The ONLY time Domestic First Class is worth the cost on American Airlines

[@jdm1039]

If American wants the flight attendants to serve PDB then start paying them when they board the plane. Not until the door is closed. I appreciate the drink but why expect someone to work for free?

[@resmarted]

Flying first class this Christmas and the upgrade was surprisingly affordable. I have 2 flights each way and it was only $146 to upgrade for each flight. Each flight being about 3 hours long I'd say it's worth $146. I've flown Southwest most of my life because it has always been the cheapest but have been flying AA recently and have been impressed with the quality even when flying coach. The seats are more comfortable and there have been full outlets at each seat I've had, which is fantastic. Southwest always has the friendliest staff though, I have to give it to them there.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

I agree. I've been using American more lately also and the product is definitely improving and the upgrade offers can be great deals

[@mysteryrgo]

As far as cost goes, grab your calculator. Time is money. Now, I'm not talking about a basic economy good luck seat. Those are just trash. But take the base fare of a standard economy seat. Add baggage fees, add the cost of a meal, add adult beverage costs, add priority access (sadly you cannot buy it stand-alone any more), and finally a better seat. Even a 2 hour flight IMO is worth it. Wife and I did MSP-CLT-LGA for 3 days, then to MIA for a day and a half, then to SAN for 4 days. I added everything up and it cost us $63 more (each) for the whole trip to sit in first. Was it worth it? Dang right it was.

[@MrScphotography]

Pre flight drinks are a benefit of first class service and is even stated on their website. I would call and notify customer service and take advantage of getting points.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

I haven't seen them in ages

[@MrScphotography]

@@RoadWarriorRick strange.. I’m flying them 1st class from dfw to Sna soon.. I’ll see what my experience is like and report back. :)

[@RoadWarriorRick]

@@MrScphotography please do

[@pneulancer]

My experience in domestic first on AA has been worth the cost. The extra space, better service from the FA’s not to mention good selection of food even on relatively short flights is always appreciated. Also, though I will sound elitist and pretentious; I must say my seat partners are usually a bit more courteous and literate than what I used to meet in economy. …..Cue up the indignant, outraged and sanctimonious busy bodies to shred my last sentence!😂

[@pneulancer]

Just went round trip from DFW to LAX and received pre departure drinks as well as a full breakfast on the outbound and lunch coming back. Had two beers with my lunch, no charge. I know that these things are factored into the first class price but it’s still appreciated.

[@bcarthage2011]

I flew first class once from IND to MIA for a $98 upcharge, the breakfast was okkkk at best. The only real benefit for me is the bigger seat. I’m flying from ANC to DFW next month and I originally booked flights last year, when I rechecked prices recently I found a first class flight adding a 1.5 hour layover in SLC for 9,000 miles less, so I booked that. I’ll add a layover to save 9,000 miles and upgrade to first class, sounds like a win to me.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

Sounds like a good deal!

[@tkell31]

Never realized they dont get paid until the doors closed. Now I won't get annoyed when they dont serve a pre-flight drink. Interesting math on the ticket. I generally will do it when business/first is about double economy. Like I'm going to Cozumel in Jan and economy was 480 with no checked back or seat selection, 560 with that and Business was 1010. Of course that is round trip with a connection so roughly 5 hours in the air each ways so comes out close to the numbers you used. Now if only they would improve the food quality to pre-covid days.

[@jared997]

$300 for 3 hours? I'd stick with basic economy. Also much rather have assigned seat than southwest mess

[@cheesefries7436]

Very informative video.

[@JamesDubinskyJr]

Cutting the line is called a centurion card holder

[@juliehare3403]

So I just explored first class option, 149$ to JFK from Austin, but 600$ extra back...no thanks ( I guess because it was lunch instead of breakfast...idk)

[@RoadWarriorRick]

Can you book each as one way? Book economy back

[@juliehare3403]

@@RoadWarriorRick Sure, I can do that but why so expensive coming back, I wonder?

[@RoadWarriorRick]

@juliehare3403 not sure. Could be the flight back has lay down flat seats for first class and they usually charge a premium forn those seats

[@DarkArchon87]

I am traveling in November and noticed it was 1k to upgrade combing back. Then it dropped to $500 and now it’s at $160. I guess as it gets closer to the flight date the prices will drop for passengers to fill in.

[@mysteryrgo]

Sorry you got that kind of service. Dallas is by far the worst bar none so really not surprised. I fly out of MSP to LGA via CLT (intentional) and have never had a bad experience. Also MIA-SAN and JFK-SFO. As far as the seat goes, you sat in row 3. Cmon man do your homework. Row 1 or 4 is where you want to sit.

[@joyjoy534]

I would never fly AA even if they offer free First class seat.

[@christopherbranski1720]

For what they paid for those fortune cookies they could’ve maybe paid the FA’s to serve PDB’s?

[@HostedByExcellence]

Did you upgrade on the app before or after you paid for your economy ticket?

[@RoadWarriorRick]

It was on the app after I paid. Probably a few days later

[@zenseed75]

FAs should be paid from the time they arrive. What a shame.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

Agreed

[@MrEcardenas82]

First Class on AA is so lame. It's the best way to throw away money.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

True

[@BloxburgPlayer-t3t]

That’s not real first class…. Book flagship it’s way better

[@RoadWarriorRick]

American is eliminating Flagship First fleet wide

[@hassanahmedin9294]

American has one of the worst first classes in the industry. That was essentially an economy flight. Not worth the upgrade.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

I've seen slight improvements but most of the time it's still a sad experience.

[@deanc.5984]

FA shouldn't arrive until the door is about to close!😅

[@grocerystud9193]

I appreciate the video but I have to say that it kills me when people complain about rude ticket agents or customer service reps. Some people are just not interested in being your fake friend for 5 minutes while you're standing in front of them. Like I've literally had people ask me if I had a bad day just because I didn't engage in side conversation with them. Just because someone is only engaging in short and to the point conversation directly related to your individual flight doesn't make them a jerk or rude. I'm not interested in how their day is going. I don't care how hot or cold it is outside..I don't try to make small talk just because there's awkward silence. I prefer silence. Not to mention staying on topic helps move the check-in line along quickly..Wham bam thank you sir or ma'am. Regardless of how a ticket agent responds to me, I'm still gonna get to where I'm going, and I'm gonna go on about the rest of my day/trip, and it's a good chance I'll never see them again.

[@RoadWarriorRick]

The agent took my ID and printed out a ticket and left both on the counter by his keyboard and said you're done. I had to reach over to his keyboard and grab my ID and ticket from him. Not sure what your level of expectation of customer service is but I expect someone to hand it back to me and not have to reach over to get my stuff from their keyboard.

[@grocerystud9193]

@@RoadWarriorRick wow yeah that was a jerk move. I should’ve waited for more context on the story. It sucks because you really can’t engage in arguing with them for fear of landing on a no fly list lol

[@RoadWarriorRick]

@grocerystud9193 thanks for the comments and feedback though. I am one of the easiest people to please and never usually complain but this interaction has stuck with me since that flight.

[@grocerystud9193]

@@RoadWarriorRick I had a TSA agent at Hartsfield- Jackson act like she was going to literally get up in my face because I gave her the same nasty energy that she gave me last year. Lots of airport employees hate their job/ situation and make a point to take it out on us. Thats not gonna happen with me. I could care less about your crappy mood simply because you hate your job. New sub

[@RoadWarriorRick]

@grocerystud9193 I am totally aware. I think the problem is with Leadership and how they treat their employees. I imagine the TSa job is mentally draining

[@82volvoguy]

Will I get this from Philadelphia to Chicago O’Hare American Airlines business class

[@RoadWarriorRick]

That's a short flight. I imagine you will get minimal service

[@82volvoguy]

It’s about 2 1/2 hours

[@82volvoguy]

What’s the difference is the seats more comfortable and more room? I’m surprised you got food on a flight from Dallas to Fort Lauderdale. That’s not a long flight.

[@82volvoguy]

As long as there is plenty of room for seating, unlike economy economy as hell, especially if you’re next to a really big person that’s bills over into your space

[@82volvoguy]

I’m going from Philly to Chicago American Airlines business class then Japan airlines to Tokyo Haneda business class and vice versa on the way back. I guess if you pay for a business class ticket to Tokyo you get business class on even the connecting flights which makes sense I’m gonna use the hell out of the lounges.