Should you try 'FIRST CLASS' on American Airlines?

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

Interesting note for you. I am a retired American Airlines Flight Attendant. I worked for 34 years, retiring 10 years ago. I note you enjoyed the ice cream sundae. American is well known for its ice cream sundaes. In fact, it was served in first class my entire 34-year career. The company tried to change it only two times. The passengers would not hear of it. The high value did not ever want it to be taken off the menu. Many told me that it was the only time they "allowed" themselves to indulge in the calories. I cannot guess how many thousands I served. That dessert was there when I arrived and was still there when I retired.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks you commenting on the video. That's really interesting to know. What were they considering replacing it with? Hopefully it remains for a long long time 🍰🍨

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

I only remember one short-lived change. It was a wonderful warm fruit cobbler with a great vanilla custard. I was out of London. If you have ever had a dessert similar to that you know the British know how to prepare this great type of dessert.

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@stephenCarter-g4e may be surprised to know it's a great secondary dessert but not as common as you think. Like America we love our pies... Cherry or apple.

[@jslasher1]

I don’t recall a sundae being on the AA “21” first-class service JFK-LAX.

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

Hmmm. Perhaps it is gone. But I stand by my story. FYI: Lucille Ball. (I Love Lucy) turn me on to a great combination. The strawberry with the caramel/butterscotch. It may not sound so special, but the combination was much different than you may think reading this. I retired in October 2013. I have only used my unlimited lifetime passes three times. The entire industry is a miserable mess. You can have it. I do give passes to my friends. That benefit remains. I look forward to my big retirement check on the first day of each month. @@jslasher1

[@williamelgin6873]

I remember a First Class flight on TWA in 1965, JFK-MAD. 12 seats, 3 cabin attendants plus the purser took care of us like royalty. Back when flying was pleasurable.

[@SonynaSonyna]

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[@semsemeini7905]

The economy meals on TWA were very nice in the 60s. Steak and cheese cake. And Italian Bel Paese cheese. In the 70s no more steak but still nice. Pan Am was bad in economy. Swiss Miss for desert!

[@txcavu]

Hah! I remember TWA JFK-MAD in 1965!. I was in economy and no first class today, came close.

[@stevehofmaster4292]

Looks like a great flight,i was impressed 😊😊❤❤❤❤

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks for watching. I loved it the seat spinning is a lot of fun 💺 ad the ice cream sundae is so down to earth and tasty.

[@MBNeal]

As a former chef, I am always confused* (*poor word choice I should have said intrigued*) when customers will critique the quality and presentation of airline cuisine but are always delighted by a simple cup of ice cream. EDIT March 3, 2024 : I need to clarify myself. I'm not at all saying that airlines are perfect. I'm not at all saying you shouldn't critique the food. You should absolutely have your expectations met. I was only expressing intrigue at the satisfying power of ice cream. No matter what, everyone loves ice cream. That's all. TLDR: If all else fails, eat the ice cream. You'll love it.)

[@liftoffandtravel]

Ice cream perhaps unfairly can only really come in one form and due to expectation it just takes you back to child hood. It's hard to get wrong. I agree there are far more Michelin star style desserts out there. Having watched the video what is your opinion of the meal?

[@MBNeal]

@liftoffandtravel In my early days, my instructors would always say, "People won't remember what you did or what they ate, but they will always remember how it made them feel".

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@MBNeal that's so true! Cathay Pacific used to do a very cute little brown paper square bag with green ribbon and inside was a chicken sandwich, crisps and a drink. It sticks in my head because of the beautiful packaging but also because it was simple and tasty but so well thought out for the experience.

[@RN-DNP]

Usually, because it was the only thing that was memorable from the entire meal. It's pretty darned difficult to mess up an ice cream sundae.

[@jslasher1]

Well, when D'nata is the caterer one can expect the worst. Previously, the company was known by airline staff as Essen Auschwitz.

[@ahumpage]

OK, I have spent days of my life in this cabin, LAX/DFW-HKG and DFW-LHR. Most folk love to trash it, but it's probably one of the less expensive First seats out there. I think AA is stupid to kill the cabin, but then, they are in a race to the bottom which they seem determined to win. Everyone needs to remember what one is buying is real estate. Correct choice on the lounges at T3 LHR. I typically eat breakfast at AA Flagship the hove off to the Cathay lounge. AA had its premium lounge closed for YEARS for "Kitchen renovations". But when it reopened, nothing changed. BTW, you didn't mention it: Row 1 is to be avoided since there is no overhead for the middle seats due to crew rest. This can lead to a bit of a ruck for bin space since SOME First passengers feel they can carry on a truck. My wife sat across the aisle from Naomi Campbell once; that's a story all by itself. Thx, good review.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks for commenting. That was extremely to useful to mention the overhead bins. I've seen people get in to conflict over that before stating that the one above is theirs and only theirs. Agreed this is a great way to get more space and a more personal service for a reasonable price at times. Enjoy it while you can!, 👍

[@d3kingg387]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. Interesting breakdown analysis. Thank you for flying American. The struggle is real.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks for watching 👍 We had a few good experiences on American 😊 haha to the struggle is real 😂

[@mmc9828]

When we fly to London (going again this Christmas) we always fly American vs British. BA has some of the worst food I've experienced in Business.

[@MontanezMonti]

You have to understand something about American carriers. They are not driven by excellence in anything. They are driven by profits and profits along. American carriers don't care to compete with other carriers around the world because their profits come from high ticket prices here in the US. I am an American, but I will fly on any other carrier if I can.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Funnily enough had a conversation with someone yesterday in a Hilton In San Francisco and he said that the system works for the corporations and not for the people. After getting a $15 credit for comploemtnary breakfast knowing you can't realistically buy anything for less that $31 including tips and tax that's not looking out for the consumer. So I totally agree with what you are saying 👍

[@jsptravels]

Looking at November 2024, first is only (only) about £200 more than business at £1200 one-way. In fact, BA want more for a business class ticket on the same day.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Wow, that's a nice little upgrade price. Personal choice but we loved the space and the seat and the crew were so friendly. Enjoy 👍💺

[@JettTyler17]

Nice review on the AA First product whilst it's still here! If you get a good price and you make the most of the lounge and reap the tier/award points- then its very much worthwhile experiencing!

[@liftoffandtravel]

Yes indeed! The tier points and avios from this trip were juicy. Sadly BA has now changed the earning power 🙁 Love that it spins 😂

[@vishwanathchidambaram7241]

Last minute upgrades give you AA points? That is good to know.

[@KmanCider]

I agree about the lounges CP is the best in T3. I am surprised at your price quote, I fly frequently to miami and Dallas connecting to a Caribbean island, on first (using AA app), I've never been been quoted higher than $5,500 round trip. To me it's definitely worth the price and I really do enjoy the flagship lounges in Dallas and Miami. Personally the service on AA is way better than BA, AA staff alot friendlier and attentive. Thanks for the video.

[@liftoffandtravel]

It was an estimate based on prices I've been offered on partner British Airways. As I'm not with American loyalty wise I've never been offered an upgrade. So that's useful to know 👍 I agree there is a Britishness to BA which is charming but Americans do hospitality well. The warm smile and the "Hey how ye all doing" love it 💚

[@tjittekamminga5170]

as the so called 1st class of BA this is a good BC. First is different, dedicated ground service, caviar, rare champagnes etc... but yet a nice video

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thank you for watching 👍 Cavier does seem to be the new standard.

[@brianperry7297]

Great review and I love the airplane model example! It's funny how everyone compares this product to newer first class airline seats. Everyone seems to forget that these were introduced almost 12 years ago when no one had anything like this. Of course Airlines like Emirates, Etihad and all have since added and upgraded first class seating as well as business class. That is the primary reason, I think American is doing it to keep up with the pack. At that time it was absolutely, unbelievable!

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@brianperry7297 haha thank you. I bought the model from London Heathrow before a trip to NYC many years ago for valentines day. You make a very good point. About the age of the product. Really it should be considered against Qatar and Lufthansa who's products are from a similar period. I will miss it spinning but I'm eager to try their new Business Class. How about you?

[@brianperry7297]

@@liftoffandtravel i'm excited to see the new flagship product as well. The first 321 XLR is being finalized now as well as 2 787-900s here in the states

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@brianperry7297 good point, not sure whether to be more excited about the wide bodies or the A321s.

[@brianperry7297]

@@liftoffandtravel well I've seen photos and they both look amazing. The new flagship suites on the 321 XLR considered business but they truly look first class to me from the photos. I love the 787 and I think this will really freshen it up and make it a beautiful experience.

[@semsemeini7905]

That Sundai desert used to be served on TWA in First Class in the 70s.

[@liftoffandtravel]

I can see why it's stood the test of time ⌚ great way to end the meal 🍰

[@petermcgrath7887]

I'm confused?!! Did you buy your ticket through Cathy then but had a code share with AA which is why you could use their lounge? I've just booked with BA but the flight is 1st Class on AA. As a gold card holder does that mean I could use the Cathy lounge? Thanks

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@petermcgrath7887 my ticket was booked with British Airways onboard the A380 and then the flight was rescheduled. So I opted for American. As Americans is a One world Airline you should be able to use the Cathay lounge either way 👍

[@AG-Consulting]

I've flown on this seat a few times, and lately I rather choose the Business Class on the 773, the seat is indeed larger, but since it swivels, there isn't a wall right next to it, so my arms keep falling off to the side during the night, am I the only one with this problem?

[@liftoffandtravel]

Good points, it's very gimmicky we love it but whether it gets used much I doubt it. Didn't see anyone else try out the swivel feature during the flight. Agree it's an interesting problem. Was recently on a flight where the left arm rest is less than half my arm so it's purpose is really to hold the tray table nothing more.

[@AG-Consulting]

@@liftoffandtravel Agreed. The first couple of times I flew in it, I used it, I guess just out of it being gimmicky. I've flown a few times after that, and haven't tried it again. I'm flying on it again at the end of the month, (surprisingly it was cheaper to upgrade to First than Business, who knows). Definitely not a Full-Price seat, BUT for what I paid, it is definitely better than Economy, lol.

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@AG-Consulting sometimes when you take away the service the meal the majority of the time is the seat. A fellow blogger just ripped in to American. I guess if you're paying $10,000 you could be a bit dissapointed. Oddly I've only ever had good experiences from cabin crew so was a bit surprised when he said he had a bad interaction.

[@billcrews6704]

I Love the Swivel Seat just like you to look out the window I hve my meals on the window table Did GRU - MIA and LAX - SYD this Year Have LAX - SYD book for next year

[@liftoffandtravel]

That's awesome, it's such a niche and fun product. Nice routes, we're they for leisure? Always interested when I hear someones been to GRU 🇧🇷

[@talakija7923]

Am I able to go to the Cathy pacific lounge if flying American business class ?

[@liftoffandtravel]

Yes Cathay Pacific are part of One World with British Airways and American so you should have no problem going in there 👍

[@talakija7923]

@@liftoffandtravel thank you. Did not realize I could . I will DEFINITELY check it out .

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@talakija7923 no problem, have an amazing time. Be sure to ask for a Cathay Delight at the bar 👍

[@richjames2540]

AA first class are not as cramped as BA. I also like the twist seat to look at the view. Flew BA A380 first last year and thought it was like tired Business Class. But compared to JAL, ANA and Singapore they all come a distant 2nd place. Also worth pointing out that AA upgrade from coach (premium or other) to business unlike BA which do not upgrade from main cabin to business.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Good points, they are both angled so elrhals it's the layout or design. The again the front section of a 787 is probably smaller than the 777. Interesting you saying that because I recently watched a reviewer who wasn't blown away by Singapores A380. I admit I like sitting and sleeping in one place. A bit like a hotel suite sometimes there are just too many rooms, nooks and crannies and you are bound to leave something behind.

[@richjames2540]

Thanks for your reply. Singapore comes third for me way behind JAL and ANA. I love the Japanese carriers for their service and quality of everything they do. JAL are justing putting "dilbert cubicles" in and ANA have done it for a while. I think I am alone in suffering claustrophobia and much preferring a spacious open cabin. My bucket list has Lufthansa 747 8i on it as I have always loved 747's and row 1 seats, Have to do that soon. Happy Flying...

[@TracyMclaughlin-je6of]

They need to sell it as business plus class.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Malaysia Airlines did this and it seems to work. Then again it's quite a bit cheaper to buy. I guess AA thinks they will make more money from standard Business seats 💺

[@Alex-yy8ng]

It's crazy to think that there are only two carriers that offer a true First class product direct from London to the USA and neither of them are particularly competitive products (BA & AA). If you wanted to fly on a decent First product to NYC from anywhere in Europe for example, your options very limited. Air France la premiere first (Paris - JFK,) Singapore airlines suites (Frankfurt - JFK), Emirates first class (Milan - Frankfurt) or Lufthansa first class (Munich/Frankfurt - JFK).

[@liftoffandtravel]

You make good points 👍 sometimes we feel that the reason why AA and BA are so popular are because of their network. If you are based in the UK sadly flying with Singapore only gives you one route unless you are going in to Asia. Agree La Premier looks beautiful. We aren't sure we will ever be able to afford it though 😭

[@Alex-yy8ng]

⁠@@liftoffandtravel haha Yes being able to fly La Premiere seems like a distant dream 😂. The middle eastern and asian carriers invest vast amounts on their first class products and certainly from a UK perspective, BA have a lot of catching up to do.

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@Alex-yy8ng sometimes I think they are happy playing second fiddle. To much effort to play ball on the same playing field.

[@jimbohr]

aa can have as many as 5 FA's in the business class cabin on the 777-300ER- one in the galley, and two in each aisle, unless the load factor is less.

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks got the info 👍 always curious about the ratios

[@RedwoodGeorge]

"Phase out the product in late 2024?" I sure hope it's early 2025 because I just booked a flight in Flagship First for December 21st!

[@liftoffandtravel]

It certainly will be interesting how long they hold on to it

[@conveycomms]

Same here! Wouldn't be the first to get one of those, "by the way, we've changed your entire plan for you!" emails.

[@M158-o3x]

were you forced to have the window shades shut... on a day flight?

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@M158-o3x honestly this was so long ago but I suspect it was suggested by the cabin crew in a very polite way. I have been on flights where while I was gone to the bathroom they were shut without asking. I do appreciate though having been on the route from Doha to Australia that it's a difficult subject. One person decided that they'd had enough sleep 5hrs out and then raised the shade... My god it was bright which woke me up 🔆

[@EURAMBLER]

Good upload mate 👍

[@EURAMBLER]

food was really good 👍 😋

[@liftoffandtravel]

Cheers, much appreciated 👍

[@Bigtingss]

Do you get to keep the headphones etc

[@liftoffandtravel]

Good question. Generally headphones in Business Class and First must be returned to the airline as they are good quality. Not worth taking anyway because of the three prong attachments often found on airlines.

[@rezboichicken21]

im a little ignorant and way less fortunate for this kind of opportunity, but what was that seat with the buckle for underneath the tv ? 🥴

[@liftoffandtravel]

I would actually say that's an excellent question. I didn't notice until you pointed it out. I would suspect similar to not many other seats that if you wish to have someone join you for dinner you can and they sit opposite using that as a seat belt. Thanks for asking 👍💺

[@dantanfly]

nice vid! great insight and cheers for sharing your experience!

[@liftoffandtravel]

Thanks Dan 👍 quite the experience even if the regulars aren't so keen that fly it

[@rv2lyon8]

When I see the vidéo AA first is business in other companies

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@rv2lyon8 it is dated but there is so much space in this product. Not something you get in Business in most airlines. The food could be a little better to but it won't be around much longer.

[@Djm8520]

Ice cream sundaes on American and freshly-baked cookies on United! 🍨 🍪

[@liftoffandtravel]

Can't wait to try them one day. We just flew Delta and the hot cookie was delicious 🍪😋

[@jonathanmacdonald6725]

Continental brought the fresh cookies before landing on transcon flights -- sometimes with vanilla ice cream !!! Loved that

[@nickf619]

Great review and commentary. Presume that will mean AA will no longer operate any international first then in the future? What about the Flagship First lounges in the US, I hope they don’t retire those, some of them are quite good?

[@liftoffandtravel]

Sadly it seems so, they are going the same way as Qatar. Interested to see what will happen to their Flagship First dining. Same goes for Qatars First Class lounge once they get rid of their A380s. Sad times. What's your favourite AA First lounge?

[@nickf619]

@@liftoffandtravel I’ve only ever been fortunate enough to experience flagship first dining once at JFK pre Covid before all the Lounges got a makeover when BA weren’t in T8, it was brilliant. But Qatar airways have first class on their regional flights on A320s so it will still exist sort of unless they start marketing them as business?

[@peterso5669]

Purely business class product

[@liftoffandtravel]

What makes a First Class product for you?

[@vicg5323]

How did you upgrade to first for 500 bucks?

[@liftoffandtravel]

To be honest I don't fly with American enough to know exact prices so I said if for example it's £500. I based this on flights with British Airways where I've had prices from £350 and up offered. May be I should have made that more clear.

[@jamesbonilla7199]

no mention of wines and spirits ??

[@ajmtravel4856]

No tail number?

[@denniscostabile4264]

Dude you are all over the place!

[@liftoffandtravel]

It's a big old world out there, yet I've only seen a fraction of it 🌍

[@josephschmeggins6311]

Interesting how people compare everything to the oil subsidized carriers (Qatar, Etihad, Emirates) who don't need to make any money on tickets. Of course they can go all out on hard and soft product. It's free money for them.

[@liftoffandtravel]

We agree 👍 Sadly some nations are know for their airlines. Who doesn't associate Emirates with the A380 not so much the destination. Same goes for Qatar, I bet more people can name the business product than something about the city.

[@Steven-zt3jl]

Next month JFK/LHR👍🏼👍🏼

[@liftoffandtravel]

Amazing, enjoy 😊

[@jeanvital]

pour un français, la "first" doit être luxueux, ce qui n'est pas le cas ici. c'est simplement une amélioration de la business class. aucune comparaison avec l'expérience "la premiere" de Air France .

[@stuartlee6622]

Why would anybody need to go to Dallas Texas? New York I can see. San Francisco and Los Angeles I can see. Miami and Chicago I can see. But Dallas, Texas??

[@liftoffandtravel]

We wonder the same about Mexico City (First Class) Sao Paulo Brasil only club suite. Then again we aren't local and we haven't visited yet. So probably missing something.

[@jslasher1]

There’s DFW, one of the busiest airports in North America. Also, an extensive commuter & long-distance rail network.

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@jslasher1 one of our favourite airports ❤️ amazed it has 6 runaways! What cultural things could you do in Dallas?

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

@@liftoffandtravel RE: Dallas/Ft.Worth Airport. It is a big airport. But the weather is the worst. Delays, delays, and more weather delays. Snow, Ice, thunderstorms. It so consistently ruins the operation that, among my fellow employees, the airport must have been built on an old Indian burial ground, and the Indians are still angry.

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@stephenCarter-g4e that's interesting to know. Always had it down as a very warm place. I admit on my last trip we suffered a 2hr delay on a connecting flight because of bad weather.

[@chriswoodward8127]

this is a business class product

[@CitiZenFree-pz8ts]

From start to finish, American Airlines is the definition of mediocre, at best. In decades of travel, I've never had better than an average experience with that airline.

[@liftoffandtravel]

They don't want to be Emirates but then again there is a price to be paid and American has a very captive audience. Interesting was discussing this at breakfast in San Fran. Which despite being commentary ended up costing me $4 for continental and $12 for the full buffet. Wouldn't happen anywhere where else in the world! 🌍

[@chase588]

Why are you drinking your orange juice from a jug?

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@chase588 was that in the lounge, before take off or landing? I skimmed through and only saw the Dr Pepper I had with the meal before landing.

[@fv1291]

Chicken leg instead of a breast? 😮

[@liftoffandtravel]

@@fv1291 the breast may be the price cut but the leg has more flavour 🐔🍗 but yes you'd think it would be the first

[@thomassharp2719]

Not worth it !!

[@liftoffandtravel]

This is likely why they are planning to remove it. Business Class has come so far that the differences can be very minimal. Flat bed in both, decent food and a gold size TV. The ratio of crew to passengers is better but debatable whether that's worth the extra. For us we'd be more than happy in Business Class.

[@gobradon]

Redacted will tell you all about it. KZbin redacted.