last flight out of Charlotte. Like the previous two parts, my evening flight out of Charlotte would be to Philadelphia, this time onboard the American Airlines A319. I have also visited the American Airlines Admirals Club in concourses C/D during this layover.

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 for my layover.
During my walk over there, like a couple of hours ago, Burger King and Chick-Fil-A had long lines and people who wanted food from these major chains were most likely waiting about 30 minutes to get their food as the lines were even longer ( 65-75 people per restaurant ) 

American Airlines ADMIRALS CLUB C/D - CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT

During my 6th and last transfer at Charlotte, I've decided to visit the American Airlines Admirals Club in concourse C/D as it was closer to my departure gate. At the entrance, I was greeted by a friendly agent and then went to the seating area.

As usual, I have found a window spot and the dome.
That afternoon, there was a chef serving chips&guac and soup. The soup options where either Southwestern soup or Baked Potato soup. 

The window view at the club is never surprising. You would always see American aircraft

The espresso machine and the fountain drink machine was both working

Here is the food bar, having brownies, cookies, fruits, hummus, carrots and cheese cubes.

The guac bar queue was always crowded.

Although I was able to get chips&guac and soup with a reasonable wait of 3-4 minutes.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

While it was close to boarding, I have left the club and headed to boarding gate C14.

The gate area was crowded with multiple departures at the same time within the nearby gates.

Boarding had started 30 minutes before scheduled departure time with the respect of priorities. I was one of the first ones to board the aircraft.

While the ground staff was helping mobility passengers to take their seats, I had the occasion to take this fuselage shot of N732US while waiting at the jetbridge.

AA 423 CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT TO PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew and being handed a hand sanitizer wipe, I have headed to my seat 2F for the flight.

For the last time in this series, I would like to mention that the legroom onboard Oasis configured First Class seats are generous.

Here is the hand sanitizer that was provided

Each seat was equipped with a power outlet

For those who doesn't like technology, the American Way magazine and the safety card was present in the seat pocket.

Our neighbor for the day was this A321

And, this 787 was taxiing to the runway while the boarding process had almost finished.

And, when boarding finished, the aircraft doors were closed, and we were on our way to the runway

Some American Eagle aircraft taxiing to the western set of runways

AirBorne Express Cargo aircraft

American 787 at a remote stand

And after a short taxi, we were in the air.

Downtown Charlotte

Shortly after takeoff I have slept and woke up while we landed at PHL.

And after we have landed, we have started taxiing to our gate in concourse C

Shortly later, we have parked at gate C20 next to this A321.

PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT - PHL

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

The journey would continue with the only remaining Flight-Report of the last flight in this series.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.