American Airlines 737 MAX First Class Review

In this video, you’ll get a sense of what it’s like to travel in First Class with American Airlines on their 737 MAX, and decide for yourself whether this is a trip you want to take.
We recently traveled from St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, to Miami onboard an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX. This video highlights the experience of flying on this airplane. You’ll see the American Airlines First Class food, service, seating, and entertainment.
After you watch the video, leave a comment and let me know what you think of the Boeing 737 MAX and American Airlines’ service in particular.
0:00 Introduction
1:33 St. Croix Airport Terminal
3:15 How to identify a 737 MAX
4:07 Boarding 737 MAX
5:10 American Airlines 737 MAX First Class Seat Tour
6:07 Takeoff
6:59 American Airlines First Class Food & Beverage
8:03 737 MAX Bathroom Tour
9:03 Thoughts on the 737 MAX
10:23 737 MAX Landing
Need some Bose headphones of your own?
Jeb.Flights/Bose
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Full take-off and Landing:
• 737 Max Full takeoff a...
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Music:
Night Drive - Barbatula
So Rare - Benjamin Rice
Dancing On The Tables (Instrumental Version) - Elijah N
Breathe - Daxten
I’m Coming Home (Instrumental Version) - Colbae

[@rickposter3534]

So far, the comments about going through Customs between the USVI and the US mainland have not been correct. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public affairs officer Jeffrey Quinones (in an online article): "What is seldom known is that the U.S. Virgin Islands is outside what is called 'Customs territory.' Since the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U.S. from Denmark (in 1916), by treaty, customs fees are assessed using local law. When traveling to one of the U.S. insular possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam, you are required to clear Customs and Border Protection and are entitled to a $1,600 duty-free exemption, as long as you are there for 48 hours or more." You also don't need a passport if you are a US citizen. Any government-issued ID is acceptable.

[@GreenerGrass]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@semperjr]

@@GreenerGrass Being from the US Virgin Islands I can verify Rick Poster's explanation but to touch on the topic of the condition of the airport...the USVI was leveled by two category 5+ hurricanes within two weeks of each other in September of 2017 and FEMA funding for recovery has been based on certain priorities. Even though things look a lot better, things like the rebuilding of condemned schools have not started as yet but they are working on it and Covid-19 hasn't done us any favors in that endeavor. Hope you come back soon.

[@carocarochan]

Propaganda. How much did AA pay you to promote this unsafe aircraft? You are legally obliged to disclose if they paid you or not...

[@semperjr]

@@carocarochan What does AA have to do with my comments? If you wanted to make that statement then start your own comment thread.

[@hanj31]

@@carocarochan he doesn’t get paid unless otherwise stated explicitly in the video

[@juliomendez6796]

Hey Jeb I’m Julio and I currently work at STX for Envoy Air that handles the ground operations for AA and i am deeply sorry on ur finding on that snack bag that was left onboard in your seat pocket. We strive hard to make sure that the aircraft is cleaned properly per our clean commitment. I am deeply sorry!

[@1rtricky]

Way to go Julio! 👍🏼

[@ryanaustin03]

Just a note, this is an Oasis 737 max. AA has been going through and updating Oasis jets to "Kodiak". A few minor changes, mostly in first class: -Changed position of bar underneath first class seats for more storage -The divider between first and coach (seen at 4:53) has been extended down so you can't see behind you back to main cabin -More seat back padding -Another drink holder on console between seats

[@kevinwells4986]

Regarding your video only, honestly I think your voice is so correct for these videos. Secondly, you are always honest, but so respectful. I wish everyone could do that. Meanwhile, I have to be a subscriber, because I have to listen to your next one. Thanks JB.

[@Agent44996]

Fantastic review! I love your videos! Thank you for providing us with these flight reviews while the rest of us can't fly due to the pandemic. You keep all of our aviation spirits strong!

[@miracleboyboxing]

Glad you were able to record where I live ST.Croix🇻🇮🇻🇮🇻🇮

[@TaylorTravelsTheWorld]

Jeb, great video as always! its great to see the max in the air again!

[@lukezavislak7130]

Nice video Jeb keep up the great work

[@kinkybidub]

Excellent as always Jeb

[@MattCook206]

Great views. Love the islands. Thanks for the video

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always!

[@GenkisTravels]

Awesome video. I recently flew the MAX 9 on United First Class, it was a very comfortable aircraft :)

[@x1achilles99]

You can have the "comfort." I'll take the safety on an Airbus.

[@ktjmitchell7722]

The MAX is more likely safer than any Airbus plane now

[@RailsandSky]

@@ktjmitchell7722 You are really talking crap now. Take a look at the sales of both manufacturers.

[@ktjmitchell7722]

@@RailsandSky okay? Boeing is definetly trailing in the narrowbody...but tell me, who is selling more widebodies on nearly a 1.5:1 scale? Who is selling more cargo aircraft on a 14:1 scale? Who is selling military versions of their commercial aircraft on a 4.2:1 scale?

[@pawelodziomek4908]

@@ktjmitchell7722 there is no evidence to confirm that. It's just speculation.

[@skycaptain3344]

Some of my friends who work for American’s regional carriers went back to 25 minute turn times last summer despite any logical person knowing that isn’t enough time for a thorough cleaning. Thankfully at Delta we still have had at least 45 minute turns on my schedules since the pandemic started, and usually longer.

[@brentshepard3925]

I’ve watched about half of your videos and I love them all. I have to go through the app and like each video. I’ve been watching on the TV and can’t do it there. So be ready for several “Like” notifications.

[@alohafromkauai6569]

Awesome content Jeb! Super stoked for you to be able to travel! The Bose ear buds look nice!

[@KeemBeckford]

Great video Jeb !! 👌🏾

[@brentford2]

Great video yet again.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@user-uo4tv1nt2e]

Great video, I love it!

[@HasanKhan-ni4lq]

Those window views are stunning 🤩

[@acfarob69]

Jeb…I’m a flight attendant and always have my eye out for you! You are my favourite travel influencer. Love your videos

[@logansaviationadventures]

My flight on the oneworld partner Alaska air today was amazing. Had incredible Mountain View’s in Alaska my home!

[@quartz9704]

I went on a 737 Max-8 from CMH to PHX on southwest and it was very quiet and fast and I definitely recommend it if you ever do.

[@DLEVANS65]

I really enjoy your videos!

[@broede85]

I really love this fantastic, modern-designed cabin. Seats are awesome, too!

[@jdcajl2531]

The answer is yes that this aircraft should have been built. May have been rolled out prematurely. Most likely will be flying an AA 737 Max from EWR to Costa Rica via MIA in September. Very excited.

[@amateurstacker33]

Thats awesome you was in st croix, i am watching this video in st thomas! I flew on the 737 MAX 8 in January. Very nice.

[@MrAschroeder1]

Another fantastic vid, Jeb! Hopefully I'll run into you in Milwaukee soon! First round is on me!

[@lmd499]

My goodness your videos are always so well made

[@PureAloha78]

I love your positive attitude. You’re one of my favorite aviation bloggers.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Awesome video!😸😸

[@resherm320]

I was the 600 like!!!!! Yay! Great Video Jeb!

[@rlrober]

Thank you for showing the TWA classic at the end !!!

[@TWA-km9wt]

Yeah, I caught that too.

[@actemple3282]

Love that plane great job

[@dr.rohitgour795]

Thanks for sharing

[@santinomamone2674]

Loo review like on Josh Cahill’s Travel vlogs ... magic video once again Jebb 👍

[@chrisl5571]

Thanks for the great review! Hope to show you the true American way on one of my flights!

[@seven_hundred-seven_hundred]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@jet-inairwaysvirtual.4290]

very well done, and you speak very well. take care. William

[@fishersofmen8073]

Watched this while I was about to take my SWA flight #44 from DAL to PHX it was a 737 MAX 8, Reading the comments and other comments made me so nervous to fly it, to the point where I asked a pilot sitting down and non-reving to PHX in my flight if it’s really safe and I’m his words “oh man you’re in great hands these are one of if not the safest plane out there right now, you have nothing to worry about,” he then went on how our protocols in the states how much different than foreign protocols, and it was probably the most quietest smoothest fly I took in a while, we were also fighting against to wind too; nonetheless it breaks my heart knowing that those people perished on that flight and Ethiopian airlines and flying airlines, my deepest condolences to them and there family’s. Under no conditions should anyone discover how to improve safety of aircrafts through bloodshed, I pray the best for their families and many others who lost their lives in aviation incidents.

[@AIGeneratedBITCoinApproved]

Beautiful shot's of Andros. Makes me just want to dive right in.

[@shaunganley]

9:34 LOVE the shot of the JetBlue plane flying by over the Caribbean!

[@Sassycat757]

That was pretty cool. He or she was flying..lol

[@shaunganley]

@@Sassycat757 you figure one plane was going one way at about 450 miles an hour… And the other plane going the opposite direction around the same speed… It makes it look really really fast!

[@davisbyer4791]

The pilots 100% forgot about the seatbelt sign. Happens to me all the time. That likely also explains the absence of flight attendants as they are also generally supposed to remain seated when the belts are on

[@ryanridder4576]

It’s also neat that at the very end you caught the AA B737-800 in the TWA heritage livery, I’d love to ride that one day!

[@AndresVargas-wv6zb]

Nice video! Hope you some say travel to Colombia and do some reviews on Avianca

[@suunto61]

Yes. 737 Max is just fine.

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

Very nice video

[@justicelawrence577]

I live on St. Croix and the airport is currently going through a much needed renovation. There are other bathrooms at the airport, but the one you used has to be the best, despite its unusual appearance. Also, the boarding process was really unusual. I've never had that happen before, but I've learned to get used to the little surprises. I'm happy you enjoyed St. Croix and hope to see you back one day!

[@juddcooper]

Love St. Croix!

[@gopniksaurolophus6354]

I would watch this video now, but I need something to watch at school for lunch tomorrow lol

[@celsiusfahrenheit1176]

Beautiful airplane.

[@jackiecolbert3915]

Beautiful views I never flown before.

[@ellomate..]

Always got a solid Rolex on! Nice explorer ;)

[@raffinataonline]

Never getting on a Max, but nice video. Thank you.

[@johndavis8669]

I've been on a 737 MAX before it was grounded. The blue light was great as it was a nighttime flight.

[@geocape7060]

Was just on a United Flight from Las Vegas to Houston and they actually had coffee service. It was so nice. My American Airlines flight though had just bottled water, no coffee.

[@curailproductions7636]

Nice 👍

[@spencermckaig4921]

I had the same experience taking American when leaving Dublin, customs was in Ireland and I think it is because the terminal we used was all US based airlines so the terminal may have been payed for an built by the US from the airlines involved.

[@american0113]

Jeb! U must go to St Thomas to get the true USVI experience man! ❤️💪🍻 great content

[@farmerlucas1853]

Also St.John, that's also an experience.

[@Lee247Jamaica]

YAY new max

[@robbiemorrison7085]

Flew Norwegian air back in Oct 2019, was a new b737-800, lavatory was the same as the max!

[@michaelsharp3615]

Delta Airlines finally brought back food and drink service on their flights!!!

[@christravels5218]

Hot meal service, like the good ole days in 2019?

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@christravels5218 yup aka renaissance of air travel now until the end of April

[@jeranjed]

I flew delta one lsx-jfk on 4/23 and still snack boxes.

[@gummybear41283]

buy your own food and snacks before you get on the flight!!!!!!

[@dtalbot9200]

Do MORE videos! FYI. . . another description used by the industry for the "chevrons" on the engines is. . . "scalloped" trailing edge on the engine cowling.

[@gatewayz75]

Thanks for the video, beautiful scenery! Qantas domestic business has already returned to full crockery, glassware, choice of meal including hot, wines, tea/coffee and that’s on a 60 minute flight, shame about the AA catering but maybe it will return soon.

[@DavidGonzalez-mi7pi]

I flew the MAX yesterday on Southwest and i must say i was impressed with how smooth and quiet the ride was

[@Gez492]

Smooth and quiet all the way to the scene of a corporate murder for other passengers

[@Gez492]

How do you identify a 737 max look for the blood dripping from it

[@GrantWMULLEN10]

@@Gez492 while criticism of an aircraft is acceptable, your comment is quite inappropriate - especially to those that lost family members and friends on those flights

[@Gez492]

@@GrantWMULLEN10 I'm telling it as it is mate. Boeing maybe operating a "Max" charm offensive but I am not buying into their propaganda. As far as I'm concerned they are Guilty of the Corporate murder of 347 human beings. They have tried smearing and denigrating the pilots of Indonesia and Lion Air when they knew there were major issues with this fatally flawed aircraft. The US FAA were complicit and have lost any credibility they may have had, if this had been US citizens on a United or Delta internal flight or a EU flight over London the actions and reaction would have been entirely different. In my view 737Max should have been ordered to scrap and have already had issues with it on its return but instead they are duping passengers into a flying Russian roulette airways. Don't criticise the messenger, if you are genuine about caring that 347 people needlessly lost their lives to Boeing's corporate greed then save your minor outrage for them.

[@robinjohn7008]

What about the safety sir. You know what happened to passengers of Ethiopian and lion air 737 max. It was a smooth and quiet ride to heaven sir.

[@kaiaubert2136]

You should most definitely return to the island of St. Croix again. The airport terminal has updated and looks better than EVER before.

[@nmpls]

My understanding this the max was much more due to AA than WN. It was AA (which was all 737 in the size at the time) that was purchasing a number of A320 neos. Boeing attempted to run interference and were told by AA that they would buy half a320 and half 737 if the 737 met certain goals such as the needing the same type rating as the NG and being done by a certain date. WN wanted a new 737 but didn't put the same restrictions, specifically in regards to the fairly rushed production schedule.

[@justaplaneguy845]

Jeb this is awesome to learn this. I REALLY WANT TO MEET YOU!

[@damiandeneir6527]

Flew with united February 20th from Orlando to Houston on a 737-9 max. It was the best 737 I have ever been on. Comfy seats, nearly silent aircraft. I would fly on a max 9 any day of the week if it weren't airworthy the faa would have kept it grounded.

[@gummybear41283]

oh ya how come 2 crashed then?

[@colerche]

Welcome to the Caribbean mon !

[@vx.jayy23]

I just came back from Chicago on a Boeing 737-800 and it was quite loud but pretty smooth ride

[@red2977]

I was on some plane in first class one time and I remember the lavatory was soo big it had like a couch/bench in it. I can't imagine going from that first class lav to this one.

[@GroovyCachinDude]

I booked a business trip on Alaska from PDX to PHX specifically choosing a 737-800 for both legs of my flight due to the well-documented issues the MAX had when new. As it turned out, my return flight aircraft was changed without any notification and I boarded a MAX. I'll have to say, the MAX is a much nicer aircraft than the nearly 30 year old dash 800. Better seats, overhead switchgear, engine noise/performance, personal device management, and ambient lighting scenes. I'll be switching my flight search criteria in the future looking for MAX aircraft especially after the FAA has given them the green light and my recent experience.

[@abbasrizvi9389]

Only been on one Max flight so far. IST-FCO on a Turkish 737MAX8. Great flight!

[@aviation_lover3569]

Just a change on the term tail cone that's actually the APU exhaust port 😉 and I'm qualified to turn that APU on and off which is beautiful

[@206dp]

We call them tail cones, but you are right it is where the APU exhaust comes out

[@richardsaunders3082]

Jeb, great to have you back into a sorta frequent release of new material... I think you can account for most of your concerns about boarding and the renovations by realizing the time zone change to “island time” brings with it a laid back, chill out, be happy, way of thinking... you weren’t try to get through Heathrow to Munich for a business critical meeting, you were on a vacation with a beautiful woman to the Caribbean islands.... think about that and I know you’re gonna smile about this trip for years....

[@semsemeini7905]

I love the Buccaneer Hotel in St Croix.

[@paulconnors2078]

Hi Jeb: I am an avid still photographer and don't currently do video. I was wondering if you had any recommendations as to how one should start from scratch? Also, do you have a refresh schedule for your gear. Many thanks and safe travels.

[@Mr.RoAbraham]

My Island 🏝 St.Croix U.S. Virgin Islands 🇻🇮 But going to the airport is a very terrible and chaotic experience. Poor customer service from certain airlines workers and staff can really hinder the process of making things a little easier for tourists when they travel to the island. The Virgin Islands Tourism Department and Virgin Islands Port Authority needs to see this video!! Thanks for visiting our island and hope you come back soon 😊😊

[@patrickmartin3322]

I was on a Delta flight recently and they did serve drinks and snacks, although I don’t know what the first class service was like as I was not in first.

[@Ben-go1iq]

Hi Jeb Do you need a covid Test to enter at Croix from Puerto Rico or just from the mainland ?

[@Vflores1211]

I work for AA in AUS and man, so many new routes, so many more PAX, AA is doing so much to over come!!

[@marcusbean6003]

Can agree, being the fueler at AUS. Well not me personally, I usually fuel at the United gates lol.

[@Vflores1211]

@@marcusbean6003 I feel that, it’s just in general from AA, and southwest, AUS is getting busy

[@JasonB95]

Love the video Jeb! Background music was great in particular. I think the answer to whether the MAX should have been built requires highlighting the two perspectives. From an engineering perspective, probably not. The aircraft is based on a 50+ year-old airframe and so this was not the best circumstance in which to stuff technology into it that would compromise its aerodynamics. We've seen what has happened as a result. Nevertheless from a business and economic perspective, it seemed to be a necessary decision to build the MAX. If you're on this channel you're probably already aware of the war between Airbus and Boeing over their respective narrow body jets and Boeing's decision to introduce the MAX upon the announcement of Airbus' A320neo. I personally don't think either perspective is wholly right or wrong but somewhere in the middle. While Boeing must make decisions to remain competitive and desirable to airlines, they must never ever compromise their engineering and safety principles. The MCAS debacle is the price they paid (and continue to pay) for their negligence and oversight in that regard. I'll always remain a big fan of Boeing. I just hope they stop cutting corners and follow best practices. They are critical to the industry.

[@bebeerin]

you really out here showcasing the luxury life for us peasants to live vicariously thru you! damn i really thought the only perk of first class was a bigger seat and priority boarding. i had no idea first class were getting whole ass meals with desserts while us in economy aren't even given the opportunity to purchase snacks most of the time let alone a meal

[@bgi.avgeek]

My flight got canceled just now after waiting 5 hours welp I will have to try Tuesday but anyways this really made me feel better

[@MrShaunG]

I flew the 737 max on a united flight. Smooth; so much better ride then the e175 I arrived in just a day before… it was my first time on a max and I was pleasantly surprised.

[@kennethcampbell7263]

Wow, Jeb was that a real-time flight crossover it looked like it really flew past. Yes pun intended

[@christianbrownproductions2213]

Good thing that you didn’t get lost!

[@srijitmukherjee1038]

I flew a 737-max 8 in January 2019 on the now defunct Jet Airways in India. I am flying the UA 737-max next week !

[@Flight4080]

Hey Jeb, I'm from the USVI, you need to go through customs because of agricultural policy. This is due to the red soil there being used to grow many things both beneficial and illegal.

[@GreenerGrass]

Thank you. That makes sense. Appreciate you watching and taking the time to explain!

[@akhilbettadapura4750]

Yeah, they also have it in Hawaii

[@emartinez2740]

And in Puerto Rico, but they just call it USDA and takes like 30 seconds to ge the sticker

[@shahimagesyt]

Interesting

[@afcgeo882]

USDA screenings and customs are different things entirely, though are often done through the same process. What you are referring to is the USDA screening. Hawaii, PR, and many others require them. Customs are something else entirely. Insular US territories (USVI, Guam, American Samoa, etc.) lie outside of the US Customs Zone and thus retain their local customs policies. When traveling between them there is no immigration check, but there is a customs check.

[@jameshaswell2345]

One thing I have noticed different on the 737 is the front wheel bay-doors. The one you are boarding says 73-8x (3:15). In a shot showing a 737 that was not a Max, the door showed 73-8 (3:29).

[@itsjustdon]

I've flown on the MAX 8 about 40 times now. No issues.

[@luisurbieta8924]

Hi Jeb, my name Luis Urbieta and I love the videos. What if airplanes were built perfectly how will you feel?

[@barclay0876]

Love the script you read out at 9:05. Obviously, boeing have given you some money

[@julieannep5]

Yes

[@bajamedic]

What a great airplane. I am very glad to see it back in the air.

[@RailsandSky]

You are joking. It's a flying death bed.

[@ktjmitchell7722]

No, you are joking, it’s one of the safest aircraft now

[@RailsandSky]

@@ktjmitchell7722 How can it be? It still has on-going issues, like electrical now. The trouble is that the aircraft design is so ancient. Boeing fell behind Airbus and it had to try and make a quick fix. Boeing management, its relation to the NTSB - need I say more.

[@ktjmitchell7722]

@@RailsandSky literally all aircraft have small issues like that, but because its a MAX it is just pushed way too far by people trying to bash Boeing in anyway possible

[@Tarheel13]

@@RailsandSky you don’t know 💩

[@intergalactic_butterfly]

4:14 "at the behest of Southwest Airlines." Maybe you know something I don't Jeb, but I think it was AA that strong-armed Boeing into building the MAX when they made a giant order for a Boeing re-engined narrow-body that didn't exist yet in 2011, when they were bulk ordering both A320ceos and A320neos. WN is a 737 operator through and through so they were probably expecting a new 737 variant, but they did not make the first order.

[@lvthud]

AA went with the A320's for a couple of very simple reasons, Airbus was one of the companies that financed their exit from bankruptcy and availability, they get new planes quicker than going with just one manufacturer. And yes WN did make the first order, Dec 13th 2011, next order was NAS Jan 24th 2012.

[@edmanuelrodriguez8326]

I understand it was not american airlines that sent boeing to build the max, it was southwest airlines that sent boeing to build the 737max

[@intergalactic_butterfly]

@@lvthud You are correct on two points. WN made the first order, and AA made the A320 order for valid reasons. I stand corrected on those facts. But it was AA's bulk order of Airbus that forced Boeing into making a re-engined 737. Even though WN made a tentative order on a 737 re-engine, it was still Boeing's intention to make a new plane from scratch, until AA forced Boeing's hand.

[@intergalactic_butterfly]

@@edmanuelrodriguez8326 I never said that AA sent Boeing to build the MAX, though perhaps at first I was vague in my language. I intended to say that while WN made the first order, it was extremely tentative (WN's first order at least). Boeing was still trying to decide what it wanted to do. I said that AA strong-armed Boeing, or put Boeing in a corner, to where it had no choice but to build it.

[@edmanuelrodriguez8326]

@@intergalactic_butterfly but you wrote very well but I think AA is american airlina who forced boeing to build the max is your write I answered you it was not the AA from american airlines it was southwest

[@penguinswithwifi]

I had to see if you flew a Boeing Max. Glad there were no issues.

[@zwebwench]

A super video, as usual ! You deserve all the great compliments you receive. So here are two questions: I assume by the usage of "we" and "our" that you brought your future bride along? and was that the Florida Keys and coast below on the return?

[@Jack3md]

Yes he's traveling with his fiance

[@JoshDoesTravel]

4:13 Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it American and not Southwest that pushed for the MAX, since American had ordered the aircraft before Boeing had announced it?