AA1296 ABQ-DFW 20 Jul Y

There was no separate check in for business/First, and as ABQ is a regional airport, only 1 desk was open. So queued for abort 15 minutes. I was checked right through to LGW by a very friendly and chatty agent. Boarding was soon after l had cleared TSA (I was getting used to the 'remove your shoes, open your bags & shut your face' TSA routine)[:(!]. The seat on the McDonnalds S80 was fine, with enough space even when the man in front of me reclined.

Push back was on time. The crew were friendly and helpful, and served a snack (pretzels) and a soft drink (large can of tomato juice) about 25 minutes after take off. Two late teen girls were sat next to me. They were excited as this was their first independent trip - a long weekend to the big apple. It was also their first time flying. Their excitement was almost tangible as they rang ALL their friends to tell them they were about to take off. I had to laugh as they screamed when we hit our first bump on ascent! I think they loved every second of the flight[^], and wondered if they could be v-flyers of the future. Arrival was 10 minutes early [y]

All in all an uneventful flight meeting all expectations. Well done AA.