Elite status: none
Aircraft type:
B737-800
JAX-DFW
July 31, 2021
Distance: 918 miles
Seat: 2E (first class)
Padding:
Padding in these newer seats was good but slightly on the thinner side. Comfortable but noticeable.
Recline:
Recline was 5 inches from upright to fully reclined in first class.
Pitch:
Pitch was good! 6 inches from my knee to the seat in front. Also a roomy 22.5 inches between arm rests. Total living space was 34 inches from seat back to seat ahead of me.
There was plenty of room to work on a tablet or laptop on the large tray table in first class.
Schedule:
Depart: 2:28PM
Arrive: 4:07PM
Scheduled: 2h 39m
Push back: 2:32PM (4m late)
Touch down: 3:48PM (19m early)
Arrived at gate 4m later
Actual duration: 2h 20m
Cost:
Paid with: cash
Prices at time of booking:
Miles: 50,000 AAdvantage miles
Cash: $450 (JAX-DFW-MEX)
Payment method reasoning: I don’t chase airline status. I chose cash over miles as I had a fixed schedule and it was a better deal over points. Also first class was only $100 more than economy class for the entire itinerary!
Boarding:
Boarding started on time and we were among the first to board being in first class. It was orderly and the crew helped passengers find seats and stow bags. Many reminder announcements made to keep the line moving.
We were not offered a pre departure beverage on this flight.
Service:
The crew announced a 2h 7m flight time and the weather in Dallas. The crew was friendly and helpful throughout the flight.
Shortly after takeoff the crew in first class took our food and drink orders. Drinks came out first.
The crew came several times in flight to collect trash, service items, and give refills to drinks in first class.
IFE and power:
There was no built in IFE. It is available via WiFi on board. In first class USB charging and a phone/tablet holder is built into the seat ahead. There were normal power outlets under the center arm rest between seats.
There was also a pamphlet explaining the on board entertainment.
The entertainment accessed via WiFi was extensive. Screenshots below only show a small sample of the offering. There is something for everyone!
Options included: Sports & News, Apple Music, TV, Movies, Lifestyle, and Kids. The Olympics were also available to stream live.
The streaming worked very well. The screen grab below blanked out the content but shows an example of the controls. All streaming is within the web browser on the mobile device.
WiFi:
WiFi was offered on this flight. I did not pay for access. It was expensive!
Plans started at $12 for an hour and went up from there. At that price I would only use it in an urgent situation.
Access to aa.com is offered for free.
Food:
Complimentary snack options offered in all classes pictured in the menu below.
In first class we were offered a turkey pastrami sandwich or vegetarian pimento cheese sandwich. I had the turkey pastrami and my companion had the pimento cheese.
Along with the sandwich we got mixed fruit, veggies and hummus, and a cookie brownie dessert. We both agreed and the sandwiches were just OK. The fruit was fresh and good. The hummus was runny but tasted fine. The star of the show was the brownie. I wish I had 3 of them!!
Everything was served in throw away containers to minimize contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal conditions real plates and silverware are typically used in first class.
Drinks:
Complimentary drink options offered in all classes pictured in the menu above.
In first class we had the full drink offering of complimentary options above plus beer, wine, champagne, and liquor.
I had a Jack and Coke and my companion had a champagne.
Everything was served in throw away containers to minimize contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal conditions glassware is typically used in first class.
Best seats:
In first class all seats are good! Extra leg room in row 1 bulkhead seats.
Pros:
First class is always better. Being only $100 more than economy made the choice easy for this trip. Comfortable seats and ample leg room for my 6’ 2” frame.
The Charlotte-based crew on this flight were very good. Would be happy to fly with them again.
Cons:
Paying for first class you expect extras. No pre departure beverage was a small disappointment. Another minor annoyance with American is they play an audio advertisement for their credit card before takeoff. This crew also made their own announcement for the card at the end of the flight since they get a commission on all approved applications. Far too much pushing of the credit card.
Would I fly again?
Yes! First class is a good way to travel. Sometimes it can be cheaper than or the same price as economy class on close-in bookings!
The crew and service on this flight was one of the better I have had flying American domestically.
