I’m so borrowing that idea of using the United amenity kit box to put all my chargers/cables in. Ever since UA restarted their Dubai-Newark route, I’ve got three unopened kits just sitting on a shelf. Great review.
First class, but wifi-for-purchase and no working IFE? That would be so incredibly disappointing for me if I had to shell out 8 - 9 grand expecting that minimum 1st class standards are met. Good thing I don’t have that budget, lol, and that this first class cabin is being discontinued if it’s substandard. Thanks for pointing out the positives & negatives, including the incredible multi-course meals and snacks. Always nice to fly vicariously through you while I staycate!
^^ yep, what he said. According to the crew, these cabins almost always fill up entirely with people booking with miles or upgrading with status, so they weren’t able to justify the cost. Whereas airlines like Emirates have a good amount of people booking first class with money as well
@@PatrickSheaAviation But that's contrary to reports of BC/FC being increasingly filled with paid leisure travelers. Fewer people are being upgraded automatically or with points because more vacationers are paying out of pocket, taking the place of business travelers who havent returned to the skies. It seems like AA is making another poor choice, lagging market trends as they did when they removed IFE from economy.
@@jesdadotcom It comes down to economics, AA's International product never competed against even BA's F International quality, so anyone willing to shell out that kind of money, had much better choices to cross the pond, or to go anywhere else. AA had the option of either revamping their offering (which they tried and kinda failed, at least on the F class back when they rebranded and introduced the 773), OR they could make their business class product even better (new seats coming out with doors), and for the space of 8 first class seats, you can fit at least 12 business class seats. While not the best, their business-class product is rather good and competitive. They chose the latter, a safer bet. I can understand their thinking, but I do wish that an American Carrier had a good F International product. As far as the IFE on domestic planes, I still think that's a horrible idea to remove them, while United and Delta are fighting hard to not only ensure that every plan has it, but they are even upgrading and coming out with some really cool features. But again, back to economics, Doug Parker is all about the bottom dollar, his planes are still filling up, so he doesn't care. However, in the end, American is no better in the domestic economy than a low-cost airline. I used to be a concierge key with American, I lost it earlier this year, so now, once I'm done using my leftover miles, I have no reason to keep flying with American.
May have been mentioned before.. Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich is a “play on words and neighborhoods.” It’s a combined Premier Lounge experience between AA and BA. London also has a Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich neighborhood. Not just because of NYC.
@@jmontoyar1985 Oh, I don't know. Possibly the idea that these lounges are truly South of Houston (the NYC moniker, not the British hunting cry) (and a little to the east)? Chelsea being a popular football club from West London? It's mostly the commonality of the neighborhoods in both cities. It's interesting that they chose these names. Is it possibly that they are very "popular and recognizable" instead of Belmont, Kensington, Brighton (Beach), etc. Notice that all three used are in Manhattan while other common pairings are in other boroughs on the New York side.
@@xnyrage given Brighton is not in London, but a different city in the UK, I think it's fair to say they wanted 3 recognisable neighbourhoods that exist in both New York and London to truly represent the commonality for both AA and BA.
It's a reminder that American carriers (not just AA) are not all that interested in providing a premium service compared to Asian and Middle Eastern carriers. I would honestly be disappointed with that service quality for a first class fare.
Luxury in North America is very similar to non-luxury, but more expensive and *marketed* as exclusive. Corporations here love selling the exclusivity fluff, with no hard product to match.
I definitely agree with you, but frankly I believe that it’s not by choice. With all the competition and discount options available in the US market, they have been forced to prioritize their share of the market that they currently hold. Air travel in the U.S has become accessible most of the US market with lower prices, and quite frankly, I believe that those who could afford “1st class” now just simply have access to private air travel, at least in the USA. Leaving the “brand name” carriers (delta/American/United) being squeezed by both sides of the market. The middle eastern and Asian carriers have it easier to provide premium access because they don’t have as much pressure from competition with some enjoying monopoly. Some are even subsidized by their government. Additionally, a vast majority of the people within those foreign airlines countries of government simply don’t have access to affordable air travel, so those airlines don’t have the market pressure of having to provide “bargain” flights. Lastly, most of those carriers in the Middle East and Asia don’t have to worry about providing service to all the many metro areas as in the US. Quatar’s hub is Doha, and emirates is Abu Dhabi, that’s it. The American Airlines need to have NYC, ORD, LAX, SFO, MIA, BOS, SeaTac, DFW, ATL, etc…
@@jmontoyar1985 Also the US market is very different from the likes the middle east and Asia and well as company structures. US airlines have to actually make a profit or they go out of business. In other parts of the world they are largely goverment supported and designed to support and promote their local economies. Just not much of market for true international F in either North America or Europe given the ungraded business class. AA was the only hold out ( on a limited basis) that didn't get of international F. It was a money loser and just primarily for upgrades. Even those that retain F is often not really a money maker.
You are correct and for the Legacy carriers in the United States they are simply trying to feed the passengers they have to their Partners in Europe and Asia that have first class. If you look at EWR to FRA UA Star Alliance Gold Members that want first class choose LH403 over UA960
@@johniii8147 completely agree, even though most sources claim that the top tier airline products are the ones that generate the most profits, and at times help subsidize the economy products. I’m not sure if that data is outdated or how much it applies to the domestic airliners. In My humble and admittedly very uninformed opinion, I would suggest that the cohort that would be the ones to be able to afford first class products, now have access to even more exclusive air travel products, such as private jets, charters and semi private flights, which would make first class obsolete.
Yes, but those seats are more similar to their international business class in my opinion whereas these were made to directly compete with international first class originally
This video is great, I haven't flown American yet, but when I can I want to go to India pretty badly on either United or American from New York or SFO, you might have helped me make my mind up of going from New York. Great vid and keep up the great work!
I personally enjoy United over American, but to be fair if you ask 50 people you’ll probably find that half choose United and half choose American so…. 🤷♂️
There really isn't that difference between the two on such routes. AA's food tends to be better than cafeteria style UA these days in business. UA's seat is bit better but not by any real margin. I'd choose on schedule and price given where you are traveling from. Not enough difference to worry about with the product and AA F is going away fast at this point.
really dig the music on this one. that Soho Lounge 👌 the amenity kit content let down cracked me up and seat chat?? ya, pass. agree that $35 for wifi bites for 1st class, oo and that swivel chair! i do like the design detail of wood and metal esp in the underwhelming bathroom. meal service looks outstanding, stunning window views too
Thanks man! The seat’s swivel is definitely the best part of this seat but other than that, nothing else about it screams *first class* to me except for maybe the lounge 🤷♂️
Really cool and great review Patrick! I love your attention to detail and your somewhat different style of voice overs that is very informative! I’ve never flown American and I don’t like them that much but maybe you might change my mind!
As always, very nice video. 9.862 Only three times ever did I fly long haul in First Class. One time on Northwest Airlines PEK-DTW and then one the same trip on AA, DFW-SCL (767) and EZE-MIA (MD-11). And each of those times I was flying NON-REVENUE; was working for each of those two airlines when I took each respective trip.
I've only flown on American in First Class on domestic U.S. flights ORD-PSP and LAX-ORD and thought it was decent. Nothing to compare with an international flight. But was it better than being stuck in a coach seat? Absolutely!
Really great video! One thing I always find so annoying on American Airlines is there is never any mood lighting. It’s either as bright as a fast food restaurant or off. Makes boarding and waking up so jarring. Other carriers do a way better job of setting a relaxing chill mood
Hi Patrick. One of your best reviews yet!!!! Love the olives with the nuts. The food looked awesome 👍. Sorry about the entertainment system 😮. Almost a perfect F/C experience from check-in to arrival ! Good job Aa. Adios First class 👋
Nice flight! We need a screen shots of those proclaimed miles bookings. I find it hard to believe SFO-JFK-DEL in Flagship First was only 85k miles. And some youtubers say every flight they redeemed miles which isn't believable.
I’ll start trying to include those. My advice to you is to keep checking. I checked each day for a few months and it usually went for 140k miles but every so often a single day would come down in point values
i scored my FC for 84k points.. a no brainer when just about every other day is 350k.. i don't expect Qatar or singapore service and an exceptional dining experience. The seat and big bed on a 14+ hour flight is most important to me, I can get a nice steak in the lounge before ! Considering a FC award ticket from Albany to Charlotte can be 60K, 84K to Delhi is a HUGE win! . Air canada was 385K ! Your review couldn''t have come at a more perfect time for me! @@PatrickSheaAviation
Absolutely true, United has no first class any longer. I flew United to India a few years ago out of Newark, and business class at the front of the plane was the highest level of service.
I travelled to and fro USA on UA 186 (second daily service BTW EWR and IGI). My cousin had booked seat 56b during journey to USA and return journey was 57b. United served Indian vegetarian food sourced from Indian restaurant located Jersey City.
Yea, there’s nothing official about that yet, I’d assume British First for sure, and then maybe American will give their highest status members access 🤷♂️🤷♂️ I guess we will find out soon
The food was AMAZING! Better than most other airplane food I’ve had. I do give credit to Indian food for adding so much flavor and spice to their dishes that even on airplanes, they still have flavor
Nice video and really well put together. Love the new lounges at JfK. Not great about your IFE not working for such a long flight. Remember American was one of the first airlines with a complete pod, lie flatbeds and all of the amenities like that in a First Class cabin when it was unveiled 11 years ago, other airlines, of course followed suit and have since even upgraded to sliding doors etc. The new product coming out later this year will be fantastic and more in line. One reason that really you don’t need a First Class section and also hard to compare American carriers such as AA, DL and UA to Carriers like Emirates, almost all of their aircraft are wide bodies and they service mostly international flights. Most US carriers have less than 15% international flights. Keep up the good work
Great video! But paying for WiFi in first class? My god! I’m not surprised though. That’s American Airlines for you. You’re lucky the WiFi worked (assuming you payed) lol
THe most colorful things in the cabin are the IFE’s movie posters + soda can pictures. Honestly, I imagine the comparable fare in F of a gulf carrier connecting through their hubs, as more expensive. AA has to compete based on price with this product.
Sheer curtains between cabins came into being for safety/survival reasons after 9/11 so everyone could see what was going on in all areas of the aircraft.
I heard great things about the dining, but I just was lookin for some windows, so I liked the soho lounge a bit better. But if I’m back in the Chelsea lounge I’d love to try that food
Thanks for the detailed review! I was lucky to book this for 65k miles from Austin to Delhi today. I'm looking forward to the trip. Originally, I was on qatar business class, but I decided to switch as I have now done multiple qatar Airways business flights using miles. Thought to change it up this time.
Informative video! Quick question: what settings do you use for your time-lapse videos? I can't seem to figure out the right settings for frame rate, duration and speed to get a good video
@@PatrickSheaAviation AA offers pre departure service in domestic first class but the flight attendants often don't do it. On my last flight. From Tampa to Phoenix, the flight attendant stood in the front doorway and chatted with the ground operations agent instead of doing the first class pre-departure beverage service. I fly Delta often and I never see them. Skip the first class pre-departure service.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. Definitely a sub par first product compared to other carriers - such a shame given the price. Hope you got some comp for the ife not working.
Nope, although I am looking into that given the new Delta aircraft flying the route since the last time I flew SFO-BLR. You’ll wanna stay tuned for a long haul Vistara business class out of Delhi this upcoming Sunday though 😉
They did give me compensatory miles in my account after the flight for the issue (although a week later someone hacked into my AA account and stole all my miles....)
Thank you for a very thorough review. This is just an average *business class* product at best, with inoperative IFE. No wonder it's being discontinued.
Agreed. Although it’s largely being discontinued because no one is really paying for it but instead just upgrading with miles so they weren’t actually making any money on it
Would you rather Jfk-gru with AA flagship business or United Ewr-gru Polaris ? I’ve never experienced either just asking for pointers as I could potentially be choosing one or the other… most likely it’ll be Polaris to gru and AA back but nothing is in stone yet. Thanks for the amazing, detailed reviews
Sorry one more question. Looks like you were on the left-hand side of the place. Did you get constant direct sunlight on your end? I prefer to be on the side that tends to have least direct sunlight. 😂
Excellent review and agree with your choice of comedy...when travelling I almost always have a selection of Parks and Rec episodes as a back up for entertainment...thank you!!
many credit cards will reimburse you the cost of global entry/ precheck so get it if they will reimburse you. I also feel like the lounge you had access to should be granted for highest level of status traveling in business class.
One correction - AA has another aircraft that still has a true First Class cabin, the Airbus A321T. This specially configured aircraft, generally used only on transcon flights to JFK, has ten First Class seats, twenty Business Class seats and seventy-two Coach Class seats. When the future A321XLR is brought into service in a few years, this special First Class section on the A321 “T-Model” will also go away.
@@jerryuma That is incorrect. The catering levels and amenity levels on First Class on the AA 321T-Model flights are very close to if not exactly the same as International Flagship First Class. In fact this particular transcon service is billed as “International Flagship First Class service” by AA, right down to the down comforters and Bose noise cancelling headphones. The premium passengers sitting in First Class are often celebrities flying between Hollywood and New York. The fares they pay ($8000 per flight during peak demand), warrant this level of service. Only AA offers a true First Class hard product (and international-level First Class at that), on a domestic transcontinental flight.
I have flown this cabin on the A321T first class twice and it does have the airport perks of flagship first, but the seat is similar to that of a business class seat on their widebodies
T8 definitely isn’t horrible. As long as I can stay away from T1, I’m happy. Although it sounds like there are rumors of some upcoming renovation plans. Nothing official out yet that I’m aware of though
Hey Patrick - great review - I was wondering what they did for the service recovery of not having any entertainment available- surely 20-30K miles ? You did also say that this was a great redemption for the 20,000 in “BusinessClass” I agree it did seem like it was business to me 😂 but I know you meant First- Ive done this from the US to Australia and I’d never do it again - the difference between business and first I believe doesn’t warrant the additional cost
Thank you very much! This was a very detailed video and I especially loved it since there aren't any JFK-DEL flight reviews and specially in First Class which is a treat by itself. Greetings from India! @@PatrickSheaAviation
I took the scenic route back home. Vistara video is up on my channel already, that’s how I left Delhi at least. Summer is tough… but once you accept the heat it’s a bit better
International operators first class are far beyond that of US Carriers domestic and long haul offerings. I was shocked to see that you had to pay for wifi. I have some miles on American that I'm not really looking forward to redeem unless I can sell them or exchange them for other carriers. My current fav 1st class international offering is still Air France, although, I have yet to try Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, etc..
Superb video about American Airlines First Class Service !!!!!!!. Congrats for all the details you gave about the flight, I am dare to say that it is the best explanation I have seen about the service on board a flight. As a frequent American First Class passenger on the 777-300 (the only one that has First Class) the service is the same for any of their destinations with the exception that they put some Indian food. The seat is very comfortable and its movement towards the window makes it almost a work office, the only First Class that has this type of seat. Now, the service is quite standard for a First Class. Excellent report and I subscribed to your page.
Why hasn't the US have glass jetbridges? Who knows?!!? Seriously? It's well-known in the aviation world and would be easy to look up, I'm sure. (You could also look up when it, and which airport recently debuted them in the US.)
I’m sure a big reason is just due to the increased cost of air conditioning on the jetbridge since the glass windows allow more heat in. Although not sure if that’s the main reason 🤷♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation Comparison would be awesome, but for selfish reasons though as I am flying the 787 upper class in Nov ;) would love to get your take on the “weird seats”. I decided to go with VA since I still consider service important instead of BA. (Never flew either). Keep up the great content.
It seems that American airlines in general, do not have any rules about uniforms (uniform standards). Everyone goes one way, hair of all styles, without any interest in their own image or grooming.
Nah man, I work 2 jobs 7 days per week so that I can afford to take 4-6 days off each month and go travel. When I can use miles, I'm smart about that, but I spend a couple hours every day trying random city pairs and dates to find the best value of flights
Really, we don't need more government employees to check us out when we go overseas. They get that data from TSA. Oh, and from time to time, Customs/border agents are checking us when departing to catch smugglers and money launderers. Lots of detail in this vid, perhaps to much data, so thanks for the chapter markers.
Sub business class service & food at first class prices. Meals on a tray in F for example!!! American carriers never have the class or finesse of the European or Asian airlines.
I find it a bit sad how American has downgraded the food and service including the seats in first class. Years ago it was much nicer. I recently flew first on Air India (which I was dreading) and was most pleasantly impressed with everything. American has lost its niche in the global industry for luxury travel
American has kinda been losing its international presence in general. United and Delta serve far more destinations, although American still remains the worlds largest airline by fleet size and destinations; they're just mostly domestic
Chelsea, soho and Greenwich are neighborhoods in London too. Chelsea is a great lounge to start, if you have access, then move to soho to plane spot .
Totally agree! And yes! There are a ton of cities or neighborhoods in New England that share names with places in “old” England as well
I’m so borrowing that idea of using the United amenity kit box to put all my chargers/cables in. Ever since UA restarted their Dubai-Newark route, I’ve got three unopened kits just sitting on a shelf. Great review.
The hard shell amenity kits are awesome! I use them for storing things on all my trips! Thanks!
First class, but wifi-for-purchase and no working IFE? That would be so incredibly disappointing for me if I had to shell out 8 - 9 grand expecting that minimum 1st class standards are met. Good thing I don’t have that budget, lol, and that this first class cabin is being discontinued if it’s substandard. Thanks for pointing out the positives & negatives, including the incredible multi-course meals and snacks. Always nice to fly vicariously through you while I staycate!
Few actually pay for F on AA. It's mostly upgradges or miles. That's why they are getting rid of it.
^^ yep, what he said. According to the crew, these cabins almost always fill up entirely with people booking with miles or upgrading with status, so they weren’t able to justify the cost. Whereas airlines like Emirates have a good amount of people booking first class with money as well
@@PatrickSheaAviation But that's contrary to reports of BC/FC being increasingly filled with paid leisure travelers. Fewer people are being upgraded automatically or with points because more vacationers are paying out of pocket, taking the place of business travelers who havent returned to the skies. It seems like AA is making another poor choice, lagging market trends as they did when they removed IFE from economy.
@@jesdadotcom That's international business not international F. Little demand for international F out of the US.
@@jesdadotcom It comes down to economics, AA's International product never competed against even BA's F International quality, so anyone willing to shell out that kind of money, had much better choices to cross the pond, or to go anywhere else. AA had the option of either revamping their offering (which they tried and kinda failed, at least on the F class back when they rebranded and introduced the 773), OR they could make their business class product even better (new seats coming out with doors), and for the space of 8 first class seats, you can fit at least 12 business class seats. While not the best, their business-class product is rather good and competitive. They chose the latter, a safer bet. I can understand their thinking, but I do wish that an American Carrier had a good F International product.
As far as the IFE on domestic planes, I still think that's a horrible idea to remove them, while United and Delta are fighting hard to not only ensure that every plan has it, but they are even upgrading and coming out with some really cool features. But again, back to economics, Doug Parker is all about the bottom dollar, his planes are still filling up, so he doesn't care. However, in the end, American is no better in the domestic economy than a low-cost airline. I used to be a concierge key with American, I lost it earlier this year, so now, once I'm done using my leftover miles, I have no reason to keep flying with American.
May have been mentioned before.. Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich is a “play on words and neighborhoods.” It’s a combined Premier Lounge experience between AA and BA. London also has a Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich neighborhood. Not just because of NYC.
So very YES. 😂
Besides being homage to neighborhood names used in both countries, what would be the play on words?
@@jmontoyar1985 Oh, I don't know. Possibly the idea that these lounges are truly South of Houston (the NYC moniker, not the British hunting cry) (and a little to the east)? Chelsea being a popular football club from West London? It's mostly the commonality of the neighborhoods in both cities. It's interesting that they chose these names. Is it possibly that they are very "popular and recognizable" instead of Belmont, Kensington, Brighton (Beach), etc. Notice that all three used are in Manhattan while other common pairings are in other boroughs on the New York side.
@@xnyrage given Brighton is not in London, but a different city in the UK, I think it's fair to say they wanted 3 recognisable neighbourhoods that exist in both New York and London to truly represent the commonality for both AA and BA.
They are neighborhoods in both NYC and London, and made for both AA and BA passengers
AA flagship first is still being flown from LAX to Sydney Australia and is a longer flight than JFK to Delhi
It's a reminder that American carriers (not just AA) are not all that interested in providing a premium service compared to Asian and Middle Eastern carriers. I would honestly be disappointed with that service quality for a first class fare.
Luxury in North America is very similar to non-luxury, but more expensive and *marketed* as exclusive. Corporations here love selling the exclusivity fluff, with no hard product to match.
I definitely agree with you, but frankly I believe that it’s not by choice. With all the competition and discount options available in the US market, they have been forced to prioritize their share of the market that they currently hold.
Air travel in the U.S has become accessible most of the US market with lower prices, and quite frankly, I believe that those who could afford “1st class” now just simply have access to private air travel, at least in the USA. Leaving the “brand name” carriers (delta/American/United) being squeezed by both sides of the market.
The middle eastern and Asian carriers have it easier to provide premium access because they don’t have as much pressure from competition with some enjoying monopoly. Some are even subsidized by their government.
Additionally, a vast majority of the people within those foreign airlines countries of government simply don’t have access to affordable air travel, so those airlines don’t have the market pressure of having to provide “bargain” flights.
Lastly, most of those carriers in the Middle East and Asia don’t have to worry about providing service to all the many metro areas as in the US. Quatar’s hub is Doha, and emirates is Abu Dhabi, that’s it. The American Airlines need to have NYC, ORD, LAX, SFO, MIA, BOS, SeaTac, DFW, ATL, etc…
@@jmontoyar1985 Also the US market is very different from the likes the middle east and Asia and well as company structures. US airlines have to actually make a profit or they go out of business. In other parts of the world they are largely goverment supported and designed to support and promote their local economies. Just not much of market for true international F in either North America or Europe given the ungraded business class. AA was the only hold out ( on a limited basis) that didn't get of international F. It was a money loser and just primarily for upgrades. Even those that retain F is often not really a money maker.
You are correct and for the Legacy carriers in the United States they are simply trying to feed the passengers they have to their Partners in Europe and Asia that have first class. If you look at EWR to FRA UA Star Alliance Gold Members that want first class choose LH403 over UA960
@@johniii8147 completely agree, even though most sources claim that the top tier airline products are the ones that generate the most profits, and at times help subsidize the economy products. I’m not sure if that data is outdated or how much it applies to the domestic airliners.
In My humble and admittedly very uninformed opinion, I would suggest that the cohort that would be the ones to be able to afford first class products, now have access to even more exclusive air travel products, such as private jets, charters and semi private flights, which would make first class obsolete.
I fully agree with you that I like the Soho lounge better than the Chelsea lounge. Great video!
Thanks!
Best review ever. Wow love your details.
Thank you!!
Enjoyed this report. I flew AA293 last year (DEL to JFK). I was in economy class, but it was a light flight and it was an excellent trip.
That’s awesome!
In addition to the 777, AA does have a tri-cabin with Flagship First on transcontinental flights (for now…) on the A321T
Yes, but those seats are more similar to their international business class in my opinion whereas these were made to directly compete with international first class originally
I love your detailed review! But I do hope you have an opportunity to improve the audio quality for the next video.
Agree with you!
Thanks! Trying to make little improvements bit by bit
This video is great, I haven't flown American yet, but when I can I want to go to India pretty badly on either United or American from New York or SFO, you might have helped me make my mind up of going from New York. Great vid and keep up the great work!
I personally enjoy United over American, but to be fair if you ask 50 people you’ll probably find that half choose United and half choose American so…. 🤷♂️
There really isn't that difference between the two on such routes. AA's food tends to be better than cafeteria style UA these days in business. UA's seat is bit better but not by any real margin. I'd choose on schedule and price given where you are traveling from. Not enough difference to worry about with the product and AA F is going away fast at this point.
really dig the music on this one. that Soho Lounge 👌 the amenity kit content let down cracked me up and seat chat?? ya, pass. agree that $35 for wifi bites for 1st class, oo and that swivel chair! i do like the design detail of wood and metal esp in the underwhelming bathroom. meal service looks outstanding, stunning window views too
Thanks man! The seat’s swivel is definitely the best part of this seat but other than that, nothing else about it screams *first class* to me except for maybe the lounge 🤷♂️
Really cool and great review Patrick! I love your attention to detail and your somewhat different style of voice overs that is very informative! I’ve never flown American and I don’t like them that much but maybe you might change my mind!
Glad you like it! And yea who knows 🤷♂️ maybe their new suites will be game changing
On a connecting Europe/USA J/F fares on AA I was offered the downgrade from F for no compensation but a F ticket on BA but with long connection.
This was, easily, one of your most entertaining, most informative uploads to date. 👍
Thanks man!
As always, very nice video. 9.862
Only three times ever did I fly long haul in First Class. One time on Northwest Airlines PEK-DTW and then one the same trip on AA, DFW-SCL (767) and EZE-MIA (MD-11). And each of those times I was flying NON-REVENUE; was working for each of those two airlines when I took each respective trip.
Awesome! A true first class is always fun (and even better when you aren’t paying for it 😉)
I've only flown on American in First Class on domestic U.S. flights ORD-PSP and LAX-ORD and thought it was decent. Nothing to compare with an international flight. But was it better than being stuck in a coach seat? Absolutely!
Great review, Patrick!
Thank you!
Awesome video. I've loved your reviews so well done and professional. Handsome host as well. Thanks and bring on the reviews Patrick :)
Thank you!
Really great video! One thing I always find so annoying on American Airlines is there is never any mood lighting. It’s either as bright as a fast food restaurant or off. Makes boarding and waking up so jarring. Other carriers do a way better job of setting a relaxing chill mood
They did have it in some parts of the cabin it seemed, but it was used very sparingly. Only a couple times throughout the flight
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Hi Patrick. One of your best reviews yet!!!! Love the olives with the nuts. The food looked awesome 👍. Sorry about the entertainment system 😮. Almost a perfect F/C experience from check-in to arrival ! Good job Aa. Adios First class 👋
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Nice flight! We need a screen shots of those proclaimed miles bookings. I find it hard to believe SFO-JFK-DEL in Flagship First was only 85k miles. And some youtubers say every flight they redeemed miles which isn't believable.
I’ll start trying to include those. My advice to you is to keep checking. I checked each day for a few months and it usually went for 140k miles but every so often a single day would come down in point values
Awesome report! I am flying this route in a few weeks.
Thanks! That’s awesome! Enjoy the flight ✈️
i'll let you know!!@@PatrickSheaAviation
i scored my FC for 84k points.. a no brainer when just about every other day is 350k.. i don't expect Qatar or singapore service and an exceptional dining experience. The seat and big bed on a 14+ hour flight is most important to me, I can get a nice steak in the lounge before ! Considering a FC award ticket from Albany to Charlotte can be 60K, 84K to Delhi is a HUGE win! . Air canada was 385K ! Your review couldn''t have come at a more perfect time for me!
@@PatrickSheaAviation
Absolutely true, United has no first class any longer. I flew United to India a few years ago out of Newark, and business class at the front of the plane was the highest level of service.
Yep, Delta as well, and American will join that soon
I travelled to and fro USA on UA 186 (second daily service BTW EWR and IGI). My cousin had booked seat 56b during journey to USA and return journey was 57b. United served Indian vegetarian food sourced from Indian restaurant located Jersey City.
Once first class is gone, will business clas pax get access to chelsea and soho lounges? Or will it be only BA first class?
I've wondered about that too. Maybe they can offer access as an add on. May depend on the flight too.
Yea, there’s nothing official about that yet, I’d assume British First for sure, and then maybe American will give their highest status members access 🤷♂️🤷♂️ I guess we will find out soon
Great video, keep it up!
Thanks!
This was a great review! Whew and that was a long flight haha...Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Why does turbulence occur every first meal no matter the flight choice?
Ooo conspiracies 👀👀🤣
Great review that food looked 5* for American Airlines
The food was AMAZING! Better than most other airplane food I’ve had. I do give credit to Indian food for adding so much flavor and spice to their dishes that even on airplanes, they still have flavor
All those AA lounges take up a lot of real estate. Must cost them a fortune!
I think they owned the space already considering T8 at JFK was AA’s growth project. So it may have just involved re-imagining the existing spaces
Nice video and really well put together. Love the new lounges at JfK. Not great about your IFE not working for such a long flight. Remember American was one of the first airlines with a complete pod, lie flatbeds and all of the amenities like that in a First Class cabin when it was unveiled 11 years ago, other airlines, of course followed suit and have since even upgraded to sliding doors etc. The new product coming out later this year will be fantastic and more in line. One reason that really you don’t need a First Class section and also hard to compare American carriers such as AA, DL and UA to Carriers like Emirates, almost all of their aircraft are wide bodies and they service mostly international flights. Most US carriers have less than 15% international flights.
Keep up the good work
Great points. Thanks man!
Good vlog. Thx for posting
Thanks man!
37:37 lol nice espn notification
Ha! 🤣
Great video! But paying for WiFi in first class? My god! I’m not surprised though. That’s American Airlines for you. You’re lucky the WiFi worked (assuming you payed) lol
Yes… but it seems like they have kinda been reducing the amenities in first class as it prepares to go away
@@PatrickSheaAviation keep up the great flight reviews! Subscribed! I’ll be joining this niche very soon!
THe most colorful things in the cabin are the IFE’s movie posters + soda can pictures. Honestly, I imagine the comparable fare in F of a gulf carrier connecting through their hubs, as more expensive. AA has to compete based on price with this product.
Sheer curtains between cabins came into being for safety/survival reasons after 9/11 so everyone could see what was going on in all areas of the aircraft.
I was in the Chelsea lounge last month on my way to Paris. I sat in the dining area. Omg that lamb dish was exquisite! 🤌🤌
I heard great things about the dining, but I just was lookin for some windows, so I liked the soho lounge a bit better. But if I’m back in the Chelsea lounge I’d love to try that food
Thanks for the detailed review! I was lucky to book this for 65k miles from Austin to Delhi today. I'm looking forward to the trip. Originally, I was on qatar business class, but I decided to switch as I have now done multiple qatar Airways business flights using miles. Thought to change it up this time.
I prefer Qatar’s business class, but it’ll be great to change it up a bit!
Informative video! Quick question: what settings do you use for your time-lapse videos? I can't seem to figure out the right settings for frame rate, duration and speed to get a good video
I just film with my iPhone and then speed the footage up to either 4x or 8x speed depending on how much detail I want to be visible
Excellent trip report.
Thank you!
Nice review
Thanks!
Looks a bit nicer than AA domestic First Class. I rarely even get a pre departure beverage on AA in domestic First Class. 😞
Weird… I don’t travel AA domestic first, but I know United and delta always offer pre departure beverages
@@PatrickSheaAviation AA offers pre departure service in domestic first class but the flight attendants often don't do it. On my last flight. From Tampa to Phoenix, the flight attendant stood in the front doorway and chatted with the ground operations agent instead of doing the first class pre-departure beverage service. I fly Delta often and I never see them. Skip the first class pre-departure service.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. Definitely a sub par first product compared to other carriers - such a shame given the price. Hope you got some comp for the ife not working.
Thanks! Working on the comp for that. It’s turning in to quite a lengthy project.
DEL pit-stop, will it be AI175 BLR-SFO next?
Nope, although I am looking into that given the new Delta aircraft flying the route since the last time I flew SFO-BLR. You’ll wanna stay tuned for a long haul Vistara business class out of Delhi this upcoming Sunday though 😉
AA axes champagne in biz class too in favor of italian sparkling wine to cut cost and increase yield
I just saw that after posting this video! Crazy!
Did you get a discount for no television? Thank you for a great vlog.
They did give me compensatory miles in my account after the flight for the issue (although a week later someone hacked into my AA account and stole all my miles....)
Thank you for a very thorough review. This is just an average *business class* product at best, with inoperative IFE. No wonder it's being discontinued.
Agreed. Although it’s largely being discontinued because no one is really paying for it but instead just upgrading with miles so they weren’t actually making any money on it
Would you rather Jfk-gru with AA flagship business or United Ewr-gru Polaris ? I’ve never experienced either just asking for pointers as I could potentially be choosing one or the other… most likely it’ll be Polaris to gru and AA back but nothing is in stone yet. Thanks for the amazing, detailed reviews
I’m definitely more of a fan of Polaris on United but American Airlines does have a good lounge in São Paulo that you can use if you do fly that home
@@PatrickSheaAviation thank you again for the tips Patrick I’ll keep this in mind!
Nice video, just curious, were there any Indian food options on board?
I am sorry, I answered my own question, just noticed they served Paneer in the last part of the video.
Yep, the Indian options were actually wonderful!
Excellent video, Patrick! 9.925
Thanks a bunch!
Sorry one more question. Looks like you were on the left-hand side of the place. Did you get constant direct sunlight on your end? I prefer to be on the side that tends to have least direct sunlight. 😂
Yea that’s fair. Tbh they wanted the shades kept shut for most of the flight so it didn’t matter too much
Cool. But did you recollect how was the sunlight situation? 😅
They still have first class on American Airlines on Boeing 777 now ?
Only the 20 777-300ERs. And it's going away next year.
@@johniii8147 so there is still first class on Boeing 777 dash 8
Patrick really like your videos. They're so informative and detailed. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Excellent review and agree with your choice of comedy...when travelling I almost always have a selection of Parks and Rec episodes as a back up for entertainment...thank you!!
Yes!! Thanks!
many credit cards will reimburse you the cost of global entry/ precheck so get it if they will reimburse you. I also feel like the lounge you had access to should be granted for highest level of status traveling in business class.
Have you done Porter reserve yet?
I haven’t. Makes me curious though
Do you get to keep the headphones and the bedding?
Nah. Unfortunately you leave all that behind
Yo if you are still in India we should try and meet. Awesome video :)
This was a quick trip for me unfortunately. I was flying out the very next morning
21:42 Mac Miller lives!
One correction - AA has another aircraft that still has a true First Class cabin, the Airbus A321T. This specially configured aircraft, generally used only on transcon flights to JFK, has ten First Class seats, twenty Business Class seats and seventy-two Coach Class seats. When the future A321XLR is brought into service in a few years, this special First Class section on the A321 “T-Model” will also go away.
Cool
That is a domestic first class. Not the same. A321 is narrow body airplane
@@jerryuma That is incorrect. The catering levels and amenity levels on First Class on the AA 321T-Model flights are very close to if not exactly the same as International Flagship First Class. In fact this particular transcon service is billed as “International Flagship First Class service” by AA, right down to the down comforters and Bose noise cancelling headphones. The premium passengers sitting in First Class are often celebrities flying between Hollywood and New York. The fares they pay ($8000 per flight during peak demand), warrant this level of service. Only AA offers a true First Class hard product (and international-level First Class at that), on a domestic transcontinental flight.
I have flown this cabin on the A321T first class twice and it does have the airport perks of flagship first, but the seat is similar to that of a business class seat on their widebodies
@@PatrickSheaAviation I know right
Why does the whole lounge and first class thing have to be so complicated?
I’m assuming it’s the airline’s effort to try and help it be less crowded 🤷♂️
Is liquor included in lounge access?
Unfortunately I didn’t get anything from the bar so I can’t speak to that
So i heard that the land of the long low hanging stench smells like a nyc subway bathroom how did the airport and the plane smell?
Well done.
Thanks!
Afternoon Delight?
T8 terminal looks lit way way better the T4
T8 definitely isn’t horrible. As long as I can stay away from T1, I’m happy. Although it sounds like there are rumors of some upcoming renovation plans. Nothing official out yet that I’m aware of though
AA might as well can this so called “first” class😉
Hi! Amazing video! I’m trying to book a flight from JFK-Delhi and it shows no Flagship First. How can I fly on First?
Well they are removing it, so I wonder if you're looking at a date after the cabin is removed? Not totally sure
Flew LAX-LHR in first on AA in 2021 and the entertainment also broke lol
🤷♂️🤣
jet blue mint even aisle FLL to SFO beats this
American has tow plane model with 1st class the a321T and 777-300ER
Indian food available here?
Move over, Jeb Brooks, Sam Chui, Nonstop Dan, and the rest! My new favorite flight vlogger just posted a vid ;)
Ha! Thanks man!
I could not imagine the smell in the cabin on the outbound flights to the US from India!
No one cabin crew greeting first class passangers but chating in the galley.
Hey Patrick - great review - I was wondering what they did for the service recovery of not having any entertainment available- surely 20-30K miles ? You did also say that this was a great redemption for the 20,000 in “BusinessClass” I agree it did seem like it was business to me 😂 but I know you meant First- Ive done this from the US to Australia and I’d never do it again - the difference between business and first I believe doesn’t warrant the additional cost
I got 10k miles but then my account was hacked into and I can’t get them back unless I file a police report 🤦♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation oh no 🙈 thats awful - so hacked in India - tell me it isn’t so
@@stevene465 ha…. It was hacked later. Someone used the miles to book a flight MIA-CLT 🤷♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation hopefully they can track it - that’s amazing 🥲
Curious question but where did you connect after this flight?
I took the Vistara flight to Paris out of here. It was unfortunately a short visit to India this time 😩
Thank you very much! This was a very detailed video and I especially loved it since there aren't any JFK-DEL flight reviews and specially in First Class which is a treat by itself. Greetings from India! @@PatrickSheaAviation
How did you get back to the US from India? And how did you handle Delhi's summer heat?
I took the scenic route back home. Vistara video is up on my channel already, that’s how I left Delhi at least. Summer is tough… but once you accept the heat it’s a bit better
International operators first class are far beyond that of US Carriers domestic and long haul offerings. I was shocked to see that you had to pay for wifi. I have some miles on American that I'm not really looking forward to redeem unless I can sell them or exchange them for other carriers. My current fav 1st class international offering is still Air France, although, I have yet to try Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, etc..
The good thing with American’s points, is that they do have a good redemptions on other airlines so you may be able to find some good values
Superb video about American Airlines First Class Service !!!!!!!. Congrats for all the details you gave about the flight, I am dare to say that it is the best explanation I have seen about the service on board a flight. As a frequent American First Class passenger on the 777-300 (the only one that has First Class) the service is the same for any of their destinations with the exception that they put some Indian food. The seat is very comfortable and its movement towards the window makes it almost a work office, the only First Class that has this type of seat. Now, the service is quite standard for a First Class. Excellent report and I subscribed to your page.
Totally! Thanks!!
southwest has dr. pepper...
Quickly becoming one of my favorite flight reviewers!
Thanks a ton!
The first class part of the bathroom is nobody pooped on the floor 💩
Why hasn't the US have glass jetbridges? Who knows?!!? Seriously? It's well-known in the aviation world and would be easy to look up, I'm sure. (You could also look up when it, and which airport recently debuted them in the US.)
I’m sure a big reason is just due to the increased cost of air conditioning on the jetbridge since the glass windows allow more heat in. Although not sure if that’s the main reason 🤷♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation It has exactly nothing to do with air conditioning. Google is your friend...
Charging extra for wifi in frist class!!!!!
Kinda crazy… right?!
Please do Virgin Atlantic on the 787!!!! Love how detailed your reviews are.
I do have plans on their 787s and A350s. Very excited for both
@@PatrickSheaAviation Comparison would be awesome, but for selfish reasons though as I am flying the 787 upper class in Nov ;) would love to get your take on the “weird seats”. I decided to go with VA since I still consider service important instead of BA. (Never flew either). Keep up the great content.
Bring back the CAB.
Imagine paying that much for 1st class and not even having a working IFE 😭😭
I did fly with AA 777/200 from clt to lhr. Lovely aircraft , thanks for sharing ❤
Awesome! Thanks!
It seems that American airlines in general, do not have any rules about uniforms (uniform standards). Everyone goes one way, hair of all styles, without any interest in their own image or grooming.
Did you pay for your flying?
Or-- Did you SCAM??
Nah man, I work 2 jobs 7 days per week so that I can afford to take 4-6 days off each month and go travel. When I can use miles, I'm smart about that, but I spend a couple hours every day trying random city pairs and dates to find the best value of flights
Fyi Southwest Airlines also serves Dr Pepper. Another Texas based carrier lol
Yea I guess that makes sense lol
I would think recent events have shown that the a significant threat to the once great USA is within its own borders .Please may it stay so.
Really, we don't need more government employees to check us out when we go overseas. They get that data from TSA. Oh, and from time to time, Customs/border agents are checking us when departing to catch smugglers and money launderers. Lots of detail in this vid, perhaps to much data, so thanks for the chapter markers.
Sub business class service & food at first class prices. Meals on a tray in F for example!!! American carriers never have the class or finesse of the European or Asian airlines.
I find it a bit sad how American has downgraded the food and service including the seats in first class. Years ago it was much nicer. I recently flew first on Air India (which I was dreading) and was most pleasantly impressed with everything. American has lost its niche in the global industry for luxury travel
American has kinda been losing its international presence in general. United and Delta serve far more destinations, although American still remains the worlds largest airline by fleet size and destinations; they're just mostly domestic