Moving on to another Snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience between Dublin and Philadelphia in Business Class.
Check-in
American Airlines checks in their passengers at Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. This is on the ground floor of the terminal building.
Security
Fast Track Security was accessed on the 2nd floor of the terminal.
The airport has a few CT-Style scanners deployed on the Fast Track lanes. This means that luggage does not have to be unpacked in normal circumstances. This has the advantage of speeding up the security process – this taking just under five minutes to clear
Once through security, you enter a Duty-Free shopping experience, then into the main terminal area.
US Preclearance
Dublin – along with Shanon and Abu Dhabi Airports offers pre-clearance into the United States of America. This is where you clear immigration procedures in the airport you are departing from, and arrive as a US Domestic-style passenger.
As there were no queues, this process was done almost at walking speed, with the end-to-end process taking five minutes.
Lounge
A dedicated pre-clearance lounge (51st and Green) is available for business class, eligible passengers and those who want to pay up to €45 a time.
Boarding
The boarding of the aircraft was from Gate 417. By the time I had reached the gate, most of the passengers had already boarded.
The aircraft
It’s an American Airlines Boeing 787-8 that would provide the lift across the Atlantic.
The Seat
This aircraft is fitted with the Zodiac Seating “Concept D” seat. This is a lie-flat business class seat, with the ability to go into different modes between flat and take off and landing. It’s controlled with a touch screen.
The seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 formation, with some seats being in reverse and others being forward. In Row 1, the seats faced forward in the direction of travel.
In-Flight Entertainment
In Business Class, American Airlines uses a two-screen variant of the Panasonic ex3 in-flight entertainment system. This has a main screen and a controller which can be used to display content.
The content is the usual mix of TV shows, films (both classic and new) and other content – including the map.
It was green. Emerald Green…
B&O headphones were supplied for the majority of the flight.
Connectivity
On their long-haul aircraft, American Airlines connects to the Panasonic InFlight Network. This is a Ku-type connection, with variable connectivity across the pond.
Food and Drink
A full offering was made in business class, with no meal pre-selected before departure.
After takeoff, hot nuts with champagne were offered.
A Harrisa Prawn starter with salad was offered.
For the main, I selected a Flat-Iron Steak, with red wine sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed green beans, and tomatoes on the vine was selected.
While there were multiple dessert options, I went for the classic of a Sundae with hot fudge.
For a pre-arrival snack, American Airlines offered two mini pies, with crisps, fruit and a mini cheesecake
Landing
The aircraft made a direct approach to Philadelphia, landing on 9R/27L, then taxing over to Terminal A-West to allow passengers off.
As all the passengers had cleared immigration in Dublin, the aircraft was handled as a domestic arrival – allowing passengers to exit into the main terminal – rather than forcing passengers through US Immigration, then baggage recheck and TSA Screening if they are connecting.
I chose to exit the airport, as I had an extended layover in the city.
Other pictures
The full trip report is starting in a week or so – look out for it then!
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