For the final phase of my fast journey to Paris and Cairo, I flew American Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER top quality on the 9 hour flight from London (LHR) to Miami (MIA). We all know that American’s worldwide top quality is on the way in which out, because the airline will quickly reconfigure its 777-300ERs, introducing a brand new enterprise class, and eliminating top quality.
So, how was the expertise? Look, American’s top quality tender product is kind of non-existent at this level, so I actually view this as as extra of a “enterprise class plus” product than something. There’s little or no distinction between first and enterprise class service, meals, or drinks.
Nevertheless, I’ve to say, this flight was really fairly good by American requirements, due to a pleasant crew, which may make all of the distinction. In fact this doesn’t in any means evaluate to the world’s finest top quality experiences, however I additionally wasn’t anticipating it to.
How I booked my American top quality ticket
I wasn’t really planning on flying American throughout the Atlantic. As a substitute, I used to be booked in British Airways’ Membership Suites enterprise class, with a connection to get again dwelling to Miami. Nevertheless, upon arriving at Heathrow within the morning (off of my Ethiopian Airways flight), I noticed that my flight to the US had an plane swap, and I’d be in British Airways’ outdated enterprise class.
Since I had redeemed miles, I made a decision to cancel that ticket, and e book one other flight again dwelling. American had nonstop award availability in top quality for a flight departing in a couple of hours, at a semi-reasonable value — greater than I’d ideally wish to pay, however nonetheless, it appeared like the best choice, particularly for the reason that different had provider imposed surcharges.
I booked the next for 117,500 American AAdvantage miles plus $332.41 in taxes & charges (most of which was the UK Air Passenger Responsibility):
11/12 AA57 London to Miami departing 11:45AM arriving 4:45PM
I figured it could be enjoyable to fly American’s worldwide top quality one final time earlier than it’s eradicated.
American top quality lounge & boarding
I spent fairly a little bit of time in Heathrow Terminal 3 earlier than my flight, together with trying out the Qantas Lounge, the Cathay Pacific First Lounge, and the Cathay Pacific Enterprise Lounge (all of which I’ll be reviewing quickly, as a part of my subsequent evaluation journey).
Boarding for my flight was scheduled for 10:55AM, 50 minutes earlier than departure. My flight was departing from gate 35, which is a little bit of a stroll from the central a part of the terminal — hey, I all the time admire the chance to get some additional steps earlier than an extended haul flight!
Boarding began proper on schedule, with Concierge Key members invited to board first, adopted by top quality passengers.
American 777 top quality cabin & seats
I boarded via the second set of doorways, after which turned left towards the primary class cabin. This primary required strolling via the enterprise class mini-cabin, consisting of eight reverse herringbone enterprise class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
I then discovered myself within the top quality cabin, equally consisting of eight seats, unfold throughout two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. American’s 777 top quality cabin is kind of spacious, but in addition has a shocking lack of privateness. I’m not even speaking about doorways, however you’d assume that there could possibly be a defend, or one thing, to the aspect of the seats. There’s really much less privateness in top quality than enterprise class. Regardless of that, I discover the seats to be very snug, and in addition practical.
These touring collectively might wish to choose the pair of heart seats, which actually mean you can benefit from the expertise collectively. You possibly can even swivel each of the seats 90 levels, with the intention to dine face-to-face. In case you’re touring alone and find yourself in these seats, fear not — there’s a privateness partition that may be raised.
One of the best seats for most individuals would be the window seats, and personally I desire the second row, because it supplies a bit extra distance from the galley and bogs. I assigned myself seat 2A, the window seat on the left aspect within the second row.
So far as seat options go, to the aspect of the seat you’ll discover a bit storage compartment. This has two AC energy retailers, and in addition a mirror. There’s an leisure controller beneath this compartment, making it simple to manage the non-public tv (because it’s in any other case fairly removed from the seat).
To the aspect of the seat, you’ll discover what’s probably the best function of this product. It may not seem like a lot, nevertheless it’s an area with a big tray that may fold out. Why would a tray that’s parallel to the aspect of the fuselage be helpful?
Effectively, American’s top quality seat swivels, so you may dine or work whereas dealing with the home windows. I like this function!
That is additionally the place you’ll discover the monitor that permits you to alter the seat’s positions. Whereas there are some buttons with pre-sets, this lets you choose particular settings to alter.
The primary tray desk folds out from the aspect of the seat, and is very large. It’s most likely double the scale of most premium cabin tray tables, if not larger.
The seat’s ottoman can even double as a buddy seat, with the intention to dine face-to-face with somebody, and that’s most likely additionally why the tray desk is so huge. Nevertheless, in its place, you may choose a middle pair of seats, after which you may extra comfortably dine face-to-face, by simply swiveling your seats 90 levels.
You may discover that the seat confronted immediately ahead (at the very least in the usual place), whereas the ottoman is at an angle. That’s as a result of the seat swivels into a number of completely different instructions, so after takeoff you may alter the seat in order that it traces up immediately with the ottoman.
The overhead console has each studying lights, and particular person air nozzles. Whereas US carriers may lag in different methods, particular person air nozzles is an space the place they constantly ship.
Is that this Etihad’s A380 top quality, or Singapore Airways’ A380 Suites, or Emirates’ “Sport Changer” 777 top quality? No, after all not. However it’s a pleasing sufficient product, and like I mentioned, I actually view this as a “enterprise class plus” expertise. Even going again to when the product was launched, I nonetheless don’t perceive why they didn’t resolve to introduce some form of a privateness defend, although.
American top quality facilities
American presents an honest number of facilities in top quality. Ready at every seat upon boarding had been a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones, that are among the many finest headphones you’ll discover on any airline. It’s most likely the one space the place American’s top quality product is business main.
There was additionally an amenity package. Along with a dental package, earplugs, and socks, there was hand and physique lotion, in addition to facial mist, from Joanna Vargas, in addition to lip balm and hand towels from 13 Lune’s One & Performed assortment. I nonetheless really feel just like the package could possibly be higher stocked, with issues like a watch masks.
The menu and drink checklist had been additionally ready on the seat.
Then there was an enormous quantity of bedding, together with a Casper mattress pad, a cover, a day blanket, and two pillows (one for lumbar help).
Slippers had been additionally ready at every seat.
As soon as settled in, the purser got here by to supply glowing wine, water, or orange juice. Not less than it was served in correct glassware, which is a uncommon deal with on a US airline!
Afterward within the boarding course of, pajamas had been distributed, that are from Nest. Whereas the design gained’t win any fashion awards, I discovered the pajamas to be fairly snug.
All-in-all, that’s a strong number of facilities, although the Bang & Olufsen headphones are the one factor that actually really feel that premium for top quality.
American 777 top quality leisure & Wi-Fi
American does an incredible job with leisure on its lengthy haul flights, however then once more, so do the entire “huge three” US carriers. The airline has an enormous number of motion pictures, TV video games, audio, and video games. It’s not simply that the choice is large, nevertheless it’s additionally fairly prime quality, with plenty of the most recent hits. So it shouldn’t be tough to remain entertained on an extended haul American flight.
In fact there’s additionally a map function, which is my favourite a part of any inflight leisure system.
American additionally has Wi-Fi on its 777s, offered by Panasonic. Wi-Fi pricing varies by flight, and on this journey value $29 for a two-hour cross, or $35 for a full-flight cross. I selected the latter, in order that I may keep productive all through. In case you purchase a cross, it permits you to change between units, which is all the time appreciated.
Whereas Panasonic isn’t recognized for being the world’s quickest Wi-Fi supplier, a few years again American did increase the speeds of Panasonic Wi-Fi, and the distinction is noticeable. I discovered speeds to be a lot much less of a problem than throughout some previous flights.
So all-in-all, I believe American does an incredible job with leisure, and it’s a robust side of the expertise.
American 777 departure from London
Our boarding course of was fairly environment friendly, and by 11:35AM (10 minutes forward of scheduled departure), the principle cabin door closed. Top notch was full (as all the time on American), as was enterprise class, although premium financial system and financial system gave the impression to be fairly open.
Round this time, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 9 hours, and anticipated on-time arrival in Miami. We started our pushback a few minutes after the door closed, after which the security video was screened.
We began our taxi at 11:45AM, and it was a phenomenal November morning, particularly by London requirements.
We had a brief taxi out to runway 9R, the place we simply had a United 787 forward of us for takeoff.
By 11:55AM we had been cleared for takeoff, rocketed down the runway, and had a easy climb out. What a completely beautiful day it was!
As you’d count on on a US airline, the seatbelt signal stayed on till we reached our cruising altitude.
American top quality lunch service
After takeoff, it was time for lunch to be served, and you could find the American top quality menu and drink checklist beneath.
For these curious, there’s little or no differentiation between first and enterprise class on American, in the case of the tender product. Top notch will get olives along with heat blended nuts, a alternative of appetizers, and soup, however that’s about it, on the meals entrance.
The drink checklist was higher, however not by a lot. For instance, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Millesime 2015 was on supply — that’s higher than the enterprise class bubbles, however hardly to top quality ranges.
A little bit underneath half-hour after takeoff, heat towels had been distributed.
The meal service started with drinks, which had been served with each heat blended nuts and olives. I had consumed sufficient alcohol on this journey and supposed to work on the flight, so determined to only have a Eating regimen Coke to drink.
About quarter-hour later, the primary course was served. Everybody obtained the identical blended discipline greens salad with toasted walnuts, diced apples, and sultanas. Then there was a alternative of two appetizers, and I chosen the lobster with crisp fennel salad, pink grapefruit, and orange dressing. Then there was a number of bread, and I after all selected the pretzel bread.
I believe American may be the one airline on the planet to serve worldwide top quality meals on a tray, somewhat than putting them immediately on the tablecloth?
The following course was a slow-roasted tomato soup with a pesto crouton garnish, which was wealthy and attractive.
For the principle course, I chosen the natural Scottish salmon with jasmine rice, bok choy, and Asian spices. I imply, I’ve gotta say, by (very low) US airline requirements, this was one of many nicer plated dishes I’ve seen.
Lastly, there was the selection of cheese or dessert. I chosen the ice cream sundae with nuts and berries, which is all the time ridiculously scrumptious and dependable.
On the conclusion of the meal, I attempted to order a cappuccino. The flight attendant defined that American now not has a frother onboard, however provided to make me an espresso with some milk as an alternative. On condition that the machine is put in, one wonders what the incremental value is of offering the frother?
All-in-all, the meals was fairly tasty. In fact one can’t really view this as a firstclass product in something apart from identify, however as an alternative, as a premium enterprise class. I’d say this was a strong enterprise class meal, among the many higher ones I’ve had on American. However yeah, it’s additionally clear that this product is on the way in which out, on condition that meals aren’t even served immediately on the tablecloth, however somewhat come on trays.
American 777 top quality bathroom
American has two top quality bathrooms on the 777, each in entrance of the cabin. One is correct by the cockpit, whereas one is in entrance of row one, on the suitable aspect. The bathrooms are fairly spacious, although don’t have a lot in the way in which of premium facilities.
One factor that all the time stands out to me about flying non-Asian carriers is how little is completed to maintain bathrooms contemporary all through the flight. Even in premium cabins, bathrooms look disgusting hours after takeoff.
To be clear, this isn’t anybody’s fault — flight attendants at US carriers aren’t tasked with cleansing bathrooms, however somewhat simply with “tidying” them. It’s fairly a distinction to the Emirates A380, the place you have got a bathe attendant who additionally takes care of the bathroom all through the plane.
Talking of the galley space, there was a bit cart setup with some packaged snacks and leftover cheese plates and desserts from the meal service, which passengers may assist themselves to.
American 777 top quality mattress
I used to be fairly drained after the meal (regardless of having an espresso), so the crew provided to offer turndown service, which I took benefit of. American’s top quality mattress and bedding are each fairly good, so it’s simple to get cozy. Nevertheless, as famous above, the seat positively lacks privateness, as there’s no actual separation from the aisle.
I fell asleep round three hours after takeoff, and wakened just below three hours earlier than touchdown, after making landfall in North America. That meant I slept for round three hours — that was good for me, as I didn’t wish to sleep an excessive amount of (since I used to be headed dwelling, and wished to have the ability to sleep at evening).
American top quality pre-landing snack
Round 90 minutes earlier than touchdown, the crew served the pre-landing snack. You will discover the American top quality snack menu beneath.
There have been two choices, and I selected the Mediterranean orzo salad with orzo pasta, feta cheese, blended olives, roasted broccolini, blistered tomatoes, and roasted pepper sauce. This was served with a aspect of chilled beef, plus a aspect of fruit. Actually, it was fairly tasty and wholesome, so I used to be proud of it.
For dessert, heat chocolate chip cookies had been served. Much less wholesome, however actually extra scrumptious. 😉
American top quality service
Service on US airways is constantly inconsistent. I’ve had some actually unhealthy service over time in American top quality, so I have to say, this crew was pretty.
Susan was the first flight attendant working top quality, and he or she did an incredible job, in a Waffle Home sort of means. I began off the flight as her “honey,” then I turned her “sweetie,” after which after waking up from my nap, I used to be a “babe.”
You already know, she was genuinely type and nicely intentioned, and really environment friendly as nicely. She’d always test on everybody within the cabin, and was proactive with drink refills, clearing plates, and so on. She did one of the best to offer an superior expertise, regardless of the restricted issues that crews must work with. Actually, on US airways I sort of like that casual sort of service, since we don’t in any other case have a tradition of fine, formal service.
The opposite nice a part of service on this flight was Arthur, who wasn’t even working top quality. I had him on this precise route in enterprise class final 12 months, and he was superior. I noticed him once more this flight, when he stored checking on top quality passengers as nicely, and he’s stellar, and a real skilled.
I’ve really all the time had good service experiences particularly on the Miami to London route. Like, Miami to Barcelona and Madrid? Not a lot! Miami to London? Sure. I puzzled why that’s. The reply is that there appears to be a little bit of a “mafia” working this route, with the identical senior crew constantly bidding for the route, so they really have fairly good teamwork, and crews additionally get to know frequent passengers on the route.
American 777 arrival in Miami
At round 3:25PM native time, the captain was on the PA to announce that we’d be touchdown in round half-hour, nicely forward of schedule. A couple of minutes later we started our descent, at which level the seatbelt signal was turned on.
I all the time benefit from the views on strategy to my dwelling airport of Miami (it’s one of many few redeeming qualities of the airport!). On our strategy, we began flying parallel to the coast beginning round Pompano Seashore, after which made landfall close to Sunny Isles.
Since planes had been touchdown into the east, we approached over Hialeah after which the Everglades, earlier than turning 180 levels and approaching runway 12.
We touched down at 3:55PM.
We then had a brief five-minute taxi to the gate, the place we pulled in at 4PM, 45 minutes forward of schedule.
I shortly cleared immigration due to World Entry, and was excited to be headed dwelling!
Backside line
I had a pleasing flight throughout the Atlantic in American’s 777 top quality. Admittedly I knew what to anticipate stepping into, within the sense that this isn’t a “true” top quality product, however as an alternative is extra of a premium enterprise class that’s close to retirement.
With that in thoughts, the one actual variability for me was whether or not the crew can be pleasant or not. In that sense, my expectations had been exceeded, as I had an excellent crew. I’d contemplate all the things else concerning the expertise to be in keeping with what you’d count on in an excellent enterprise class somewhat than top quality, together with the meals, drinks, and so on.
I’m blissful I had the prospect to fly American’s 777 top quality yet another time, because it’ll probably be my final. I’m additionally trying ahead to American reconfiguring these planes, and introducing a brand new enterprise class.
What’s your tackle American’s 777 top quality?
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