Hey everyone, and happy Spring! Today I'll be doing something quite different, reviewing a domestic U.S. cabin (even though it's technically international). This was the second time I've taken an AA narrowbody F cabin, and following up from my first experience back in 2024 where I was rather surprised considering AA's reputation and domestic US flights in general. Back then I wasn't sure if it was a fluke, plus the fact I didn't plan on taking any pictures, there was no review. Today, however, I thought I'd share a slight combination of the two flights (with 90% being the route listed, only a few short thoughts from the 2024 flight.) I hope you enjoy!
Today, my route would take me from STL to DFW before a very rushed 51 minute connection over to YVR. I had never transited through DFW before and my Texas buddy told me it's usually quick with the tram since I needed to change terminals. but again I'd have to look up at lady luck.
There was a slight concern upon arrival as everyone seemed glued to their windows and taking videos of whatever was going on in the distance. The angle of this shot might suggest that plane was emitting fumes, but it's just an angle issue and probably some trash was being burnt or whatnot.
We actually arrived 10 minutes or so ahead of schedule, but my initial confidence I'd make my connection began to dwindle as our taxing time slowly but surely stretched into a half hour. Luckily, my connecting flight was delayed for 25 minutes, if not I may have missed it.
Along the tarmac I also spotted some Middle Eastern jets still grounded, hopefully they make it home safely.
We also passed by a lovely Stand up to Cancer livery. I generally don't fly AA unless it's the only option, but these recent experiences have opened my horizons on just how many interesting liveries their narrowbodies carry.
After the tram, I made it over to my gate where boarding was imminent.
This is the (last) first look at my seat onboard, "last" because I took this when leaving the plane. I spent a little too long at Starbucks during the boarding process and wasn't able to get a snap of my seat initially as the entire cabin was full. Nothing special, just your typical domestic recliner.
Although this was a domestic F seat, since we are technically flying internationally AA brands it as "Business" class and not "First". Absolutely no difference, except maybe a slight downgrade in the prestigious name of "First".
There is no IFE screen. Some decent space in front both up top where the safety/drink manuals are and under for storage. The greatest asset of these recliners, in my opinion, is the generous leg space.
There's some extra storage space in the middle between two seats where the charging port is also hidden. I wouldn't have known of this area without my neighbour sneaking his book somewhere and me seeing it disappear.
Looking ahead, a completely full cabin today. On the back of your neighbor's seats is a small sticker suggesting free entertainment available in-flight. With AA now having free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members, and rather quick speeds, there really isn't much of a purpose for having an IFE screen.
Another angle of the storage space, far longer than it is wide.
This was the first time I noticed these little automated belts that brought your suitcases up. I must admit it definitely beats out ground staff simply throwing your bags and having you guess which area will get dented.
There is, as the name suggests, the reclining button. I'm quite sure the person in front of my reclined their seat the entire flight, but wwith the space and leg room it was completely unnoticable from my end.
Water was passed out in plastic cups.
Luckily, this flight took place a week before TSA's shutdown which came with major delays across the US. Today, no problems for us as we pushed out of DFW at 10:23, the delay taking us around 30 minutes behind schedule.
Upon take off, I noticed and began playing with the individual air nozzles, a perk that's always appreciated.
Before lunch service began, "hot towels" were passed out. I put these in quotations as this is by far the smallest towel I've seen in the air. Still appreciated of course!
Service began with some warm nuts on AA's AAdvantage advertized napkins.
Before continuing with service, I wanted to chat about the crew. The lady taking care of Business Class was wonderful. Ever since boarding, through taking lunch orders and doing take-off safety checks, she was so kind and always emphasized to "please never hesistate to let me know if you need anything at all". This was also part of the reason I decided to make this review.
The lady who looked after us on the 2024 flight from LAX to STL was up there with one of the best cabin crew members I've had, 100% the best on a North American carrier. Even now, 2 years later, I still have fond memories of her. Despite me being quite the introvert, I admitted to her "you're incredible" to which she responded "you're incredible too!". Perhaps the bar was set too high from 2024, but by no means was today's lady any worse. The connondrum to me was, how are AA's crew on these short flights so incredible and yet every time I fly them long haul they seem so disinterested and sometimes down right rude (I'm referring to the crew on my review from ORD to MAD where I was yelled at for trying to use the toilet). My peers barely believed me when I shared my experiences on these shorter AA flights.
Ok, back to the flight. I kicked off my meal with a coke zero.
Today's lunch options were a Chicken breast, beef short rib, or a vegetarian pasta. I went with the chicken which seemed to be the last portion as the lady apologized to passengers sitting behind me as they were out. She was very enthusiastic when suggesting the pasta to them which she claimed was her favorite.
My meal came attached to the tablecloth. The food was alright, I must say the green pesto sauce wasn't the most visually appealing. On my previous adventures on AA I always received quite a hearty classic American feast, think somewhat greasy and unhealthy but dangerously delicious. Today's was far healthier, which is also appreciated.
I tried to snap a quick picture of my neighbour's beef which also looked quite healthy.
The pasta also had a vey small portion when I saw it pass by, I guess we're all eating healthy today!
For reference of a rather heartier meal, this was mine from 2024, a DELICIOUS chicken parmesan.
After the main meal, dessert was offered between a cheese plate and raspberry sorbet. Knowing I always love some good cheese, I went with the former.
Not the largest portion but it did help since I was still quite hungry from the chicken. The flatbread crackers were solid, I need to get some of those at home.
Nothing too eventful took place after the meal. The lovely lady came around once every hour or so to ask for drinks, and again you could tell through her demeanor that she genuinely cared and wasn't just asking for the sake of it.
A few hours later, the beautiful mountains of British Columbia were exposed in the distance as we descended down into Vancouver.
We landed 8 minutes ahead of schedule (given the delay) at 12:34. We passed by KE's new livery on their 787-10's which feature their new Prestige Suites 2.0, a product I hope to try in the near future.
Having no good angle back at DFW, I'm glad I got a picutre of my bird here at YVR on their gorgeous Vancouver day!
Finally, just for fun and unrelated to the flight, I caught Cathay Pacific's new 80th year "Spirit of Hong Kong" livery on its first NA journey into YVR shortly after arriving!
