AMERICAN AIRLINES, MD-80 First Class: Houston George Bush - DFW

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Date of Travel: 16 JULY 2017
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (SUPER 80)
Tail: N7514A
Livery: American Airlines bare metal "Aquafresh"
Route: IAH-DFW
Weather on Departure: Scattered clouds, winds calm
Weather on Arrival: Scattered clouds, winds calm
Airborne Time: 0h58m
Miles: 224
Track: flightaware.com/live/flight/A...
Remarks: Probably my last Super 80 flight...
Thanks for finding my video and pressing play!
My favourite short haul aircraft is the goofy and lovable MD-80. These are being retired fast so I was keen to capture a trip on video. So, instead of taking a direct flight between Houston and Miami, I took a stopover in DFW so I could catch an MD-80.
Why do I love the MD-80?
1. Super quiet in First Class with the engines a long way behind you!
2. Impressive climb performance.
3. Nobody else likes them.
4. They're extremely rare in Europe.
5. They're very loud if you're outside the aircraft...
Anyway I was glad to capture this. Big thumbs up for American and their new Admirals Club in Houston. A nicely appointed club with good staff and one of the best drinks facilities I've seen in a lounge so far!
Enjoy the video, and thanks for watching. If you subscribe, then thanks for being part of the channel! Don't forget you can follow my travels in realtime on Snapchat!
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Music courtesy of Czech Vibes Sound
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[@manubird2475]

The plane I miss is the B727, especially the ones flown by Air Micronesia in the 1970s - 1990s. The route across Micronesia from Honolulu to Guam involved 5 stops! Always an adventure before runways were upgraded. Now cursed United flies the route with B737s. No fun no more. By the way, D. B. Cooper jumped out of the back stairway of a B727, not a MD-80. Weird that you mention him. The other day, my granddaughter and I took the train from Tacoma to Portland, following the same route of Cooper's plane.

[@Paul_Lucas]

+manu bird Sadly never got to fly on a 727. Wonderful design though. I knew about Cooper and the 727 but actually didn't know the MD80 had a rear air stair until this trip!

[@archietherobot]

Paul's Trip Reports Actually the DC9 also had stairs in the back, like MD80 and 727. Been on many of those in KLM's good old days. Great video featuring beautiful classic aircraft and sad to see them go, at least we will have some 717's around, although not quite the same.. Keep those vids coming!

[@ebob1967]

First plane I flew on was a 727. The last time I flew on one was in the late 1990s.

[@goytabr]

Paul, I did fly a lot on the 727, which in the 1970s and '80s was a very common type in domestic flights here in Brazil, where I'm from. I loved it and miss it more than any other plane. Reasons: 1) if you sat in front of the wing, it had the best window view of any plane; 2) it was faster (up to 990 km/h or 615 mph), you arrived earlier than on a 737 or any other plane; 3) the thrust at takeoff was impressive, you could feel that bird's power as it climbed fast; and 4) the rear stairs made boarding and alighting much faster at airports without jet bridges, which were not common here at that time (in 1980, only two Brazilian airports had them: Rio de Janeiro-Galeão and Manaus; now nearly all major airports do). So, I know how you were feeling with this flight. The 727 had long been retired in Brazil (except for cargo flights, in which it can still be seen sometimes) when I made three flights on it on a trip to the U.S. in 2001: ORD-DFW on United, DFW-DTW on American, and DTW-ORD on United again. I knew when I boarded the flight in Detroit for the 35-minute hop to Chicago that it would be my last flight ever on a 727, and it was so bittersweet...

[@goytabr]

+727Bobster, well, the MD-80 *IS* a DC-9 with a relatively small facelift... It was even called "DC-9-80" during the design phase, until McDonnell-Douglas decided to give it a different name. The difference between an MD-80 and a DC-9 is essentially the same as between a Boeing 737-300 and a -200 - but Boeing just decided to keep the 737 designation even for the new MAX, half a century after the first 737-100 rolled out.

[@remylopez2408]

Sir I consider myself fortunate to have been employed by McDonnell Douglas and work on all series of the MD-80 MD90 MD11& 717 and by far my favorite was the MD-80 those Pratt & Whitney JT8Ds was music to my ears knowing that they are retiring them just makes me realize how old I am getting because I worked on those in my younger days As I live in Southern California I no longer see those flying into LAX so thank you for the memories

[@Ligmasugmachi]

I love the md80s and 90 design, sadly they probably won't be around for too much longer

[@madwolf0966]

xxJellyMasterxx Boeing shouldn't have cancelled the design.

[@SiliconBong]

sooo nice, i'm subscribing to this channel and yours: easy to forget the beauty of the smaller regional jets, and that 737 was a touch of class

[@doug9066]

I like the design too as i did the 727. Delta Air Lines last which be sometime in 2020 will retire their planes.

[@johnhorton5022]

Nice work Paul. I have such fond memories of Airtours MD-80's in the early '90's. I flew on them to Malta, Fueteventura,Izmir,Pisa, Rome Ciampino,and Kos.

[@dispLock]

Love the Mad Dog always on of my favorites. AA is phasing them out quickly, oh I will miss that rapid ascent to the heavens.

[@steve-marsh]

I’m back watching all your old pre-Winging It videos! Ohhh MD80, you are such a beautiful bird!

[@71tarheelfan]

I LOVE your trip reports. The MD-80 (or as I call it the Mad Dog) is my all-time favorite aircraft. I've had the pleasure of flying on a few of these beauties.

[@danedmiston7734]

Love the MD80 hate to see it go in retirement. Your video is superb with great editing visually and knowing when and when not to use music. Very well done!

[@BoogerSugar420]

Dan Edmiston Omg! When is it going into retirement I cant wait. The plane looks kinda ugly and it is terrible to fly in with all the bumps. They need to retire it only AA and Delta use these things anymore I believe. Time to update there fleet only the 737 is the good based on the older models.

[@gazelle3635]

Just stumbled upon your channel! Amazingly awesome video! I am an American Airlines flight attendant for over 19 years. Still love what I do and I have enjoyed flying the MD80 too for many years. I always worked it up front in First Class because it was much quieter and just more space to move around in the first class galley. I don't see it anymore where I am based. Flying 737's mostly now. Yes, love the cool feature of the tail cone door in the back of the plane with airstairs like the 727. I remember theDB Cooper story. When I started, we still had 727's and I enjoyed those too. I'm glad I got to fly on them. Someone commented about the DC-9. Basically it was the same as the MD-80. And good ol TWA, my mother worked for them for 41 years and retired in 1996 so I had flown on them many times. I still fly with the TWA flight attendants as we purchased TWA, or what was left of them in 2000. And thanks for the tour of the Admirals Club! Cool to see! They don't let crew members go in so we don't get to see the Admirals Clubs. I hope all your travels on American Airlines are good experiences. We value you as a customer! See you on another flight soon!

[@Paul_Lucas]

+Desert Blossom Thank you! I always love to hear from people working in the industry. The 737 is a decent aircraft but nothing can beat the MD80. Wish more "normal" passengers appreciated what a super aircraft it is with all its quirks. The Airbuses and Boeings are nice planes but a bit plastic and sterile. I have always appreciated AA, especially as a OneWorld Emerald I get into their lounges (United and Delta don't do anything like that!).

[@xxlordmorcixx3006]

Desert Blossom i

[@ChrisLee66]

I bet those TWA F/A's aren't the happiest campers still to fly with after AA just stuck them all at the bottom of seniority list. Yikes!!

[@dmv_baltimore_aviation]

The DC9 was the basic design for the md80s to md90 they basically made a few changes including wings and stretching the cabin so on i love flying on these and look at the wing and the scenery the engines are so awesome too

[@vernonsmithee792]

@@ChrisLee66 Welcome to AMR.🖕

[@ShrihanAtluri]

The mad dogs will be missed

[@peteryeong4871]

Thanks for another good un! Never knew the tail cone of the MD-80 can detach for evacuation.

[@okzoomer5728]

The thing I loved about these aircraft....is that sitting in the front, it was just you and the wind running with you. It was one of the most beautiful ways to experience flight. Sad to see their day is done ;;

[@rowen_travels]

I remember when you could touch down at DFW and there would be a parade of MD's behind you. Those were the days. I'm flying on one next week, but I'll be on Delta.

[@brynnlennon]

Rowen Sears now it’s a parade of crj’s and airbuses

[@imgay3966]

Cough cough Delta does not have MD80s

[@reohtz4878]

Paul, as on the DC-9, MD-80/88, and 727, the tail exit is the exit of last resort. This is because it is the hardest to operate in an emergency IMHO. When I began my flight career, back in the 80's for Northwest Orient, being junior entailed a lot of B-727 flying. I flew both the 100 and 200 series. Many of the airports didn't have jet-bridges and the aft stairs were frequently used. Many times in the winter when it was freezing out side, we'd open the ovens in the aft galley blowing full blast just to keep warm.

[@erickk.7065]

I love that shot of f the 757 in the back round

[@MGAviationNZAircraftVideos]

Gosh I love that classic AA livery on the MD80s was this an 82 or 83 series

[@doug9066]

Me too.

[@jamesbidwell8947]

I worked for AA for 13 years based in TUL, DFW, MIA & PHL. When I first started in the late 80's the Boeing 727 & MD80's were the mainstay of short haul flight. Loved theme both. For 3 years I commuted between DfW & PHL 9 mid 90's) and 85% of the flights were MD80's the other 15% B757. PHL to DFW I usually lucked out and got first yes very quiet, DFW- PHL coach, last row either middle or window seat very loud and no recline. Felt like I was at the far end of a very long tube, hence my nickname for the MD80 of Supertube! I truly miss all three aircraft, the MD80, and the Boeing 727 & 757. Love your videos! Keep up the awesome job!

[@TheBooneBrave]

I love how quite the MD 80's are

[@devonnewest7990]

LOVE the M80! So sad they are disappearing, I enjoyed this so much, almost like being there with you. Gotta love a clean wing and those old-school BADASS reversers!

[@justindumlao]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s going to miss the MD-80 when it’s gone. It’s quite the looker with the engines on the back of the fuselage, but that inefficiency really makes it a prime aircraft for AA to cut. Glad you got to experience it!

[@geedavey66]

Love the MD 80! I Flew Reno Air in the 90 's and if I'm not mistaken American Airlines bought them out in 1999 and are still flying these old birds. Thanks for sharing☺ Subscribed!

[@Paul_Lucas]

+gee davey Thanks! Yes I think you're right about Reno Air. You can't beat an MD80.

[@frankgrimesification]

The Reno MD-80's are long gone. Most were leased and AA got rid of them once the leases were up. Sadly, there's nothing left to remind us of Reno Air. Sure do miss the QQuick snacks....

[@twobins2060]

Nice shot of that following on 737. Impressed with the quietness.

[@DucDeLamballe]

I love how quiet these planes are in first class too... But in the back by the engines, the noise is practically shrieking.

[@degorovi]

Great trip report. I love the MD80 and was able to fly on several here in the US. I also have fond memories flying PAL's BAC-111 back in the 70's and 80's when I was still living in the Philippines.

[@carlosdyer5868]

This was fun !! The background music before take off was just right.

[@scoobycarr5558]

The MD80 is one of my all time favorite airplanes. And with the original livery that American Airlines has on its MD80s, It makes this airplane more special.

[@boffis123]

I miss this plane, Ive flown on SAS MD-80 in 2001 Stockholm - Oslo and Blue1 MD-90 in 2010 Helsinki - Stockholm.

[@ragidyymann5109]

Flying on a Delta MD-88 in a week and a half. Made the upgrade to first class. It's absurd how quiet it is up-front. Enjoyed the video!

[@tyler23764]

I'm gonna miss flying on the MD-80. Flew on it on pretty much every vacation as a kid from AUS to DFW on AA, it was so quiet and comfortable

[@MrCubsfan3]

Really enjoyed this video, Paul, as all of them. I particularly enjoyed the focus on in-flight footage, with the complete, real-time takeoff and landing rolls. Great catch of the UA 737 too - cheers and best of luck!

[@kennethgreen7089]

Great video, as always Paul. When I lived in Dallas my weekly commute was normally on an MD80 and took a nostalgic trip last year. Agree, they are vintage airplanes now, but perhaps better than a 737 Max!

[@sams9894]

Nice review! The MD-80 series is my favorite plane. It has such character that many of the aircraft today lack. Those JT8Ds purr like no other engine!

[@garreijye]

I flew on an MD80 with United last year. My first time ever - probably my last too! As a ‘Larger’ Guy, i was impressed by the comfort - even in Economy. The seat was good, the safety belt fitted, and the tray table came down and could be used.

[@bestpilot98]

Such a stylish and beautiful airliner! I was fortunate to be able to ride on one of AA's S80 final revenue flights on September 4th, 2019. Ship 508AA, KLBB-KDFW.

[@colonelcactus2462]

I love the mad dogs. Wish they came to PHX more often. It's been years since I've seen one here from American

[@dollysafran9107]

I loved MD80s!!!! They were truly Whisper jets.

[@danieltrayzan7285]

Very good I love the MD80s I flew one from the same route before heading back to India

[@alphawolf5750]

I thank you for posting this awesome video it brings fond memories on flying on both the MD-80 series and Boeing 727-200 on American Airlines! I believe they have already began phasing out the MD’s 727 long gone! 👍🏼🛩✈️

[@azmike1956]

Flew on DC-9's & MD-80's on Hughes Airwest & PSA long ago. Worked on many more, mostly APU O/H & hydraulic troubleshooting & repair. Took naps across 3 seats during lunch😊

[@billb8792]

I remember flying to the west coast on an 80 or 88 out of ORD about 15 years ago in the very back row. It was unbearably loud with the engines mounted there, but amazing how quiet it is up front!

[@doug9066]

I've flown or driven to Austin many from Lubbock. Excellent video.

[@nenblom]

I’ve flown on the DC9 with various airlines and the MD80 with American. I miss them!! BTW, I’ve flown into DFW several times and it is about the size of Manhattan which is incredible! Great video! 👍👍✈️

[@opicatchu2164]

good job !!! very beautiful footages of a nice fly....greets from france !

[@thelugoffgamecock792]

Well done sir! Nice tip of the hat to DB Cooper!

[@q.taylor2921]

That was awesome! Thank you! I've never flown the MD-80 or 82...but it too is MY favorite plane. Just the look of it. I hope to get on one before rhey all retire or convert to cargos.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Amazing air-to-air of the 737 following you out.

[@thesmartaspiranttsa5845]

Spectacular View, with Engines placed at the back

[@bestpilot98]

Damn! Y'all went well West of Austin before turning back towards DFW. I like how you identified Austin exec. airport and Lago Vista. Excellent video aboard one of the most beautiful airliners ever! LOVE AA's "Super 80"!!!

[@planedudea380]

First of your reports that I've seen, like your style. Will fly this route next month and on the MD :)

[@colanitower]

In the early 90s I flew in a Tupolev Tu-154. Very robust, very noisy, built for really rough starts and landings. A very Russian experience. Loved it.

[@owenhaesler6658]

The Mad Dog!! I fly those all the time from DFW to/from JAX and they are the best!

[@cistaro56]

I live near DCA and growing up I remember hearing these things during the morning, all day, and at night. Finally they put a restriction on MD-80s landing or taking off between, I think, 10pm-8am. You knew the silver cigar with two rockets was in the sky just from that noise.

[@USAviation]

I love the md 80 fantastic trip report love it

[@fuhkangliao1]

Great video and great music selection!

[@TheIrish1776]

Hi Paul! Loving the channel and the new brand! I am so glad I watched this video. I didn't realize MD-82s were even still in service, but after seeing this I wanted to try and seek one out. Most of the flying I've done so far has been on Southwest's 737s or American's (really Republic Airlines) Embraer E-175s. I am traveling soon and managed to score a seat on one of Delta's MD-88s in first class; can't wait! Thanks for the wonderful content and inspiration!

[@jasondick3308]

To be honest, I really miss AA’s old livery

[@Cinco-da-mayo]

Beautiful video n awesomely shot

[@youdontknowme5969]

Wow, it's so eerily quiet up front. I'm usually several rows ahead of the engines on these birds, but I got to admit, hearing the engines roar is part of the experience. AA stopped sending them to my local airport in Summer 2018 but Delta still sends their 3 a day here. I'm sure going to miss these when they're gone :-(

[@dougc190]

I just found your channel, this is great. Md-80s is one of my favorite planes. Sad to see them go. Especially after riding in the CRJ. Thing was a sardine can....

[@haggischaser1028]

Great Video Paul. Your TR's are always informative and a lot better than most out there. Keep up the Great work.

[@Paul_Lucas]

+haggischaser1028 Thanks! Appreciate it.

[@cigman2000]

Another great video, just one thing... The infamous Mr. Cooper jumped out of a B727, which, like the Douglas 80, has an airstair below the tail. The B72 was a great airplane that I hated to see go. It lived up to it's name, "Whisperjet"!

[@theBusManiac]

Just googled the plane code and apparently N7514A was destroyed in a crash in 1959! One of the best music tracks ever start this vlog fantastic 👌

[@juniorlopez2767]

I AM SO HAPPY I GOT TO FLY ON THE MD 80'S, 90'S, 727's, and the most beautiful plane ever created the MD 10.

[@alejandrojordan4376]

Hanks,i like very much the md-80s,great video and flight mate;)✈✈✈✈✈✈✈🛫🛫🛫🛫🛬🛬🛬🛬

[@kyjasehall]

Was on an MD80 flying out of Reagan National to Newark. With the short runway, steep departure, and sitting in the back, it was like riding in a dragster.

[@csguid0]

Excellent video!!! thanks for sharing

[@ChevyBM]

I miss the MD-80's and the even older DC-9 jets so much. I used to fly Finnair, Swissair and Iberia across Europe in them, they were comfortable, quiet, stable and good looking and the pilots were real flyers on them compared to modern jets. Oh the god old days...

[@joshuafleming6206]

Another good job Paul ! That was one huge stand by list ....

[@Paul_Lucas]

+Joshua Fleming Yes, a very bad storm the previous day meant a lot of people got stranded.

[@briand1102]

Another really interesting report Paul - thanks. Am I the only one that was amazed at the amount of hand luggage the woman in front of you brought on board - can't see her getting away with that much in the UK!

[@Paul_Lucas]

+Brian_D She kept that second handbag hidden well!

[@sooners2037]

Flew on an MD-80 from Houston to Atlanta with delta and it was like an old but fun Tank

[@doug9066]

What a beauty. The Boeing 757 looks better in this shiny bare metal scheme too just as much the 737, 727 & 747 had. Even looked great when Eastern Airlines flew these in this same bare metal scheme. Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@VoraciousAvgeek]

One of the only planes where I’d choose one of the last rows to see and hear the engines :) enjoy the MD80 while it’s still here.

[@Token_Nerd]

Noise is honestly the best part about the journey.

[@rocknwash]

That was really great to watch Very good video. Aircraft I still miss the B727 old Ansett days 1970`s 1980`s...That`s in Australia

[@steppenwolf584]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevehofmaster7489]

Good video,I too will miss the MD 80 it's a very good airplane. Keep up the great work,all the best!

[@Paul_Lucas]

+Steve Hofmaster Thanks Steve!

[@andrewgamez7973]

I work for american and to see this makes me always think of my time walking to my flight many many times in iah ( I work at a smaller airport southeast of the airport.) I was also one of those last people who took a flight on korean air to Seoul out of Houston too (they discontinued their flights there in august 2017 so you actually saw probably one of maybe 5 of the last times those planes took off in houston too. They fly out of dallas now). So awesome you got to see american in houston.

[@chrispaw1]

The cabin crew on this flight may just be the best looking cabin crew in the sky! Phwoooooaaarrrrr....🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@scottl.1568]

The legend of the Mad Dogs will never die

[@jordanskills134]

I love how the Qween at the Admiral's club desk was like "sweetheart, we know who you are, no need to show your boarding pass to us" LOL

[@bigtaxrefund]

beautiful take off and awesome view

[@jr13227]

AA has only a couple of mad dogs left and they’ll be gone very soon. I fondly remember flying those as a kid on the Chicago to Palm Springs route every year. Seemed that AA only used those on the route. Boy do those engines roar.

[@leezinke4351]

I have flew on MD-80 once from PHX to Dallas it was very awesome to fly on. It gonna be a sad day when AA retired them soon.

[@gabrielflorentino6080]

Very good memories. I wish boeing updated this model especially the cockpit and not end production. The md80 is a really good airctrath. Very reliable

[@chadbk8525]

great video! wow! love the maddog

[@chrispaw1]

Thanks handsome, id never seen inside an MD80 before so thanks. Love your reports btw...👌🏻

[@TerrelLism]

I flew one of the Mad Dogs from DFW to IAh for a work assignment. There's nothing like those old work horses!

[@peterj2439]

I’m an American Airlines flight attendant. This is still one of my favorite planes on which to work!

[@bbtravelvideos]

Awesome report Paul! The MDs are great aircraft. I actually flew a bunch of them during my latest trip to the US on Delta. Agree with you that the US is an impressive country. So many things to see when flying or on the ground, it's amazing. Thanks again Brendan

[@RileyRailAviationNTrucks]

The md 80's are the best! :)

[@aaronbays4]

First flight I ever did was about 12 years ago on an American Airlines MD-80. Coach from Nashville to LaGuiardia, I thought we were going to take off some chimneys we were flying so low over a residential area in Queens coming in. The coach cabin felt roomier than the 737's I've flown on, maybe its the 2+3 seating vs 3+3 on a 737. Quieter too, but I was up in the front of coach.

[@RoadCone411]

An intra-Texas flight! Nice! I logged hundreds of flights in my lifetime but only a relatively few have been intrastate flights (only in New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California, Hawaii, and Alaska.)

[@glenndavis8771]

flew on the md 80 lots of times. A fast little jet with those prat and whitneys..

[@stubru16]

I really enjoy your videos and channel keep up the good work! 👍

[@MileHigh_Aviation]

Awesome video man liked

[@charlienelson2002]

Going to miss these amazing birds...

[@mlosuno402]

I flew first on a return trip a couple years ago. IAH to SYR. This was DFW back to IAH for me. I always take 2 layovers one way when I can. 5 flights and after first class on the Embraer (hard to beat the single seat) the first class on the MD beat out the 737, A320, 757 for me. Old yes but also extremely comfortable.

[@deadoldchannel4237]

Old but Gold

[@AHMx1995]

Awesome TR Paul! I had a great time following your journey on Snapchat. As an American, I'm looking forward to the coverage of the rest of your travels!

[@Paul_Lucas]

+Alex M Thanks! Flying back today. Got plenty of videos to edit over the next few weeks...

[@kennethfurley9593]

I’ve followed you for along time and really enjoyed all the details you cover,slow pan views of interior,seating,leg room,or what type of class your flying ,now the bad bit,you are doing all these things in a rush,you are more interested in your itinerary of connecting to go here there and everywhere,let’s have a bit of the real you !