American Airlines Airbus A321T Commercial Division New York JFK to San Francisco

American Airlines

IATA / ICAO code

AA / AAL

Airline type

Full service provider

Contact (s)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago Ohare International Airport, Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Lagardea Airport, Philadelphia International Airport , Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year of establishment

1926

Union

A world

General Manager

Robert Isom

Country

United States

American Airlines offers premium services on some continental domestic flights. Flag Business and Flag are initially the most advanced offerings, seats and service are similar to long-distance premium cabinets, but on a narrower Airbus A321. I tried this on my recent trip from Europe to California and I was very impressed, but there are some things to keep in mind.

This report is based on the night (20 ፡ 29) from New York JFK to San Francisco at 23 ፡ 51. I returned from Los Angeles to the New York Flag Business overnight.

American Airlines Flag Domestic Service

American Airlines has announced its intention to offer a premium on some Atlantic flights. The standard domestic services operate as two-stage flights, economically and primarily. The first part of these flights is better than the one offered by European airlines, usually 2-2 lined seats rather than 3-3. American Airlines Flag Service takes this even further. This is available on specially equipped Airbus A321 aircraft A321T.

Flagship Business offers a wide range of 2-2 folding chairs, and Flagship First has a large row of 1-1 seats. The service is available from New York JFK to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Orange, and on Atlantic routes from Los Angeles to Boston or Miami. Prices can be much higher than regular primary flights, often thousands of dollars. My flight was scheduled as part of an international business trip.

Departure from JFK and Flag Lounge

American Airlines is based at New York JFK Airport Terminal 8 (among others oneWorld Airlines). Trans Atlantic Atlantic’s British Airways is currently based on Terminal 7, but the two are set to move to Terminal 8 by 2023.

On many American Airlines flights, Terminal 8 is always busy. Flag Traders will be able to use American Airlines Pre-Verification. There is a different, smarter flag first check but this is not available for commercial passengers. I arrived two hours before Flight 29 flight and waited just five minutes for boarding. Priority security is also provided. This took a long time, but I passed in 15 minutes.

Flag Salon is the first major difference with this A321T service. Passengers do not have access to the lounge when flying the first class. This is only available to rankers along with others. oneWorld Airlines. On these flights, premium passengers can find the best Flag Business Lounge at the main concert.

The living room was very busy this evening, but the layout and service were excellent. The Flag Salon is located just above the Concrete, with beautiful large windows overlooking the airport, the runway, and Manhattan.

There are many different seating areas, including workplaces, dining areas and chairs (next to windows). There is also a quiet room for those who want to rest or take a nap. There is also a shower – which I always admire before long days or overnight flights (many flights to the east operate in one night).

Food and beverage are self-serving (by contrast, standard American airlines lounge offer bar service). I had fresh food from the buffet and this was very good quality. There were good wine choices, as well as some self-serve drinks.

A321T Flag Business Cabinet and Seat

The flag cabin uses the BE Aerospace Diamond seat, a 2-2 formation flat-bottomed seat. There are five rows, offering a total of 20 seats.

The seat is comfortable, the father of the fabric rather than the leather cover. As you can expect from the narrow 2-2 position, storage is limited. The space is large but there is a small shelf behind the seat (as well as power sockets), a common stand between the seats and a good storage shelf under the screen. Essentially this laptop is enough to carry a few other items – enough for this type of flight.

The seat is a big improvement over the standard domestic primary seat. It is more comfortable and, of course, a different experience if you plan to sleep. However, you still have a neighbor and limited privacy. There is plenty of room to get in and out, but when the passenger seat is occupied, the window seat is very difficult for the passenger to get out. I chose a window seat for my overnight return flight and felt so overwhelmed!

Flag Business Service

American Airlines promises not only a better seat for fleet flight – but also better service. This is reflected in better food quality, and sleeping and comfort items are similar to what you expect on long-haul flights.

Before leaving, I was served drinks as soon as I got on board – water, juice or Piper-Hydrangea champagne. More drinks and food service followed quickly after the launch.

You can already make your food choices on the American Airlines website. I like this option. It guarantees your choice but allows you to better plan your flight. If you know that board food is not what you want, for example, you can choose to eat a lot in the living room in advance.

For this flight, I pre-ordered a beef rib meal. Other options include Asian-style chicken, spicy salmon, or spinach and ricotta pasta. The salad-based start and dessert selection served well with special courses.

There was no extra service for the five-and-a-half-hour flight after meals. Of course, drinks were available on request, but there was no extra food or snack service before you rested.

Surprisingly, the staff turned off the cabinet lights as soon as the food service was over. The cabinet was not only dim but also completely dark. For one night flight (and not one night) it felt strange. I wanted to do some work, but it was very difficult. It was possible to use the individual’s top light, but that was not enough – plus, it would disturb my neighbors – all of whom chose to watch movies in the dark! The same thing happened on my return flight – even more light for the food service. This was more understandable, and it was a real “red eye” night flight and most passengers wanted to increase their rest.

Best entertainment system and WiFi

It is especially difficult to make mistakes when it comes to short-term leisure activities. There are so many movies and shows and some live TV channels. American Airlines offers good soundproofing headphones – similar to those offered for international commercial flights. There is WiFi – charged and not provided for free – but I did not use it on this flight.

Arriving in San Francisco

The flight passed very quickly – the lights went out – and we arrived a few minutes before we arrived in San Francisco. We quickly got off the plane – and I took the opportunity to see the first room cabinet in front.

Midnight is not a good time to get to San Francisco, but if you want to travel in the future. Public transportation is over but many flights are still arriving at that time. Trying to book a taxi or Uber in the future has taken some time – but that’s not the airline’s fault!

Have you flown American Airlines’ domestic flag service – business or first class? Feel free to share your seat and service experiences in the comments.