Review of American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Tampa in Economy

Report No: 2021-502

Dear Flight-Report members and visitors,

The second and last report of this series would cover a flight onboard the pm-US American Airlines A321-200 from Charlotte to Tampa in the Main Cabin Extra cabin. I have also visited the American Airlines Admirals Club in Charlotte concourse C/D before this flight and you would be able to read a brief review about that club as well.

Loads for this flight

Domestic First: 100%
Main Cabin & Main Cabin Extra: 75-80% 

CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT - CLT

After arriving from my previous flight, it was time to head to the American Airlines Admirals Club in concourse C/D. There is another Admirals Club in concourse B as well, however, I preferred to go to the AC near concourses C/D as this flight was going to depart from concourse C.

American Airlines ADMIRALS CLUB CLT C/D - CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT

I had very limited time in the club ( about 10-15 minutes ) as the boarding time for my flight was approaching.
I was welcomed by one of the club agents at the entry desk. 

The lounge wasn't empty that day and it was difficult to find a clean seat.
However, I was able to find a spot near the circle area at the end. 

At that time, there was a guac toast station set up which also served soup for those who wish.

Coffee and tea were self-service.

Here is the breakfast offerings which is pretty basic but decent for an airline club in the USA. I wish the lounge/club standards in the USA was much higher.

The soft fountain drink machine was working and was self service as well.

My selection for the day

For those who wish, packaged sandwiches, wraps, salads, cheese plates and bottled/cans beverages were available for purchase through this vending machine.

There is also a bar in the club where you could get alcoholic beverages but it's not photographed.

After a 10-15 minute stay in the club, it was time to leave.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

A few minutes before boarding, I have left the club and went to gate C13 where my flight would depart from.

The gate area was crowded and didn't have enough seats for all passengers so there were standing passengers waiting for boarding.

Boarding has started on time with the respect of priorities. I have boarded with group 2.
Here is a photo of N540UW which I'll be flying today. It would be my first time on this specific airframe.

AA 436 CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AIRPORT TO TAMPA AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew at the aircraft door, I have headed to my seat 10A for the flight.
Originally, this flight was scheduled to operate on an Oasis'ed A321 but after a last minute aircraft change, we ended up on a pm-US A321 with old US Airways seats. 

An ex-US Airways A321 meant no power outlets and USB ports for the flight.
Here is our Embraer neighbor.

The overhead panel

Boarding had finished quickly because the flight wasn't full. Luckily the seat next to me ( 10B ) remained empty throughout the flight.

While pushing back the lead FA made the welcome announcement and when the passengers heard that the first officers name was "Tom Cruise" everyone giggled and one FA that was at the aisle for the safety demo made a joke that it was the real Tom Cruise. It's nice to see cabin crew with humor and enjoying their job.

American Airlines A321-200

American Eagle Embraer

Two American Eagle Mitsubishi CRJ's taxiing

American Airlines A321-200

Delta Connection Embraer

Another American Eagle CRJ, this time parked at a remote stand

Frontier Airlines A320neo

American Airlines A321 at the runway

And after a 5-10 minute taxi and wait, it was our turn to take-off.

We have took off towards the south and our journey has commenced.

ATC

A photo after takeoff

CAE - Columbia Metropolitan Airport

And I have noticed something just after takeoff, there was an M&M in front of the emergency exit door, which meant that the aircraft wasn't thoroughly cleaned after the previous flight. I'll admit that the seat area & its vicinity was clean but seeing an M&M on the floor isn't a nice touch.

However, the lavatory was perfectly clean during my visit.

While at the rear galley, I asked one of the cabin crew whether beverages were loaded on this flight. She replied me positively and asked me what I wanted. I have opted for a Bloody Mary mix and she asked me to verify that I don't have alcohol and I wouldn't mix it with alcohol. After telling her that I don't have alcohol, she handed me a can with a plastic cup and a napkin.

For reference, at the time I flew, beverages were only served upon request in the Main Cabin on all American Airlines flights shorter than 2200 miles.

This aircraft was equipped with Viasat Wi-Fi and personal device entertainment system

Here are the Wi-Fi options offered on this flight. Apple Music was free of charge on this flight

Entertainment menu

Live TV was available on this flight but it was limited to Bloomberg.
Also access to The Athletic Sports News, CNN, Fox News, and Bloomberg websites are free and does not require a purchase of Wi-Fi on this flight.

Several minutes before landing, the cabin crew came for trash and we have started our descend.

Downtown Tampa

And we have landed at Tampa ahead of schedule.

Tampa is the 88th airport that I visited in my life.

The Delta concourse

American Airlines uses concourse F in Tampa Airport

We were going to park at gate F84.

American Airlines 737-800

Another American 737-800 heading to Miami

And we have parked at gate F84.

Shortly later, the front door has opened, and after saying goodbye to the crew I have left the aircraft.

TAMPA AIRPORT - TPA

The last shot of our aircraft from the terminal

As I wouldn't be taking another flight that day, I have headed towards the exit.

FIDS for that day.
F concourse is mainly used by American Airlines and also international arrivals of other carriers as it's the only concourse that have an international arrivals facility.

To go to the main terminal where the exit is located, a shuttle ( people-mover ) ride is required.

After arriving at the main terminal, I have headed downstairs where my hotel shuttle would pick me up.

After a few minutes of wait, the shuttle that I requested from my hotel has arrived at the designated hotel shuttle pick-up point and I left the airport.

This report has come to an end.
Thanks for reading this report.
Stay tuned with Flight-Report for my future reports!