Let us move on to another Snapshot – this time focusing on the passenger experience onboard an American Airlines transcontinental Airbus A321neo in Business Class, between Philadelphia to San Francisco.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, we have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is… getting there. Much like British Rail once did.
Check-In
This flight segment was checked in at Dublin, so there was no need to complete any further paperwork or bag drop formalities.
Security
A security check was completed at Philadelphia Airport C Gates. Even though this was around 17:00 on a Friday, it was done without any issues in under five minutes.
Lounge
The American Airlines Flagship lounge connecting the B/C Gates was used. This had a mixture of seating, along with different food options, with a guacamole station for part of the evening.
There were also alcholic options too, with a bar for drinks
Boarding
The aircraft boarded from Gate C28 at Philadelphia Airport, which had been delayed by 30 minutes due to a late inbound service. Boarding was strictly controlled, with preboarders allowed on first, then by the boarding groups.
The Aircraft
American Airlines deployed an Airbus A321neo on this route.
The seat
As part of the Oasis configuration of this aircraft, American Airlines installed the Collins Aerospace MiQ seat in business class. In the economy cabin.
This being a front-row seat, there was no storage in the seat, with some legroom to stretch out in.
This being an Airbus A332neo, it had the Airspace XL overhead bins installed, with both visual and verbal instructions on how to stow the baggage. Whilst these are helping, the overhead bins filled out on this service
Power in the seat is offered under the armrest. Note that Row 1 passengers just get mains power – the other seats get both mains and USB outlets.
IFE
No IFE screens were installed on the aircraft, with it being streaming options provided by Viasat and American Airlines
The seat provides a flip-out Personal Electronics device rest.
Connectivity
Viasat provides onboard connectivity for the flight through its Ka-band network. Options included pricing for the flight ($29), for two hours ($25), via partner (T-Moible), as well as a 20-minute sponsored session.
Speeds were variable during climb out when a free sponsored session was accessed.
Catering
The aircraft only loaded eight meals for 20 passengers, due to a loading issue at Philadelphia International Airport. Rather than delay the aircraft longer for meals, only the eight were offered to passengers.
I declined the meal, as I had some snacks from the lounge.
Snacks were provided mid-flight. I grabbed a couple of items, as I was peckish at that point.
Arrival
The aircraft landed safely, making a bay approach to San Francisco International Airport. Upon arrival, the aircraft taxied over to gate B21 in Terminal 1 to discharge its passengers.
Upon arriving at San Francisco International Terminal 1 (The Harvey Milk Terminal), I navigated my way through this updated complex to the exit to the taxi rank.
Other Pictures
The full trip report of this rather disappointing segment (and if that’s a hint, there’s one there) is coming soon.
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