This version of the American Airlines Airbus A319 aircraft seats 128 passengers and is primarily used on Domestic routes. If you want to use miles to book a domestic first class flight on American Airlines, it’s going to cost you 25,000 miles one-way for a MileSAAver award. For example, you might be offered three meal choices, better service, printed menus, tablecloth linens, etc. These include flights on the following routes: When flying on premium transcontinental routes such as between JFK and LAX/SFO or MIA-LAX you can expect an upgraded dining experience. Please enable JavaScript to fully experience this site. We flew American Airline first class from Philadelphia to Tampa on the Airbus A319, loving the first class service. I’ve enjoyed the dishes like ravioli, lasagna, salad, and some fantastic desserts. First Class passengers flying domestically within the United States on American Airlines do not receive complimentary lounge access unless flying on selected transcontinental routes. Required fields are marked *. On the handful of times that I have flown American Airlines, I did not think that the food was too bad. Maybe I’m just not used to it. American Airlines: First Time in First Class Domestic - See 70,884 traveler reviews, 6,522 candid photos, and great deals for American Airlines, at Tripadvisor. One Mile at a Time wrote about the sad state of American Airlines domestic first class food, and I have to agree. On a recent flight classified as Lunch, I had some new (to me at least) options. If your flight is over 900 miles, you can expect a meal although some routes offer meals on flights shorter than that. Now American Airlines is making another change — American Airlines will now only serve a fruit and cheese plate on domestic flights of 2,200+ miles, with the exception of premium transcontinental flights (from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco) and longer flights to Hawaii (like Dallas to Honolulu). Instead, I decided to go for the burger. If you are trying to fly on a lie flat seat then consider booking a flight on one of the following aircraft: In the past, you may have also looked for fully lie flat seats on the 757, 767, and A330–300. If you ever get a survey on your meal, respond. Domestic first class on American Airlines is the top premium cabin offered on domestic flights within the US. Please note that for Domestic First Class, Delta comes top, so putting American in first position is only relevant to those flying in International Business Class. It’s worth pointing out that there are new American Airlines first class seats for domestic flights. A smaller aircraft may only have two rows of first class like the A319 or even a 1-2 configuration. The average American frequent flyer paying for domestic First Class? *Domestic First eligible fare classes are J, D, I, C and U on 2-cabin aircraft. American Airlines is working on removing seatback screens from aircraft. With TSA Pre-Check you can enjoy the following benefits: When flying on first class domestically, you’ll be offered two free checked bags. There are 10 reverse herringbone first class seats, which are typically seats you’d find in international business class. Have you flown American Airlines First Class? UponArriving has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Speed through check-in, security and boarding at the airport and get your checked bags first when you land. When it comes to flying with American Airlines, however, there is a bit more confusion on whether it is worth ponying up the cash/points for a first class ticket, or whether buying a business class ticket makes more sense. The United States is the land of the upgrade list, that special beast which allows people to be upgraded from Coach for free. However, many/all of those aircraft have recently been retired, so I’m not sure it will be possible to fly first class on them in the future. American Airlines A321 Transcontinental First Class Image Credit: American Airlines. American is currently in the process of the largest fleet renewal in its history, with over 200 aircraft remaining on order from Airbus and Boeing. When flying domestically this is called “business/first” or just “first” but when flying on shorter international flights it is called “business.” When people refer to “domestic first class” this is typically what they mean. Personally, I just choose to jump in to the TSA Pre-Check line and you might even want to jump ahead to CLEAR if you have it. Starting Wednesday, August 26, 2020, American Airlines will be restoring first class food service on flights between 900 and 2,200 miles. American Airlines baggage fees are pretty consistent with the average when it comes to larger U.S.-based carriers. Domestic first class on most flights and aircraft consists of a larger leather recliner seat, complimentary drinks, snacks and dining. The American Airlines Airbus A321 (321) 187 passenger version is primarily used on US domestic routes. It’s pretty spacious and can function as a workstation as well. To give you a sense of what to expect on a shorter flight of around 2 hours I’ve broken down the meal experience below. Of the U.S. Big 3, American Airlines has long operated several domestic routes with its flagship wide-body planes. You can also choose to purchase certain meal items and premium alcoholic beverages. When you show up to the airport, you’ll be able to check-in at a desk that is separate from the standard check-in desk. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The typical checked baggage fees for American Airlines are $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag so you’re looking at saving at least $70 whenever you check two bags. For this flight, I was in American Airlines A321 First Class, which was a small cabin of 16 seats in a 2-2 configuration. If you are flying on Flagship First, prices start at 50,000 miles one way. I flew domestic first class on American Airlines to see how it compares with coach — here's what I discovered Matthew DeBord 2018-06-25T13:21:00Z It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was not as good as the ones I’m used to. This aircraft features a First Class cabin with 16 recliner-style seats in a 2-2. And these aircraft have different seats so it’s a good idea to do some research to find what type of aircraft you would prefer to fly on. Inflight entertainment in domestic First Class. If you are redeeming on the three class cabin such as the Flagship First on the A321T, you will be shelling out 50,000 miles for a one-way flight. There typically is a neck support that you can mold to your liking. There are quite a few different aircraft that you can fly on when it comes to American Airlines domestic first class. The A321-200 and A319-100 are two other very common aircraft that American Airlines uses, and you will probably see them pop up in your searches. The Boeing 737-800 (738) and its 160 seats are becoming the mainstay on domestic flights in addition to the newer Airbus A321’s and converted US Airways A320’s. American Airlines business class passengers have access to the same great Flagship Lounges that its first-class passengers do, plus the awesome Casper bedding and flatbeds onboard. There may also be a tray that folds down from in front of you. ; Activities , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. The typical domestic first class seat is going to be a traditional reclining seat and not a lie flat seat. If you are flying on a smaller regional jet you can expect the following meal offerings: If your flight has scheduled meal service, you can pre-order your meals starting 30 days before your flight and up to 24 hours before departure. UponArriving and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. The best domestic first class experience out there is on the American Airlines A321. Flights; Hotels , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. Tip: The annual fee for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard is only $450 so if you get approved for that card you can save a lot of money on your membership. If you don’t have a screen right in front of you, there may be a larger screen at the front of the cabin or you may just be expected to stream entertainment via a mobile device/laptop. American Airlines lounges are known as Admirals Clubs. In the Main Cabin, the seats are arranged in a 3-3 configuration. But, at the risk of losing all my credibility, I will venture to say that some meals that I’ve eaten on United first-class domestic flights … Of course, if you want lounge access you can always purchase it by getting a day pass or by purchasing an annual membership. In some cases, they may bring around a basket of snacks and allow you to select whatever appeals to you. Typically, you will be offered a vegetarian dish and a meat dish. Do note that, on some legs, domestic First Class can be in a premium configured aircraft with lie-flat seating! If the award includes travel on an aircraft that offers lie-flat seats in the U.S. and Canada, the Business/First levels will be 7,500 miles higher. You should have access to power outlets but you may not on all aircraft. What is domestic first class on American Airlines? Flying with AAdvantage® / oneworld® status? The plane had another 165 more seats for economy and economy plus, or what American calls Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra. Add our ultimate premium assistance to your departure, connection or arrival in select markets. What is domestic first class on American Airlines? As things get closer towards meal service, you may be brought some warm mixed nuts to hold you over. You will see a sign near your departure gate that clearly indicates where to line up. But you can also fly on lie-flat seats when flying in first class on domestic routes. Elite status benefits. American Airlines A319 first-class seat. For the width, you’re looking at over 20 inches versus an economy seat which is closer to 17 inches. You should be given instructions on how to set up your entertainment on your own device. You will have much more legroom than you would in economy. These are the special features of flying American Airlines First Class. Sometime after your meal service or just any time during the flight, you may be offered additional snacks. We’re limiting food and drink service on board based on flight length and destination. *Domestic First eligible fare classes are J, D, I, C and U on 2-cabin aircraft. See above for the menu for my flight between Dallas and Los Angeles. You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks to enjoy during your flight. American Airlines have become the first and only US carrier to offer travellers first-class seats on domestic flights. The airline uses those, even if it sometimes seems just to justify cuts. To do so simply manage your booking. Never miss a beat while you’re on board – you can buy Wi-Fi on select aircraft. Went flying first class domestically, you’ll be offered complimentary alcohol and food, depending on the length of the flight and the time of your flight. The former workhorse of the fleet, the MD-80, is scheduled to be completely out of the fleet by 2017. The air carrier offers first class amenities at airports which include an exclusive check-in area where first class passengers receive personalized assistance … It is also often the same product offered to other nearby international destinations, such as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Main Cabin Extra is a standard Main Cabin Economy Class-style seat with additional legroom. They got much worse after the US Airways merger (not surprising), improved a bit, but have since seen real backsliding. No, you will only receive a meal if your flight is a certain distance or route. Taking a trip? 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