It’s time for another Snapshot – this time looking at AA87 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare in Main Cabin Extra.
For those of you who are new to the blog:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience and the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines
So onwards. AA87 is the morning flight from Heathrow, that gets to to the Midwest in time for Lunch.
Pre-flight
Check-in was at Zone B at Terminal 3 for Premium Passengers. Not a good move, considering Fast Track is nearer to Zone E. For those getting to Heathrow early, don’t bother getting there before 5:45 in the morning – the Business class teams were considering setting up at that point, with Flagship First not wanting to lift a finger.
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Boarding
Boarding was from the Gate 28 area in Terminal 3. Security checks were in force.
The Plane
It’s a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
The waiting plane.
The Seat
Seat 8L is a bulkhead seat on the 787-8 in Main Cabin Extra. The seat measured 17.2″ across, and when three passengers with broad shoulders are sitting together – not a comfortable space, with my shoulders making good friends with the window, and trying to arch so the other person had space too.
For reference. Seats do not come with a 1ltr bottle of water , nor a Canon EOS 6D with a 50mm f1.2.
IFE
In-Flight Entertainment was powered by a Panasonic ex3 system. In the case of the bulkhead row, this a monitor stowed on the left hand side. It uses a touch screen and control-pad interface.
Headphones were provided (sponsoring in part by Avis)
In-Flight Internet
In-flight internet aboard AA87 was provisioned with a Panasonic Ku platform system – giving middling speeds across the Atlantic and Europe, with speeds only improving when entering US Airspace. A flight pass costs $19.
In-Flight Service
Four passes were made through the cabin, with a drinks and biscotti service, the main meal, mid-flight ice cream and arrivals snack box.
Breakfast service
Midflight Ice cream
Arrivals service.
The views
This being a Dreamliner, it has the electronic window dimming functions, which makes the world lovely shade of blue.
The full trip report including AA87 coming soon!
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