American Airlines First Class Review: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

American Airlines First Class Review: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

By: Bound2explore October 24, 2021

Not all first class are created equal, especially for domestic route. So, if you want to experience real flat seat with enhanced service and amenities, you need to check the airlines and what type of aircraft they offer. Based on experience, most domestic routes in USA only offer bigger seats with more leg room for first class. No big screen, no flat seat, no delicious food, or amenity kits and not even a complete privacy. Because someone can certainly sit next to you. Only few routes offer a full first-class experience such as transcontinental route, Miami to Los Angeles or San Francisco and Philadelphia to Dallas. This American Airlines First class review will cover a domestic route on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Philadelphia to Dallas.

So, before you jump in, review your option, and make sure you get the best bang for your bucks. Before buying a first- class ticket, here is a complete American Airlines First Class review for you to consider.

Let’s start American Airlines First Class Review with the perks first. As a first-class customer you are qualified for a priority lane at TSA checkpoint. But keep in mind that not every airport offers this privilege.

Now, after waiting in TSA line, of course you want to be pampered with food and drink at the first- class lounge before you board your flight. So, what kind of lounge a first- class customer on domestic route can enjoy? The answer is none. While you receive access to lounge when flying first-class on international route, not so with domestic route unless you are flying transcontinental. Another way to be admitted to the lounge is by purchasing the ticket under the same itinerary as your international route, and both are premium class on domestic and international route.

There are two kind of lounge that American Airlines offers: Admiral lounge and Flagship Lounge. Admiral lounge is pretty basic, they offer a decent breakfast choice but nothing fancy, but a few locations like the one in Dallas, does offer avocado toast as their breakfast selection. As its name suggested, the Flagship Lounge offer a better drink, food, and service in general. Unfortunately, the Flagship Lounge was closed when I was flying so I had to settle with admiral lounge.

As expected, all first- class passengers receive a priority boarding. The seating arrangement of first- class cabin is 1, 2 and 1 for each row. If you want a complete privacy, you can pick a single seat by the window. While they don’t offer amenity kit, they do provide each first -class cabin passenger with slippers, pillow, a nice heavy blanket, and a noise cancelling headphone.

The seat is roomy, and you can adjust it to 180 degrees lie flat bed. You can sleep, and rest well. It feels very private with the wall around you. You can barely see your neighbor. The seat has several pockets where you can store your personal stuff. This aircraft is also equipped with wi-fi. The television screen is big and full of entertainment choices. From movie, music, game, Apple TV to live tv. The tv remote has a double function as a game console. The only downside is the music choice, it is very limited.

The food was only served one time since it is a short flight and a drink right after boarding/before take-off is eliminated due to Covid-19. The meal was nothing special, just a tray of cheese, fruit, crackers, and chocolate. Simple but tasty.

Just like any Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this aircraft is designed and equipped with adjustable windows. You can adjust the level of shade from bright to a complete dark, just by pressing the button on the window. I think the two best features of the first- class cabin are a lie flat bed seat and a complete privacy. Not to mention the quietness that make your ride feels so rested.