AA514 MIA-MCO 17 MAY 13 (FIRST)

So after a restful night at the Hilton Miami Airport hotel with fantastic views over the airport, it was time to think about leaving. As a Gold member, I was upgraded, enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and free bottled water.....all good.

The shuttle took me across to the airport in no time at all arriving at 1130 for my 1330 flight to Orlando. I was very interested how this flight would go, never flown with American before but others I know have and don't paint a pretty picture.......

That said, things were off to a good start with a friendly welcome at the AA First class check in area and bags were tagged priority and I as told where to go to skip the line.

Through security with no delays and made my way up to D51 my departure gate for today using the skytrain. The aircraft was already on stand having arrived from Barbados.


Over the next hour, having no lounge access as lowly BA blue and I was not paying $50 to get an admirals club day pass, I listened to calls asking people to check their carry on's as the flight was full and overhead space might not be available.....

Boarding commenced at 1245 which seemed very early but found my 2A no problems and settled in. It was the new domestic first class configuration and I found the legroom generous and seat width very good indeed. After a few mins, a tray of orange juice, water and apple juice appeared and refills were encouraged.

With everyone finally on and having read American way from cover to cover in the time we were all ready to go.....First class was not full, about 5 spare seats. Pushed off stand at 1329 and airborne at 1338.

A quick flight time of 41mins was promised and climbing to 18000ft. A great view of the beach area as we climbed out too.

Drinks were offered, choosing to enjoy a G&T which was refilled too. Bags of pretzels, almonds and rice crackers were offered and further bags were offered before we touched down along with mints.

Throughout the two crew members looking after First class were exceptionally friendly, chatty and keen to please. They really made me look at American in a new light. I might have been lucky but really enjoyed this short flight.

Arrived at the gate in Orlando at 1422 and went to collect the bags. Then it was across to the shuttle to the hotel for the night.

Jon

[buns]

Jon

Thanks for this "Second stage" TR as you make your way to your cruise

With prices on the direct MCO Flights seeming to always being on the increase, the use of MIA (albeit with the Immigration) is something Mrs Buns and I have done, with making the journey between Orlando and Miami by car. The option of a First Class (with presumably no luggage restrictions) makes a possible alternative.

The other thing about First Class on US internal flights is being able to get on first and watch how everyone in Coach brings on everything but the kitchen sink and tries to stuff this in the first available overhead

buns

Sounds like a fine example of what a short hop flight should be May have a look at using this option for my next trip to MCO

Next stop......Cruise TR

Interesting read - I used AA recently in business LHR-JFK-TPA-MIA-BGI-MIA-LHR and your comments largely reflect my own experience.

Having used AA in the past and found it characterless (mind you, what do you expect from an internal bus service - which is largely what US internal in Y is, afterall), I was not at all displeased with my flights - sounds like you were also pleasantly surprised.

Glad it all went well for you, and enjoy your holiday.