Time for another Snapshot, looking at the passenger experience aboard American Airlines 104 between New York JFK and London Heathrow.
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)
Check-in
All pre-flight formalities were completed in San Francisco before departure, with a bag tagged through to Dublin Airport
Transit
The flight from San Francisco arrived on the C Concoure, requiring a short walk underneath the taxiway to the main Concoure.
Lounge
British Airways and American Airlines offer three lounges on the main concure, depending on oneworld elite level and ticket. As I was in business class and an oneworld sapphire, I would be using the Greenwich lounge
Why do airlines love making things complex?
The lounge offered multiple seating options, a spirits bar and a brewery tap.
This being an international lounge, there was a wide variety of food and drink on offer.
Boarding
Boarding was delayed by 45 minutes due to snow conditions at JFK. When boarding commenced, it was announced from the lounge – and that the aircraft would be departing from Gate 12. A biometric check was used to mark me in, as well as check me out of the USA.
The Aircraft
A Boeing 777-200ER would provide the lift between New York JFK and Heathrow.
The Seat
Aboard this aircraft, the seating was laid out in a 1-2-1 formation, featuring Collin Aerospace Superdiamon Seaat.
Departure
Our departure was late, due to snow and deicing – with the aircraft not taking to the air until after midnight local time.
In-Flight Entertainment
American Airlines uses the Panasonic ex3 system on this aircraft. It’s configured with a two-screen solution – A main screen and a handset with an embedded screen. Bang and Olufsen headsets are provided for most of the flight
Mr Zorg – My Favourite.
Connectivity
American Airlines offers connectivity via the Pansonic Inflight Wi-Fi Service. There was no sponsored free airtime.
As this was a night flight, I did not take advantage of this.
Food and Drink
Both dinner and breakfast were offered on this flight.
Dinner was served as a single tray on this flight, with a pre-reserved meal of Herb Grilled Beef Filet, twice-baked potato, bordelaise sauce, wilted spinach, and roasted squash.
This was followed by dessert – this time a salted caramel tart.
Whilst breakfast was initially considered during departure, I took the time to sleep instead, choosing to get breakfast at the British Airways lounge.
Landing
The aircraft landed at Heathrow Airport around 35 minutes late, making up time en route on the south runway. It was directed to Terminal 3 Complex, arriving at one of the far gates.
From here, I was able to leave the aircraft and transfer to my next flight, as I had two more segments to take.
The full trip report (provided I line up the final bits and bobs) should be starting next week!
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