Coast to coast aboard American Airlines' A321T
Coast-to-coast flights in the United States are called "transcontinental," they are a cross between a flight [...]
American Airlines
LAX
Flights from one coast of the United States to another are called "transcontinental." Are somewhere between a medium-range flight and an intercontinental flight.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- A321T
- Class:
- Business
- Treat:
- LAX - JFK
- Price:
- 162€
- Book
There are virtually all carriers in this market, from ultra low-cost carriers to Jetblue to, of course, traditional carriers. At the height of the pandemic, when the world's borders were blocked, many such routes were made with wide-body aircraft, a way to carry more passengers given the increased market demand and especially to keep crews trained and planes ready for departure.
The best bonuses
This flight of mine, however, was made aboard an A321T, where the letter T indicates the Transcon set-up. American Airlines is the only U.S. carrier to offer a 3-class layout on single-aisle aircraft, a true configuration with first class, business class and economy.
N.B. Many U.S. carriers for domestic flights in the United States call First what is business class for us Europeans instead. The only star carrier operating with a true first-class cabin is American Airlines, again, however, care must be taken: First is business class; Flagship First, on the other hand, is first class.
Ticket purchase
I paid for this ticket cash and it is part of a very complex itinerary that took me all the way to Hawaii.
A truly incredible rate of 8 flights for just over €162 each to fly business class to the other side of the world and accumulate lots of qualifying points and Avios to renew my Gold status in the British Airways loyalty program.
At the airport
I headed to AA's lounge. The carrier has two lounges at this airport: an Admiral Club and a Flaship Lounge. The former is open to business passengers on short- to medium-haul flights and status holders with American or other partner airlines.
The second is available to business or first passengers on intercontinental flights and some transcontinental routes. As well as holders of the highest level in the AAdvantage loyalty program. The lounge is definitely smaller than the one in the T8 at JFK, but that is to be expected since the LA hub is significantly smaller than the New York hub.
From an aesthetic point of view, however, it is much more beautiful, starting with the arched window overlooking the terminal. On the side opposite the window is the buffet counter, and the food offering is absolutely upscale and sophisticated. There are not the usual scrambled eggs, but an array of both hot and cold dishes, up to sushi.
Alcohol side there is everything and more: no matter if it's 7 a.m., you will always find someone drinking a cappuccino next to a passenger sipping champagne or a bloody Mary. It's America. From Piper, to a slew of bottles ranging from Tequila to Vodka, from gin to every conceivable Bourbon as they call it on this side of the Pacific, to a rich selection of bottled beers.
Boarding
Just before the opening time of boarding, I headed to gate 45, the goal was to board as soon as possible to try to take some photos.
Embarkation was by groups, and I was number 2. I must say that Americans are the most diligent passengers in the world, they do not stand in line 30 minutes before the gate opens, and most importantly, they diligently wait their turn, as per the procedures and code on the ticket.
LAX/JFK is not a very long flight (less than 5 hours). There are also such routes in the EU and, in our case, they are made on planes that do not even have business class and, if you are flying low-cost or similar, not even the ability to recline your seat.
The first class cabin has only one seat per row; the pattern is the same as that found on AA's and many other airlines' long-haul business class aircraft.
After the center door is the business class cabin, and in this case the layout is 2-2, or two seats per row. Finally the economy with the classic 3-3.
The interesting thing is that, unlike the business class seats on the rest of AA's fleet, here we are dealing with a product very similar to business class seats, as is the case on Lufthansa's 747 or in the carriers' cabins such as TAP who use this model for intercontinental flights.
In fact the difference between first and business is, service aside, in the seat. But both are classic business class models offered by other carriers on intercontinental routes on twin-aisle aircraft. Here, however, we are on a domestic flight and on a narrow-body aircraft. Obviously both seats convert to beds and with all possible configurations for comfortable travel.
The Service
As soon as we board, a welcome glass is offered. It is 8 a.m. and champagne is also offered; I opted for orange juice.
Each passenger is provided with an excellent pillow, superior to what is given by many companies on long haul, and a small comforter.
A small beauty kit is also distributed, containing the essentials: eye mask, face/hand cream, socks and toothbrush/toothpaste.
I remember we are talking about an internal flight within the US of less than 5 hours. Very good indeed.
Legroom is really generous, in all seat configurations.
The chair is operated with the classic hand control, excellent presence of even lumbar adjustment to seek total comfort in all positions.
The seat becomes a bed, sure the privacy is not the best, but it is not a flight where you will spend 10 hours or more, you lie down and take a nap and it is already time to land.
The retractable armrest is very convenient; when you configure the chair in bed mode you lower it to gain a few inches of space, but when sitting it helps to rest your elbow and have a more relaxed position.
The only flaw in this seat, but it is obvious we are on a small plane, is the lack of storage space to put one's belongings.
Food & Beverage
There is also a classic menu with related wine list: as you can see no matter the time, the cellar is always stocked.
The service started 20 minutes after takeoff, so while I had a hot tea and orange juice the passenger sitting next to me started the day with a gin lemon.
I must say that I was very impressed with the quality of service: first a plate of fresh fruit is served and various types of bread/brioche are offered.
Next comes is the turn for a hot dish. I had pre-ordered my breakfast on AA's website; there is no choice of products as there is on Singapore Airlines, but it is a way to ensure one's choice during the flight and avoid ending up with the option no one had wanted before. Here maybe the quality is not the best, but you can't expect everything.
Throughout the trip, the crew continues to pass through the cabin offering snacks and other "rides" for thirsty passengers.
IFE
Here I must say that we are at the top level in terms of proposal, not forgetting that you are traveling on an A321T, an aircraft that could also fly from JFK to LHR without problems and that AA has also used for some routes to Dublin in the past.
The screen is touch and huge, the amount of movies and TV channels offered is endless with series from all major premium channels such as HBO, Starz and even Apple TV +.
In addition there is the ability to use, free of charge, your own device by connecting to the aircraft's entertainment system and watch dozens of live TV channels: so sports, talk shows, classic American TV. Or enjoy the same content on the armchair system.
The headphones distributed are also top of the line, the same as on the long haul, namely Bose with noise reduction system.
The system controller is also a touch monitor that can also be used as a second screen, just like on long-haul aircraft.
Although I always use my Airpods Max connected to the system by the small Airfly adapter, which is always in my backpack loaded and ready to use. Each passenger also has a power outlet and a USB outlet to charge their devices.
Last but not least, great wi-fi service on board, although objectively expensive.
In conclusion
If the other flights I had taken in business on AA's single-aisle fleet had not given me a great impression, in contrast this flight was really very good. I was not expecting true business class treatment on such a short flight and instead it was a very good experience. If I was already depressed about the paucity of business class on flights in Europe, let alone now that I took this A321T.
Of course, it also happens in the old continent to have some routes operated with Planes that offer a real business class seat, but the in-flight service does not change from that on the classic 737 & A320, but here it is all premium. Absolutely recommended.
Possibly even looking for a paid upgrade from economy, if the price is right it is certainly a more comfortable way to arrive at our destination relaxed and ready to enjoy the next leg of our journey.
This is just one of many reviews you can read on our site. Every Wednesday we publish a review of a lounge airport, while every Friday you can read the review of one of our flights or a hotel where we stayed.
Pro
- The service
- The chair
- IFE
Against
- If I drank even at 8 a.m. I probably would have given 9