Our flight from LAX is at 8:44 AM, which means arriving around 7:00 AM… usually a time incompatible with the night owl that I am. But having arrived from Europe the day before, it's fairly easy to integrate into my biological clock.
At this hour, flights are numerous at LAX airport, but security is efficient and we quickly reach the lounge entrance.
We are welcomed with a proposal of Champagne, but it is exactly 7:10 AM at the time of this photo, so we decline in favor of a cup of coffee.
The flagship lounge , at first sight, looks like a standard AA lounge with large spaces facing the windows.
Where the difference is made compared to the company's Admirals Club lounges (more oriented towards the domestic marke) is the selection of self-service alcohol, including Premium and international wines.
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The buffets are appropriate for the time, with a breakfast offering.
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Our selection (as we skipped breakfast at the hotel) before heading to the gate where our B777 awaits.
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Boarding is done by group.
And we are surprised to discover an uncommon cabin with Zodiac Concept-D seats.
We have the first two seats, which is quite nice for a couple. Although the seating relatively remains private, you just have to stand up to face your travel companion.
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Personally, I like this configuration because it still comes with an ottoman and not a "foot box".
So here is my space.
There is a storage for the laptop, reminiscent (for the old-timers) of the attention paid to work in flight by AA's old First class.
Just like these two sockets and two USB ports, which cater well to the traveler's equipment.
On the seat, there are headphones - a kit - a menu - a bottle of water. The kit is the same as on international flights.
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And on the ottoman, there is the bedding set, quite substantial and which will end up in the overhead bins during takeoff.
The screen shows its age a bit, but all controls and commands are duplicated in the armrest, which is a nice feature.
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During my overview, a welcome drink is offered. It sticks to the international service with water, orange juice, or sparkling wine, while domestic flights (which is the case, in the end) have the open bar.
At this hour, orange juice is just fine.
Departure on time and we push back.
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And we are off for a still 5-hour flight.
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Half-turn over the Pacific and once the Arizona deserts are in sight, the service starts with an oshibori.
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Then, the protocol unfolds and starts with a complete aperitif service, despite the time.
A coffee (or an orange juice for my friend) will do nicely, but in the end, it can be noted that this "aperitif" service is adapted with shortbread instead of hot nuts, which fits well at this hour.
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There are four choices for the upcoming breakfast, I will choose the omelet.
It's good, but the conclusion is still: eat at the lounge ^^
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Overall, it is decent for a breakfast, which is rarely exciting on a plane.
Then I pass the time with the IFE, which is again as complete as for an international flight (which this aircraft must do anyway).
Over Oklahoma, I head to the restroom and notice that the "cheese plate" presented as the dessert of breakfast, and which (logically) had no success, has been recycled into a snack with the junk food basket.
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By now, it is 7 PM in France (where I am from and arrived from the day before), so this snack will be the excuse to have a little aperitif :)
Then we arrive and descend into Miami.
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Bye-bye Azriel! See you soon for the final destination ;)
