It is time for another Snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience between London Heathrow and Chicago aboard American Airlines 99 in Main Cabin Extra.
In case you have forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, I have two major travel writing styles:
- 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 (and normally, only images shot on the phone).
Today, we are covering the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is a work in progress (As I tend to start writing these a lot later down the line).
Check-in
Check-in was at Zone D of London Heathrow Terminal 3.
This is where American Airlines handles its “premium” passengers.
Both bags were accepted for travel, after confirming that no extra charge would be incurred for the second bag (sometimes, an elite member of a frequent flyer programme has its benefits – BA Silver/oneworld Saphire entitles you to an extra bag at zero cost on a economy fare).
Security
FastTrack security was used at Terminal 3 to bypass the queues.
From entering the FastTrack area to exiting the terminal took a total of four minutes.
Lounge
I chose the Cathay Pacific Lounge this morning, as I needed noodles after a pretty stressful journey down to Heathrow.
Interestingly, the main American Airlines lounge at Terminal 3 has finally reopened after being closed since the start of the pandemic.
Boarding
Boarding was from Gate 30 at the Heathrow Terminal 3 complex.
This is one of the first satellites you come to when striking out from Gate 23 onwards (remember that Terminal 3 has a design that can best be described as a spider’s web, rather than the order of toast racks of other terminals.
The Aircraft
It’s an American Airlines Boeing 787-9. This is in a three-class configuration – Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
The Seat
It’s the typical American Airlines long-haul seat, dressed with red accents. This is based on the Safran 5751 slimline seats. I sat in Main Cabin Extra, which is configured 3-3-3 and arranged with a 35″ pitch; 17.2″ seat width.
A pillow and blanket were provisioned at each seat.
In-Flight Entertainment
Inflight Entertainment is provisioned with a Pansonic ex3 system, with some content loaded.
Connectivity
Inflight connectivity is provisioned by Panasonic Avionics Wi-Fi. Connectivity speeds were reasonable as seen below.
In addition, streaming services such as Youtube and Apple Music were able to access via a browser and via apps (both on a laptop and iPhone).
Catering
It seems the full catering service has returned on this flight after seeing truncated services in the air
Service started with a drinks service.
This was followed by the main meal – which was breakfast for this flight.
Mid-flight, there was an ice cream service – a welcome return.
Finally, a drink and pre-arrival snack of a bun filled with Philly cheesesteak bun was offered or a bean bun.
Landing
The aircraft landed slightly early, requiring a taxi back to the Terminal 5 complex, which was a lot busier than usual as Delta had moved in that day.
Immigration and luggage claim
From landing to the exit to the public area, it took 38 minutes, mainly due to a delayed luggage arrival which I tracked using the Apple AirTags that were installed in my luggage.
Immigration processing was very fast, with only our flight clearing. Customs was equally quick as the queue had died down by the time my second bag arrived.
Other pictures
The full review of American Airlines 99 is coming soon!
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