Review of American Airlines flight from Raleigh to Miami in Domestic First

Report No: 2020-809

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this new US domestic First Class mileage run series. As American Airlines does have really good Domestic First Class fares which allows me to get status points for a really good value, so I decided to do mileage runs. This series is my first mileage run series and there would be more US domestic mileage run series coming through this year and next year.

The third flight of this mileage run series would be onboard the American Airlines 737-800 from Raleigh Durham to Miami onboard American's new Project Kodiak First Class seats.

Here is the routing for this mileage run;

Enter text here…

Loads for this flight

Domestic First: %75-80
Main Cabin: %70-75 

RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT - RDU

After arriving from my previous flight, the terminal looked really empty with only a few passengers in sight and they were mostly passengers from my previous flight heading to the exit.

As I had about 2 hours to spend in RDU, I decided to visit the American Airlines Admirals Club, however, the lounge services in the club was closed due to COVID and the club only offered customer assistance. The Delta SkyClub was similarly closed.

So, here are the concessions that I could spend my time. Popeye's was also open, however, it wasn't listed on this screen.

FIDS

That day, I decided to have a pizza at California Pizza Kitchen.

As I had a water bottle from my previous flight, I didn't purchase any drinks and the pizza costed $14.79 + tax.

Although the pizza was small compared to the price I paid, it tasted really good.

GATE AREA & BOARDING

Before boarding the usual COVID announcements were made that masks with air vents would not be accepted, no food & beverage service would be made on this flight, airport purchased alcohol could not be consumed onboard, etc…

Later on, boarding started with the respect of boarding groups, as I was in Group 1, I was one of the first ones to board the aircraft.

Fuselage shot of N800NN

AA 2397 RALEIGH DURHAM AIRPORT TO MIAMI AIRPORT

After being welcomed by the crew, I took my seat in the last row of the Domestic First Cabin. This aircraft was equipped with the Project Kodiak seats and it was the first time that I was trying them.

The seat has a USB port, a phone/tablet holder, a seat pocket and a literature socket. The legroom was pretty generous.

While boarding was going on, I took a photo from the window

Our neighbor was this American Airlines 737-800 that was heading to Charlotte.

Here is the seat pocket content. I would cover some content of the American Way magazine in one of the coming reports in the series.

Here is the power socket which is located under the armrest.

At that time, this American 737-800 was being towed to a gate for its next flight.

After boarding was completed, the lead flight attendant, introduced herself and offered pre departure beverages. I've opted for a coffee with Bailey's which was promptly served. Also, the crew addressed First Class passengers by name at all times.

While waiting, this UnitedExpress Embraer was taxiing to the runway for its flight to Houston-IAH.

And we had started our push-back on time and the crew did the safety demo at that time.

UPS cargo aircraft near the cargo stands

A FedEx aircraft

And after a short taxi, we were in the air.

After takeoff, the scenery was nice and entertaining and it was time to say goodbye to RDU which I would visit again soon.

This aircraft was equipped with the Viasat mobile IFE system.

And in addition to the first two flights, it offered free live TV and free Apple Music during the flight.

Here are the Wi-Fi options for todays flight

The Mobile IFE menu

Movie menu

Live TV options

After reaching our crusing altitude, the sun appeared and we were over the clouds.

At that time, the crew came and asked if we would like to have a drink. I've opted for a tomato juice which was served with a hand sanitizing wipe.

At that time we have entered Florida airspace.

During the flight, I watched an episode of Defending Jacob which looked like a nice TV series. However, it's strange that for Apple TV+ content, American only offers the first two episodes of all TV shows so if you would like to watch the rest, you would need to have an Apple TV+ subscription and download the content before your flight on your phone.

During the flight, I have visited the front lavatory which was clean during my visit.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, however, the cabin crew offered drink refills and collected trash multiple times during the flight.

Couldn't find which airport this is

Heading southwards towards Miami

The Canals at Florida

Fort Lauderdale Airport

Heading towards the south

And turning towards the west

Miami Hard Rock Stadium

Landscape before arriving at MIA

Dolphin Mall

And we've arrived at MIA on time

After a short taxi we were already at the North Terminal

The North Terminal is the home of American Airlines in Miami

And we have parked at gate D24 next to this American Boeing 737-800

MIAMI AIRPORT - MIA

And after saying goodbye to the crew, I have left the aircraft and headed to the terminal.

I wasn't able to take a shot of our aircraft, although I have taken a shot of this American 787.

And the mileage run series would continue in the next report.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.