It feels like I haven’t done one of these for some time, but it’s time for the first in a series of Snapshots from my most recent trip. So, lets kick off with passenger experiance impresessions aboard American Airlines 87 between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare in Main Cabin Extra.
I’m sure you know 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 that take you into the experience, the small things and 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)
We’re on the Snapshots to start with – the trip report will be launching in a few weeks (as other things in our pipeline will affect this publication run).
Booking
Booking for these flights was carried out on the American Airlines site (compared against the British Airways site), with the AA site giving a lot more options.
Ticketing, along with seating selection, was carried out, with a British Airways frequent flyer number attached to the booking.
Check-in
All pre-checkin activies were carried out a few days before depature, inclied advance passsenger information were carried out in advance. Physical Check-in was carried out at the airport.
During check-in, my frequent flyer number was changed. As well as that, boarding passes were issued, and baggage was accepted for travel.
Security
The normal security lanes were used at Terminal 3. I was filtered from these to the Fast Track lanes as queues were managed. In total, there was a 5-minute wait to be processed. Both bags cleared the 3D scanners without the need to manually re-check.
Lounges
Both the Cathay Pacific and American Airlines Business Class Lounges were used.
Of note, the lifts at the Cathay Pacific lounge were under long-term repair, requiring a walk up stairs to get to the lounge.
Cathay Pacific Lounge
American Airlines Lounge
Boarding
Boarding was from Gate 29 in the main Terminal 3 complex. Final passport and boarding pass checks were carried out. This was carried out by groups and policed through the process.
The Aircraft
American Airlines deployed a Boeing 787-9 in a Premium configuration (78P) on this flight. This contains Flagship Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin (with limited Main Cabin Extra).
The Seat
American Airlines uses the Collins Aerospace Aspire Seat on this Boeing 787-9, with a 17.1″ width and a 34″ extended seat pitch. The middle seat was unoccupied for this flight.
IFE
This aircraft is equipped with the Thales AVANT IFE system, which features a 12″ screen in Economy Class, with a QLED Screen. This was matched with a library of content to support the screen.
Connectivity
American Airlines offered connectivity aboard this aircraft, with it powered by Viasat. This was free at the point of login (which requires an American Airlines AAdvantage Membership). Once logged in, browsing and streaming were possible.
Food and Drink
Opening up the service was a drink and snack service.
A lunch service followed, with a choice of chicken or pasta. This was served with crackers, cheese, butter, a bread roll and a cookie. Notably, no salad was offered.
Pre-Arrivals Sanck
None was served (as I was asleep), although it appeared it consisted of cold bread items and yoghurt. I did manage to get a drink at least.
Arrival
The aircraft approached Lake Michigan with a direct approach onto one of Chicago O’Hare’s runways.
After landing, there was a 15-minute taxi from the runway to Terminal 5.
Entry into the USA
After disembarking the aircraft, it was time to head to arrivals, diving down one level to the walkways, then another to the departures area. Upon arrival at the international visitors’ lines, there was about one switchback worth of passengers.
I was processed reasonably quickly, and was able to collect luggage, clear customs and enter the United States of America.
And get ripped off by a Chicago taxi driver.
Additional pictures
The full review of American Airlines 87 is coming soon.
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