It’s time for a new series of Snapshots for a new trip. This one will look at the passenger experience aboard American Airlines 87 between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare in Main Cabin Extra.
I’m sure you’re all aware of how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I 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)
Booking
This flight was booked towards the end of the last big transatlantic sale, with an economy segment out with American Airlines on the way out and British Airways in Premium Economy on the way back
Seats were assigned shortly after booking, with API completed over the next few weeks (due to a new ESTA being needed).
Check-in
Check-in was carried out at the airport rather than online. The queue in the business class/elite members queue took 30-4o minutes to clear, due to some complex booking queries and only one available agent, slowly scaling up to three over the waiting period.
Baaggaage was accepted for travel, however, the original seat (14L) I had selected had been moved from a window seat (12H) to an aisle seat in the middle block.
Security
Fast Track Security was used at Heathrow Terminal 3.
This security checkpoint uses CT-Style security scanners, with items being able to be kept in the bag, as opposed to the usual pack-and-unpack routine.
Lounges
Both the Cathay Pacific Business Class and American Airlines lounge were utilised,
Boarding
The flight boarded from Gate 18. There was a delay in accessing the gate to allow arriving passengers to de-plane.
The Aircraft
A three-year-old Boeing 787-8 (N878BG) would be providing the lift over the Atlantic to Chicago.
The Seat
This aircraft is fitted with the Collins Aerospace Aspire seat in the Main Cabin. This contrasts with the Safran 5751 slimline seats fitted to the original deliveries. Seats are configured in a 3-3-3 configuration, with 35″ legroom in Main Cabin Extra and 31″ in the Main Cabin.
In-Flight Entertainment
This aircraft uses the Panasonic ex3 system built into the seatback. There were no controls at the seat arm – all controls were touch-screen based.
In-ear headphones were provided during the boarding process.
Inflight mapping is provided by FlightPath3D, as opposed to ARC or AirShow.
Connectivity
Inflight Connectivity is provided by Viasat (as opposed to Pansonic on the older aircraft. As well as being able to stream entertainment to a device, internet access was available for $29 for the whole flight and $20 for two hours. Internet connectivity was available from 10,000ft.
Food and Beverages
Multiple service runs were carried out. The first run was for drinks and a welcome snack, followed by the main service.
A midflight ice cream run was offered
Finally a pre-arrival snack of a half-wrap.
Landing
The 787 made its approach over Lake Michigan, landing in an Eastward direction to the north of the airport. From there, the aircraft taxied back towards Terminal 5.
Immigration, Luggage Collection and Customs
The aircraft park at Gate M21. This is a seven-minute walk to the immigration hall.
From here, there was a division of arriving passengers – with US Residents and visitors divided for processing into the USA.
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Upon clearance of immigration, I was able to reclaim my baggage, which arrived quickly from the aircraft, and then proceeded to US Customs.
It took 13 minutes from entering the immigration hall to clearing all formalities – a total of 20 minutes.
The full review of American Airlines 87 is coming soon!
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Baaggaageee! Is that the fifth element playing? Also would be nice with a photo of the food uncovered, otherwise a nice snapshot!
I knew there was one photo I didn’t take….
On the plus side, yes it was The Fifth Element playing.
It was Super Green