Excited to write my first flight review! So excited that I’m actually still in the air writing this from 38000 feet.

This specific flight is unique because of the special privileges given for a flagship cross-continental route. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve flown to Seattle from DC, or Vegas from DC, with zero frills.

Terminal 8

There was hardly anyone checking in at counters or in line for security at 12:45pm on a Tuesday. I got through security in 3 minutes flat.

Fair amount of luxury stores, duty free shops, and restaurants, but not the full suite of stores you would normally see. Also I was sad there wasn’t a shake shack. Still, the terminal was insanely clean.

Flagship Lounge

I was most keen on visiting this lounge since there are so few in the country. Right now you can find them at JFK, LAX, MIA, and ORD with more on the way at DFW, PHL, and LHR. Still curious on how they will brand this differently from Admiral’s Club, perhaps access rights will change. I was able to get in thanks to my OneWorld Sapphire status, though it is also open to Business and First class travelers.

I’ve been to the Admiral’s Club several times in several locations, and usually leave feeling like they deserve a renovation but still happy I got a water bottle and glass of prosecco. And afternoon guac if I time it right. But the drink tickets have always seemed awkward, nuts and cheese only go so far, and they are always SO crowded.

Flagship provided a much better experience. Things that stood out to me:

• Bloody Mary bar with 3 types of bloody mix, grey goose vodka, and other batch selections of gin and tequila
• Wine bar with about 25 bottles of bubbly and a wide selection of whites and reds
• Food buffet with stuffed mushrooms, shrimp pasta, caprese salad, desserts, fruit, other basic snacks. A full meal vs baby snacks.
• Large selection of non-alcoholic beverages in an accessible fridge
• Floor to ceiling views of Terminal 8 gates– got to see a few planes park!
• Plugs everywhere
• A quiet room, showers, office space off to the side
• Very clean bathrooms, not always the case at AA sister lounges.

They had me at complimentary food and drinks. For American-based airlines, this is a top notch lounge experience.

AA 0341: JFK to LAX

Boarding was seamless and I was surprised everyone was able to bring their carry on luggage with zero problem. Usually in later groups you have to gate check. This made more sense after boarding because this Airbus A321 is set up in a 3 class format. Extra space up top!

I’ve never seen lie flat seats offered on a domestic flight, let alone lie flat for BOTH first class and business class for a domestic flight. First is a 1-1 set up, Biz is 2-2, and Economy is 3-3. The plane reminds me more of what you would see for long haul international flights. One time I flew AA from AMS to PHL on a 757 with only 16 Biz and a whole lot of sardines back in economy… so seeing a wildly better domestic service was a bit of a shock.

With OneWorld Sapphire status I’m lucky enough to access Main Cabin Extra seats for free. More leg room, and I didn’t have anyone next to me in the middle seat!

Each seat has a plug and tv with full entertainment system, so I didn’t need to frantically charge my phone in the lounge before the flight.

MAJOR ALERT: As of June in Main Cabin Extra, all wine, sparkling wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks are complimentary. Whaaaaaaat.

***Here is the catch***

It isn’t written that MCE tickets receive free drinks. Not on the menu. Not in the AA magazine. Not on my boarding pass where it says “drink ticket: no,” and when the flight attendants make an announcement about drink service they literally say “those of you in the Main Cabin may purchase wine, beer, and spirits.”

The only reason I knew about this was from an AAdvantage newsletter I got several months ago with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it announcement at the bottom of the email. This perk is SO hush hush.

When I ordered a bottle of red, I half expected the FA to say “that’ll be $8” but instead she handed it to me no questions asked.

Service

Special shout out to a great crew. You could tell they love working together, and the captain even wished a lady in 8C a happy birthday. Flying from NYC on AA on 9/11, I simply had to give them some love.

Food included an Asian chicken wrap, veggie wrap, or cheese plate. I went for the cheese plate and wasn’t disappointed. Better than a standard sandwich box.

Final Thoughts

Okay I see you AA. The MCE perk is enough to have me sing your praises far and wide. Great plane, great service, great entertainment.

My major thought after flying this key cross-continental flight was… how is this better than some of the other long flights I’ve taken? It would be nice to see some of AA’s long haul and/or international flights have this same level of quality.

Overall rating when compared to other USA airlines, economy seats, and domestic routes: A.