Let us move on to another Snapshot – this time focusing on the passenger experience onboard an American Airlines Airbus A321 (Transcontinental Configuration) in Business Class between San Francisco and New York JFK.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, we have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is… a multichapter faceted thing that is challenging more than I would like.
For those waiting for the Hotel Snapshots, they’ll be along later this week. Or when I get more than 10 minutes to type them.
Check-in
Beforehand (and to prevent a meal issue that I had on the Philadelphia to San Franciso flight), I ensured that I reserved meals for the onward segments. Check-in was conducted remotely, however, a weather warning was put in place.
Arriving at the Harvey Milk Terminal 1, I was able to complete the check-in formalities and check a bag for the multiple segments to Dublin Airport.
Security
At 9 am, there were minimal lines for security at Terminal 1.
As such, I was through the process in five minutes or so. The security experience is more European than not, even if the classic X-ray scanners are used.
Lounge
American Airlines offers an Admirals Club at Terminal 1. This is above the terminal area to provide a quiet place before departure.
At the time I arrived, Avocado toast was being offered, along with other best breakfast products.
Boarding
Boarding was from the end satellite at Gate 27. Boarding was controlled by groups to manage the process of getting people aboard.
They’re all good dogs.
The Aircraft
American Airlines deployed an Airbus A321 on this route. This is a three-class Airbus A321T, with First, Business and Main Cabin installed.
The Seat
In business class, the Collins Aerospace Diamond seat is installed. This is a 2-2 business class seat without direct aisle access.
IFE
American Airlines has chosen to install the Thales TopSeries IFE system. In business class, this is made up of the main screen as well as a remote control to remotely manage the content.
B&O Headphones were supplied for the flight.
Connectivity
Onboard Wi-Fi is provided by Viasat via their Ku-based network. Pricing was reasonable, with $9 being charged for a full flight session, with stable service throughout the flight.
Catering
It seemed that the caterers at San Francisco airport loaded a full cart, with all meals being served.
Pre-departure beverages were offered, followed by a pre-meal drink.
The meal followed. This started with a mozzarella and tomato tarter with a mixed salad.
This was followed by Sea Bream, with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Finally, a choice of desserts was offered – I went for the classic of an ice cream sundae.
Post-meal, I switched drinks for a long flight.
Before arrival, there was a service of warm cookies.
Arrival
The aircraft took 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete the flight part of the journey from San Francisco International, landing at New York JFK.
The Airbus A321 was directed to Terminal 8 Satellite, where we were .ld..
Upon approach to the gate, there was a 25-minute delay in finding a jetbridge driver to connect the aircraft to the gate.
From there, I was able to exit the aircraft and into the terminal area.
Other Pictures
The full trip report is coming soon…. once I line up some other segments into a running order that makes sense to someone…
And that’s more of a challenge than I would like…
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on Twitter, Mastodon, BlueSky, Threads and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.