#257321 by aks120
21 Dec 2008, 00:48
Well this was my first time in First on AA- albeit on a 757. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. I booked it as part of my Christmas trip home from JFK in Club World (Trip report to come on that as I am sat in the lounge as I type this!).

I got to the check in - only 1 in front and no real hassle or wait - got my bags booked through to Glasgow even though I had 2 different bookings albeit all oneworld. Whether I see them in Glasgow is of course a different matter!! [:0]

No lounge so I just waited around the boarding area - I did have a wander around the D terminal and they have opened up another leg - I got quite confused at 0600 when I went down a corridor that used to be a wall [:I]

Boarding was a bit of a scrum but once the 'non first' passengers were told to get out of the way it was easier. Sat down - OK now this is not the lap of luxury, however on a domestic US flight I was quite impressed with the width and comfort of my seat. There was also a blanket which was very welcome - it was very chilly in Vegas this morning [n]

We got airborne late due to a crew issue the night before (they were late in) but I had no doubt the whole AA staff were trying their hardest to get us to JFK as soon as they could.

Airborne after de-icing and I must admit I had one of the best views on a flight that I have ever had - we cruised at 25000 and it was clear most of the way - fabulous.

Food was an omlete, fruit and a bagel - all very nice - and an orange juice - not even I could stomach a wine at that time of the morning but it would appear I was in the minority in First [}:)]

Other than that the flight crew were attentive and the time past really quickly to JFK.

We landed, and had caught up about 20 mins of our late departure [y]and I saw a load of ice and snow at the airport - they had obvioulsy done a good job keeping the airfield open [y] A greatful Scot on way home to Christmas I can tell you! The gate arrival was comical - we started our turn in - to then stop and get waved off by the ground crew [?] - at first I thought we had gone to the wrong gate but nope - it would appear that we were head to head with another aircraft and the only way out was for us to do a lap of the pan before coming back to the same gate. This also involved a little trip acros a snow mound so all very exciting and I sure the captain was delighted [:?]

Off loading complete and I was quickly into JFK nightmare. Now is it me or is JFK a really confusing airport? I have travelled an awful lot but appeared to take a wrong turn looking for the sky train as I ended up landside and having to go back through security - albeit BA Club World security so it was relatively painless. However I did feel like I had walked the london marathon just to get from Term 8 to Term 7 - and that included the skytrain!!!![V]

Now sat in the lounge waiting for my next adventure across the pond - more to come.

Regards AKS120
#462746 by mcmbenjamin
21 Dec 2008, 03:44
Glad you had a good flight. Would be interesting for you to fly Virgin America and compare the two flights on the same route but on different carriers. Enjoy the BA NNNNNN(Who really knows what version we are on)CW flight back to the UK. [:)]
#462759 by Alex V
21 Dec 2008, 15:08
Thanks for TR. Benjamin made a good point about comparing both carriers offerings, i think it really crap that AA dont offer first pax lounges for internals (wouldnt hurt would it)

cheers

alex
#462766 by mcmbenjamin
21 Dec 2008, 17:33
quote:Originally posted by av_norw792
Thanks for TR. Benjamin made a good point about comparing both carriers offerings, i think it really crap that AA dont offer first pax lounges for internals (wouldnt hurt would it)

cheers

alex


Agreed Alex; especially on the SFO/LAX-JFK route. United offers P.S. service that offers lounge access for F and J passengers on those flights.

But First is a bit different on the US. A large number of the people in First do not buy First tickets. They upgraded to First at the gate based on their FFP status, fare class, and amount paid for the Economy ticket. This is a FFP benefit. Passengers upgraded would then say they should be allowed lounge access and upgraded sooner. (Normally, US FFPs do not allow lounge access on domestic tickets in First or Economy.) This would crowd the lounges.

Sure rule could be 'paid First gets lounge access' but then some will be put off, and confused. Most lounges sell day passes but honestly they are pretty crap (charge for drinks (UA), charge for WiFi (if you do not have a paid lounge membership), or lack power outlets.

'Fly Y and buy a beer'
#462789 by DarkAuror
22 Dec 2008, 10:01
Thanks for the TR![y]
#462792 by jaguarpig
22 Dec 2008, 11:05
quote: i think it really crap that AA dont offer first pax lounges for internals
It a big bonus having BA silver or gold when traveling on AA domestic as either will get you into AA lounges.
#462795 by Scrooge
22 Dec 2008, 12:03
also, on the return flight, if it is a dinner menu you will be offered pasta or chicken, go for the pasta, it is very good.
Virgin Atlantic

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