This was my first time flying American Airlines. We had been holding out for a sale and BA/VS pricing was still £200 more per seat than AA. I couldn't bring myself to book BA because I don't like the idea of paying for a seat reservation.
We didn't bother with OLCI because as we were flying paid business, we were entitled to use the Flagship check-in desks in zone H of T3. Essentially, its a small set of check-in desks. Unfortunately, the staff member was surly. Not a great start.
We headed through fast track security which was nice, but nothing in comparison to the Virgin private channel and over to the lounges. Very unfairly, the AA business lounge is just below the stairs for the wonderful VS clubhouse.. The AA lounge is new, but the clubhouse it is not. Crap wine, horrible coffee and manky pastries. Lots of places to sit which was pleasant but not enough to hold my interest. We used the Oneworld benefit of paid business class being able to access other lounges so took a trip to the BA J lounge. Much better coffee here, still nasty breakfast but a much better selection of wines (though it was a little early for that!)...
Boarding was prioritised and very nice. The seats were my other reason for trying something other than Virgin. I like the idea of being able to recline into a bed without having to get up.. The seats are okay, but are not totally flat and have a slight incline. I found it very comfortable. The entertainment is "interesting" and is essentially a netbook that has been preloaded with some movies and some music.. After some champagne in a plastic glass, and a pleasant ascent, the AA branded Bose headsets were handed out - a nice touch!
Food and beverage service on this flight was excellent. A good wine selection, but the wine of the day was a very pleasant 2007 Sancerre. Unfortunately, American doesn't have more than two bottles of this wine, despite a full cabin of 30 pax.
The four course of lunch were varied. An enormous pot of parmigiano reggiano cheese and sundried tomatoes to start, a big salad with some shrimp for an appetiser and then I had a steak which was very tender and flavoursome. The accompanying potatoes were rubbery, but I'd eaten so much by then it didn't matter.. Then the Pièce de résistance - ice cream. This wasn't a little tub but a large bowl of Ben & Jerry's vanilla delivered on a trolley with a choice of hot sauces and nuts and stuff!! Awesome..
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The rest of the flight was very pleasant. The amenity kit is very nice and includes some Burt's Bees lip cream and moisturiser (probably £5 worth!), plus some eyeshades, socks, earplugs and a pen!
Upon landing in BOS, priority baggage was a bit hit and miss, but Logan airport is always welcoming so not a bad place to wait. Made it out to Hertz in under 45 mins.
