Review of American Airlines flight from Washington to Los Angeles in Economy

Report No: 2021-403

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this brand new series where I would present you a brand-new airline which would be revealed in the second episode of this series. Although, in the first one, I would cover a report of the American Airlines A321neo from Washington Reagan to Los Angeles in the Main Cabin Extra cabin.

Here is the routing for this series;

Loads for this flight

Domestic First: 100%
Main Cabin Extra: 30-35%
Main Cabin: 95-100% 

ONLINE CHECK-IN

About 24 hours before scheduled departure time, it was time to check-in online and I got this offer to upgrade for First Class.
As a oneworld Emerald member, I already have most of the benefits that First Class offers so I didn't want to pay for a larger seat, pre-packaged breakfast and alcoholic drinks.

Here is the seat map, I have stayed in my pre-assigned seat.

Here is the boarding pass for this flight

Washington Reagan AIRPORT - DCA

About 1h15minutes before scheduled departure time, I have arrived at Ronald Reagan National Airport

The airport wasn't that busy that morning

For those wondering, here is the list of the open concessions at the airport; as travel demand picks up in the USA more concessions re-open every week.

Security wasn't that crowded but as a post-COVID norm in AA terminals, there weren't any Priority lanes available for eligible customers.

American Airlines ADMIRALS CLUB DCA C - Washington Reagan AIRPORT

After a 5 minute wait for security, I was airside and it was time to head to the American Airlines Admirals Club.

After being welcomed by one of the agents at the gate, I have entered the club and took a seat, the club was empty that morning.

The lounge has magnificent views of the apron but as the traffic in DCA is not that exotic, it's only possible to spot US carriers' aircraft or if you are lucky: Air Canada

As printed menus are not available anymore, the menu is available through the QR code

As American Airlines has eliminated the free premium drink perk for non-AAdvantage oneworld Sapphire/Emerald's, I wasn't interested in getting something premium from the menu. Although, for those who would like to browse the menu; here it is,

There is a buffet where pre-packaged snacks and drinks are available. It's also nice to see that porcelain cups have returned to this Admirals Club location. Previously, only paper cups were available.

The avocado toast station was also open, so as I knew that no proper breakfast would be served on my flight, I needed to have breakfast in the lounge; here is my selection for that morning.

The bar

GATE AREA & BOARDING

A couple of minutes before boarding started, I have headed downstairs to the departures level so I could proceed to my departure gate.

N427AN was parked at gate 41. It would have been my first flight on this specific airframe.

The boarding area was crowded and there weren't enough seats so many people were waiting boarding to be announced in a standing position.

When time came, boarding had started with the respect of priorities. I have boarded with Group 2 as indicated on my boarding pass.

Fuselage shot

AA 1275 Washington Reagan AIRPORT TO Los Angeles AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew and being handed an hand sanitizer wipe upon boarding, I have headed to my seat 10A.

As I was seated in a Main Cabin Extra row, the legroom really good.

The seat has an USB port and a phone/tablet holder.

As well as a power outlet under the seat

Here is the hand sanitizer wipe that was provided upon boarding

A view from the window, our neighbor was an American Eagle Embraer

The overhead panel

American Airlines is one of the rare carriers that hasn't eliminated their onboard magazine during the pandemic. Alongside with the safety card, the American Way magazine was present at the seatback literature pocket.

The American Airlines fleet

Terminal maps of DCA & LAX

American Airlines destinations within North America

On today's flight, personal device entertainment and free Apple Music was available

As well as high-speed Wi-Fi

So, when boarding has completed, I was lucky to have both seats next to me empty so I had the whole row to myself which meant that I was going to have a decent sleep in my Economy Class suite for the duration of this flight.

While pushing back, here is another glimpse of our neighbor N130HQ

The Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and an American Eagle Mitsubishi CRJ landing

Here is a view of the brand new American Eagle concourse

Another American Eagle Mitsubishi CRJ taxiing

The Eagle Terminal from another angle

After a short taxi, we have arrived at the runway

And we have took off towards the south

Some photos after departure

On today's flight, personal device streaming and Wi-Fi was available

The Wi-Fi options for this flight

If you are a frequent flyer, you could also purchase a subscription although you need to be an AAdvantage member to purchase one

Here is the personal device streaming menu

Movie options

TV show options

Live TV was also available on this flight but the only channel available was Bloomberg. Unfortunately, American Airlines removed BeIN Sports from their free live TV options so this means that no more free live football ( soccer ) match streaming onboard. I really enjoyed watching European football on AA flights but unfortunately that era has came to an end.

By the way, access to the following four news websites is free onboard.

Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew came for service. On today's flight, the only service is a snack service which only consists non-alcoholic beverages and a Biscoff. Nothing else was offered on this flight, however, additional drinks could be requested from the rear galley.

After a while, I have slept until the preparations for landing has started.

And shortly later, we have arrived at LAX

Cargo aircraft were visible at the cargo area

A MasAir cargo aircraft

American aircraft at Terminal 4

TBIT was empty that day

However, it was possible to spot this Japan Airlines 777-300ER

After a very short taxi, we were going to park at gate 45 next to this Dreamliner

After the seatbelt signs have been turned off, passengers were asked to maintain social distancing throughout the deplaning process but the number of passengers maintaining a 1.5 meter ( 6 feet ) distance with other passengers was close to zero.

Los Angeles AIRPORT - LAX

After leaving the aircraft, I have found myself inside Terminal 4.

Here is two last photos of N427AN before I head towards the exit

And after leaving the terminal, I have headed to the LAX Shuttle station as I was going to take a bus to my final destination in Los Angeles.

After a 10 minute wait, bus C to the City-Bus center had arrived

And shortly later, we have arrived at the City Bus center where I would take another bus.
For those who like spotting, the City Bus center is a great place to spot aircraft landing at the Northern runway pairs. 

So, this report has come to an end.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.

The series would continue with a very exclusive report.