Flying first class?

[rigsby25]

We decided to use our miles for first class and we are very excited. We are flying American First Class. Besides sitting in the front of the plane in a bigger seat, and not having to pay to check my bag - are there any other perks I should know about? This is the first time we are flying first class, and probably the last.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

You get alcoholic beverages for free. You always get a meal. They usually give you a choice between two meals; the food is actually good! If it's a long flight you get complimentary entertainment like a movie player. There's a steward to get you anything you want at any time as there's not too many people in first class. It's a nice VIP treatment for those long flights. Enjoy!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

We decided to use our miles for first class and we are very excited. We are flying American First Class. Besides sitting in the front of the plane in a bigger seat, and not having to pay to check my bag - are there any other perks I should know about? This is the first time we are flying first class, and probably the last.

You don't say where you're flying. For international flights, first class is spectacular, and business class is quite good too. For domestic, first class is nicer than economy, but not a huge improvement. In addition to what you listed, you'll get:

• First to board, first to deplane.
  
• Free drinks, including mixed drinks (poured from those itty bitty bottles), wine, and beer.
  
• Usually some sort of meal, but the quality depends on the distance and time of day. According to www.aa.com
  
  First Class Complimentary Food Service
  Complimentary food service is offered in First Class on all flights system-wide that have flying times over two hours and that operate within traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner times. Generally, a snack service will be provided on flights greater than two and a half hours that fall outside of a traditional meal time.​
• A second in-flight magazine, with ads targeted at wealthy people.

 

[crashbb]

Going by your location in Illinois, I'm going to assume that you are flying out of ORD. So, your flight is about 2 hours 30 minute flight. According to the AA website you will be fed a meal/snack depending on your departure time.

You'll get to get on/off before those seated in economy, your seat will be slightly bigger, and you'll get free drinks.

On many airlines, your luggage will also get tagged as "priority" which will mean that your luggage will either be first off, somewhere in the middle, or dead last (in other words, priority tags don't always mean anything).

 

[john398]

You also get your own check-in line I belive

 

[honeymo78]

One of the things I love most about first/business class, other than getting on and off the plane first is the fact that I can generally get a beverage before takeoff and at any time I want during the flight, not just when they are bringing the cart around.

 

[checkwriter]

Ah, what goes on beyond the drawn curtain . . . . . in the little heaven that is First Class . . . well, I can only speak from very limited experience . . .

. . . the flight attendants will bathe your bare feet in scented oil and then gently use their flowing tresses to wipe it away. Unless you get a bald one, in which case it gets really interesting.

. . . you will be allowed to join the captain and will briefly take control of the aircraft.

. . . your luggage will be secretly opened any soiled garments will be washed, dried, folded, and returned to your bag before you arrive at your destination.

I think you're going to enjoy this!

 

[bavaria]

I will be the one firmly grounded in reality and say that the OP may well be disappointed.

A domestic 2.5 hour flight on AA in F is really nothing extraordinary. Many aircraft have slightly wider seats in F, but not that much extra pitch, especially the A319, B737, and MD80. An MD80 will give an extra 1.5 inches of width; a 757 slightly more (chances are OP is on an MD80 or a 757)

Priority bag tags have little meaning on domestic flights and are rarely the first out. Predeparture drinks are hit and miss, with miss being more likely, based on Flyertalk AA forum.

If OP is expecting anything other than a larger seat with a few more inches of legroom, and a prepackaged meal, they will be sorely disappointed.

 

[bavaria]

I don't believe that AA offers lounge access either on a non-revenue ticket

Q: I am traveling in the First Class cabin. Do I get complimentary access to the Admirals Club lounge?
A: Yes and No. When flying wholly in the U.S., excluding non-stop transcontinental flights booked in F or Z inventories, we do not offer complimentary access to the Admirals Club lounge. However, American Airlines First Class# and Business Class customers traveling on, or connecting to or from, an American Airlines international* flight have access to the Admirals Club lounge on the day of their departure

.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

AA also offers those in FC "Priority Access" for boarding the plane. Think of it as a Fast Pass for boarding the plane. If you happen to miss the initial boarding of FC (and your gate has a PA line, ours in MCO did not), you can use the PA line to go to the front of the line to board instead of waiting behind those boarding for coach.

If you happen to be travelling at dinner time, the food should be generally good. Lunch meals are just okay. Even the side salad will likely be better at dinner than lunch. You will probably start with hot nuts in either time frame. With more than 1 choice of entree, remember FEBO: choices for entre are usually taken from the Front on Even numbered flights and from the Back on Odd numbered flights. Those who get last choice may not have a choice.

While domestic FC does not compare to international FC, it usually beats sitting in the back! Enjoy your flight -- Suzanne

 

[steven_&_daniel]

Some airports offer a separate security line for first class passengers.

If you're flying out in the morning, I recommend getting your OJ in first class by ordering a Mimosa

 

[kirbsam]

board the plane first and start cocktailing it right away. no better perk than this.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

board the plane first and start cocktailing it right away. no better perk than this.

On American Airlines' flights from Chicago-O'Hare to Florida in first class on MD-80 ("Super 80") aircraft, I've seldom been offered a pre-flight cocktail. Usually, the flight attendants offer nothing. All passengers board through the forward door, so there's a continuous stream of economy passengers through first class before departure.

Sometimes the flight attendants offer pre-flight drinking water. On morning flights they might offer a choice of water or orange juice.

Yes, I've been able to get a glass of wine before take-off on occasion, but that's the exception, not the rule.

 

[TDC Nala]

FREE BOOZE FREE BOOZE FREE BOOZE

But not too much since we don't want to read about anyone being carted off by the TSA and FBI.

They don't always offer a meal. US Airways DCA to Orlando did not offer meals. They did offer really excellent cookies though.

 

[safetymom]

AA does offer a meal from ORD to MCO. My favorite was the hot towel before you were served to wash your hands. AA has a nice first class compared to some that really all you are getting is a larger seat, snack basket, and drinks.

 

[rigsby25]

Yes - we're flying ORD to MCO at about 6:30 am and then when we come back, we have a flight to Miami and then on to Chicago. Free drinks????? What about Margaritas? That is wonderful. A meal? We usually go to Mickey D's before our early am flight, but if we're getting a meal on the plane, then that won't be necessary I guess. Thats what I wanted to know. What's for breakfast? We are in our mid 50's and have never flown first class before, and probably will never do it again. Its just that with the economy and airlines in dire straights, we decided to just use up all of our miles before the airline goes bankrupt. If it doesn't happen, we still have our first class flight to remember and talk about. My mom lived in California and came to visit the grandchildren. I always said that one of these times, we would fly her out first class, but she passed away, and it never did happen. I'm doing this a little for her and will be thinking about her on our trip.

 

[safetymom]

First Class Complimentary Food Service
Complimentary food service is offered in First Class on all flights system-wide that have flying times over two hours and that operate within traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner times. Generally, a snack service will be provided on flights greater than two and a half hours that fall outside of a traditional meal time.

First Class Menu Highlights
We offer low-carbohydrate breakfast options to support the demand for more protein. You'll find more omelets in First Class on our U.S., Caribbean and Mexico breakfast flights and on our transcontinental brunch flights, options also include breakfast meats in addition to the omelets. A selection of low-carb entrées are served in the premium cabins on U.S., Caribbean and Mexico flights. These changes are part of our continued effort to offer customers what they value most. In addition, we continue to offer a variety of other protein options including warm mixed nuts and delicious entrées designed by our Chefs' Conclave that feature steak, seafood and poultry. For our road warriors and other passengers who just want a simple reminder of home, we're pleased to offer piping-hot baked on board Pillsbury® Southern Style biscuits in First Class.

To find information on dietary meal options available on most flights, please visit our Special Meals page.


American Airlines Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of Chefs' Conclave
For 20 years, American Airlines has been dishing up palate-pleasing fare for customers with the help of its Chefs' Conclave. Determined to remove the stigma attached to airline food, in 1988 American became the first airline to enlist the expertise of prominent and well-respected chefs to help craft the direction of its inflight food service.

Today, with the guidance and talent of the Chefs' Conclave members Nancy Brussat of Convito Café & Market (Wilmette, IL), Dean Fearing of Fearing's (Dallas, TX), and Stephan Pyles of Stephan Pyles (Dallas, TX), the American Airlines food and beverage program continues to delight.


AA Conclave Chefs
(L-R: Stephan Pyles, Nancy Brussat-Barocci, Dean Fearing)

"It has been a real pleasure working with the members of our Chefs' Conclave to develop menus exclusively for the dining enjoyment of American's customers," said John Tiliacos, American's Managing Director - Onboard Products. "With the help of our Chefs' Conclave, our in-flight cuisine truly reflects the culinary trends from restaurants nationwide."

From the beginning, the chefs were instrumental in developing American's food philosophy. Their advice - balance menus toward healthy, lighter fare, and do only what can be done well in-flight.

"There are many things to consider when developing a dish to be eaten at 35,000 feet. It requires an understanding of dishes that can translate well to the large catering kitchens, dishes that can be reheated to optimum taste in airplane galley kitchens, and dishes that reflect both national and international flavors," said Chef Brussat. "I always consider simplicity first, just as I do when developing dishes for my market customers to take home and reheat."

With three members, the Chefs' Conclave brings together a broad range of invaluable expertise and culinary interests, while keeping the group small enough to remain manageable and involved in American's menu design process. Each chef's personal touch is evident within the items they design for American Airlines.

"It has been a pleasure working with American Airlines for the past 20 years, sharing some of my favorite dishes and introducing American's customers to a variety of flavors that we enjoy using here in Dallas," said Chef Fearing.

Recently, American Airlines implemented an initiative to provide variety within its First and Business Class cabins. American consistently refreshes its selections by rotating various menus throughout the year.

"Just as in my restaurants, variety and quality are paramount to American's premium class customers," said Chef Pyles. "Over the past 20 years, I've had the great pleasure to participate in a number of menu development workshops to create exciting new culinary options by incorporating local flavors and spices of the region. I look forward to working with American Airlines for another 20 years."

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Your afternoon flights will begin with heated mixed nuts... morning flights will end with baked-in-flight chocolate chip cookies before final approach. This is in addition to food and continuous beverage service on authentic china, flatware and glassware. Drinks before take off are standard from ORD, even in the morning. I fly into and out of ORD almost weekly and if space is available I sit in FC.

 

[rigsby25]

Oh its hard to believe. This can't be. It seems like 2 different worlds. A meal? A cookie? Free drinks? Is this so?????

 

[islangrl]

One of my favorite perks...The bathrooms are almost always clean! And you usually don't have to wait!