Review of American Eagle flight from Nashville to New York in Domestic First

Welcome to my 100th flight report.

I've flown 882 segments on commercial flights out of which 121 were in business class and one in international first class but I had never flown US Domestic First Class. I had read many reviews so I didn't have very high expectations but I was still expecting a certain level of service.

I originally booked economy for $75 (first class was around $400). I received an offer to upgrade for $101 during on-line check-in. It seemed to be a good offer.

I left Memphis at 6am to make sure I arrive to Nashvillee on time. I actually arrived earlier than expected so I spent some time by a beautiful lake only a 10 minute drive from the airport.

I returned my rental car.

There are some works at Nashville Airport. I turned left at this sign.

BNA has many departing flights.

My upgrade included priority check-in. There were not many people but the ones in front of me were stuck at the check-in desk.

I went to self check-in.

I selected seat 1A.

There was no waiting time at security. Priority lane was available but it didn't matter this time.

I followed the signs to the lounge.

My lounge for today's flight was American Airlines' Admirals Club.

The lounge is large with sufficient seating.

The first surprise to someone like me used to lounges in other countries was that I had to to pay for most food and drinks. It reminded me of my lounge experience in Kazakhstan where I also had to pay for almost everything.

A few basic items are free of charge.

I ordered an avocado toast (for which I paid) and a coke (free of charge). The toast was good. The coke was, well, coke.

The coffee machine.

I had some very weird experience: the wi-fi at the lounge blocks Google Flights and many other aviation websites. Why?

I left for the gate about 30 minutes before departure. My overall impression of Nashville Airport was positive: not crowded and easy to use.

I was the first to board.

This was an American Airlines flight operated by Republic Airways as American Eagle. The plane was an E175, registration number N409YX, only 8 years old.

There are four rows of first class in a 1-2 configuration with a total of 12 seats. Load was 11/12 on this flight.

My seat was large with a very good legroom.

My seat reclined too much - it was broken. My impression was that a million people had already been in my seat before me. The overall condition of the cabin was not good.

I'm not sure if you can see on this photo but the panel above my head was very dirty.

The cabin crew was very friendly and welcoming. I was immediately offered a welcome drink. I ordered a coke. A small hand sanitizer was also offered.

Push-back was at 12.56 for a scheduled departure time of 12.59.

Take-off was at 13.05 from runway 20R.

Views before and after take-off:

American Airlines domestic first class catering: snacks from a basket.

This was at lunchtime in first class on a flight with a flight time above two hours. It's a shame to call this service first class.

I had a glass of white wine. There was no printed menu so I have no idea which wine I had.

The cabin crew was very friendly.

The view mid-flight.

Approaching New York.

We flew over some New York suburbs with some nice views.

We landed at 15.56 and were at the gate at 16.08 for a scheduled arrival time of 16.29.

Some interesting artwork at JFK: