Luxury in Decline: American Airlines Cuts Corners on First Class Champagne [Roundup]
News and notes from around the interweb:
- Let’s check in on what American Airlines is serving in international Flagship First Class since they suspended printed wine lists.
Ernest Rapeneau Brut. Literally. Not even a vintage. I say $30 which is cheap for F, but it’s not even a good $30 Champagne. It’s as bad as “real” Champagne gets…it sure seems that they’re just dumping whatever they have from their current/previous supplier, no matter how cheap or bad it is.
American Airlines first class champagne, up until now, has been the only respectable thing served up front. When I last flew it was 2012 Drappier Grande Sendree Brut. Though in business they moved to an Italian sparkling in lieu of champagne.
Predeparture champagne from Sydney wasn’t even in proper glasses - Two Starbucks have joined Priority Pass I don’t know if I love this or hate this. They aren’t lounges, but they are new options. From Priority Pass’s perspective, anything to get a card swipe (since they get paid). I’d love for Chase to pick up my coffee in the terminal, too. (Amex and Capital One Priority Pass cards, sorry!) But I worry an expansion of this dumbs down the benefit so much that Chase finally pulls the plug on non-lounge uses of Priority Pass too.
- It does seem likely that January 6th defendants are in the targeting database.
Jan 6 defendants often reference the trouble they have at airports and while flying.
In newly submitted letter to court from James Rahm III, he references TSA experiences when asking for leniency ====> pic.twitter.com/3Rokx8a8jj
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) January 22, 2024
- Air France adding Phoenix – Paris.
Air France will launch flights to Phoenix (PHX).
The airline will begin flying from Paris (CDG) to PHX starting May 23 with a 3x weekly Boeing 787-9:
• AF68 Depart CDG 10:10 AM Arrive PHX 12:10 PM
• AF69 Depart PHX 2:10 PM Arrive CDG 9:15 AM (next day)PHX is Air France’s… pic.twitter.com/nfIlq74eBL
— Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) January 22, 2024
- Rainn Wilson Shares Heartfelt Napkin Note Slipped To Him By Flight Attendant
I didn’t even see who dropped this on my lap at the PDX airport but I greatly appreciate the sentiment, flight attendant Melanie of Alaska Airlines. So humbled to be a part of a show that affected, touched, comforted and inspired. And continues to do so! It’s so fucking rare. A… pic.twitter.com/5h8gxP5j8t
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) January 20, 2024