People forget that American rolled these out 12 years ago and was one of the first Airlines to have a true first class pod type, lie flat bed with great amenities. It's definitely time for a refresh as Airlines have been slowly upping their game, especially over the last few years. The new flagship business will be an even nicer Pod and really it's just rebranding. Larger IFE, sliding doors and beautifully designed. I think everybody will be really happy with it.
Great video. Over the years, I flew the AA trans-con flights from JFK to LAX in both business and first class. It's a great product and I'm sorry to see it come to an end. I always found the flight crews on the AA trans-cons to be far more attentive and proactive than other domestic first class flights. I am going to miss this product, although I will say, their new flagship business seats do appear to be very nice. I think they launch next year.
It's not really coming to an end. It's being rebranded and the new product is going to be fantastic. Definitely an upgrade as this original design was nice 11 years ago and was one of the first true first class pods. Well before Airlines had sliding doors and all that.
Like you mentioned, I think certain airlines (ones that can handle an unprofitable route with that seating) like Singapore, Qatar, state owned airlines, etc... can continue having First Class. Keeps them in that elite, rarified air. But for all others, especially mainline airlines, Business is the new First, and it just makes sense. And Economy Comfort seems to be the new Business Class nowadays.
If you go back decades, airlines didn’t have multiple classes. My mother flew for Eastern based at LaGuardia in the late 50s. She worked mostly Constellations and Electras and says that they were configured as all first or all coach. She strongly disliked working the coach flights to places such as Florida and tried to bid exclusively for first class trips. I grew up hearing stories about the race to complete a full breakfast service on the LGA to BOS route for example. She also has always claimed her training class was the last to have their wings pinned by Eddie Rickenbacker personally. Because of the discriminatory policies in place at the time, she was forced to resign when she got engaged to my father a few weeks before her scheduled training for Eastern’s first jet, the DC-8.
Great video! I am sad AA Flagship First is going away but it really isn’t much better than the Biz Class unfortunately. Great video! Cheers 🥂 Caleb’s Aviation 😊
It just depends how far back you want to go. Traditionally there was First Class and Tourist Class. Business Class is relatively recent being invented by Qantas in 1979.
You can access the Chelsea Lounge if you have British Airways' 'Gold Guest List' tier. A tier not technically above Emerald, but for their own super frequent fliers. They get boarding group O and access to British Airways' Concorde Lounge at Heathrow. Bit like AA Concierge Key members.
Nice video. First time viewer. I Did this flight JFK LAX on way to Sydney for 75K AA miles from DCA earlier this month on my Birthday Round the World trip. Had nice lunch in Chelsea then nap across the country for more partying/flying in Qantas First Lounge for supper then swivel seat AA Flagship First to the land downunder. I have ticket for next May Flagship First DCA DFW LAX SYD 70,000 AA miles. Hope the reconfiguration goes slowly Safe travels.
On a NYC to SFO flight on AA before the pandemic. The coach passengers got a meal service. Altho not as exquisit as first class. Now adays. If you're in coach. You get a snack and juice, tea, or coffee
I really doubt if airlines earn any revenue from first class. I think first class is more of a way for airlines to show off how good their service can be. North American carriers certainly have no service worth showing off, so phasing out first class makes sense for them. But for a good amount of Asian carriers and some of European carriers, I believe first class products would continue to exist
I'm looking forward to trying AA's new flagship suites and premium economy on their a321xlr when they come out. I don't know if I'll be able to get into the Chelsea lounge again but the soho lounge is still a good place to spend some time.
The Chelsea Lounge is the last real First Class Lounge in the US. Just the other week thy were serving Cristal Chamapgne, sadly I had to settle with Krug (champagne problems). They'll probably turn it into a Concorde Room, and allow CK's access. I've heard that they actually serve champagne on the ground in Flagship F, not sparkling wine, at least that's what happened with me. Albeit the champagne is subpar. I would like to see these cabins stick around as it's nice to have only 10 people in a cabin compared to the XLR's which will have considerably more. I think there is a market for F in the US, but it isn't being exploited as no-one wants to go all in. If there was a way to have a fully seamless experience and a top notch product, then they might have a shot. For example, if they flat charged 3716$ across the board but it included a chauffeur (within 20 miles), private entrance to the airport, and a lush suite, they might get away with it. Is that good for us? probably not, but it might benefit the airline, maybe. Another great video!
American also offered flagship first transcontinental between Miami and LAX but it was never on the A321T and was usually the B777-300ER and even when the B77W wasn't available, we would still get some widebody on this route which will no longer be the case soon.
For the Chelsea lounge, I'm guessing they'd keep it for BA first and top tier flyers. Maybe AA passengers flying in a flagship suites, access to the Chelsea can be an add on to their fare. For the right price, I would do it.
I've experienced much better business class services in the past, and this one did not impress me at all. However, thank you for sharing the video-it was excellent content.
Well done Patrick and by the way the first class seats are the same as on the A350-900 B-LRx B-LQx B-LXx A350-1000s B-KPx B-seen on Cathay Pacific the plane at 6:38. If you are in contact with the Hong Kongers and the Taiwanese traditional Chinese Aviation Community they would rather prefer the CX green fabric version of the AA A321T First Class seat. If you have to choose between United and American Airlines which one is your pick between SFO and EWR/JFK?
I would argue for Mint as well as the 1st cabin on the T, sure you don't get lounge access with B6, but the seat is as good, the food at times better (though AA can be better at times) and there are more routes with Mint. Yes B6 sell Mint as business, but, well you know. The regular first class is something I am moving away from on AA, i've had back surgery and the rock hard AA domestic first seat just kills me now.
I will say the US domestic "first class" product is better than most European intercontinental flights where it's mostly just an empty seat between passengers in the same seats as economy.
The problem is the eastbound red eyes are too short to get meaningful sleep. It’s impossible to get more than 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep and that’s just not enough. So people with means take daytime eastbound flight and the B/E Diamond seats right behind you are perfect for that. There’s really little incentive to pay more for the B/E Super Diamond seats on a 5-6 hour flight.
Keep First Class to distinguish your airline from the others. The seats are not really free. You pay for it by flying the airlines coach and biz classes many times to earn mileage. 10 seats may be a bit too many for a single aisle plane.
I was a regular AS passenger on their SFO-JFK. When they had their MAX 9 issues last Winter, I moved over to AA. I have flown their 1st Class a number of times, upgrade from Business, and found their seats to be worn and tired. I have taken a red eye from SFO-JFK a few times and with the strong tail winds, got across the country in under five hours. Not really enough times to fall full asleep. The newer Business class seats on the BiG 3 are just as good and can see why they are getting rid of First.
I think you might be wrong. I recently flew Alaska Airlines first class and I have not seen or heard that they are planning to get rid of it. They fly coast to coast which is domestically.
@Parkside29 learn to read and see understand. I would give a rats ass how many f*n miles you gave. I have that and plus. All Zi said was Alaska Airlines had a first class domestic. That help you out ?
First Class is only viable if an airlines has sufficient Origin and Destinations (O&D) [not necessarily their main hub] that include places with people who are royalty, corrupt government and business officials, noveau riche and low tax jurisdictions.
You haven't flown on jetBlue have you. SFO to NYC Mint Suite. It's FIRST class and then some. So no, American isn't unique nor the last first class transcon cabin NYC-SFO.
No way, I just looked up the A321T and low and behold my boy Patrick drops a banger!
People forget that American rolled these out 12 years ago and was one of the first Airlines to have a true first class pod type, lie flat bed with great amenities. It's definitely time for a refresh as Airlines have been slowly upping their game, especially over the last few years. The new flagship business will be an even nicer Pod and really it's just rebranding. Larger IFE, sliding doors and beautifully designed. I think everybody will be really happy with it.
Great video. Over the years, I flew the AA trans-con flights from JFK to LAX in both business and first class. It's a great product and I'm sorry to see it come to an end. I always found the flight crews on the AA trans-cons to be far more attentive and proactive than other domestic first class flights. I am going to miss this product, although I will say, their new flagship business seats do appear to be very nice. I think they launch next year.
It's not really coming to an end. It's being rebranded and the new product is going to be fantastic. Definitely an upgrade as this original design was nice 11 years ago and was one of the first true first class pods. Well before Airlines had sliding doors and all that.
Agree while not technically a first class, the B6 Mint single ‘Throne Seat’ is the best domestic hard product in the US.
Like you mentioned, I think certain airlines (ones that can handle an unprofitable route with that seating) like Singapore, Qatar, state owned airlines, etc... can continue having First Class. Keeps them in that elite, rarified air. But for all others, especially mainline airlines, Business is the new First, and it just makes sense. And Economy Comfort seems to be the new Business Class nowadays.
I will definitely miss the A321T. I flew on it a lot between SFO and JFK, particularly Flights #16 and #179.
If you go back decades, airlines didn’t have multiple classes. My mother flew for Eastern based at LaGuardia in the late 50s. She worked mostly Constellations and Electras and says that they were configured as all first or all coach. She strongly disliked working the coach flights to places such as Florida and tried to bid exclusively for first class trips. I grew up hearing stories about the race to complete a full breakfast service on the LGA to BOS route for example. She also has always claimed her training class was the last to have their wings pinned by Eddie Rickenbacker personally. Because of the discriminatory policies in place at the time, she was forced to resign when she got engaged to my father a few weeks before her scheduled training for Eastern’s first jet, the DC-8.
I like the business-class leg room, privacy, good foods, excellent services, unending wine and a spacious flat bed.
Great video! I am sad AA Flagship First is going away but it really isn’t much better than the Biz Class unfortunately.
Great video!
Cheers 🥂
Caleb’s Aviation 😊
Thanks! Honestly it was mostly fun for the lounge and privacy even if the seat and food was *business class* level
Flew this back in January. Glad I had the chance.
It just depends how far back you want to go. Traditionally there was First Class and Tourist Class. Business Class is relatively recent being invented by Qantas in 1979.
Thanks for the great review + video!
You can access the Chelsea Lounge if you have British Airways' 'Gold Guest List' tier. A tier not technically above Emerald, but for their own super frequent fliers. They get boarding group O and access to British Airways' Concorde Lounge at Heathrow.
Bit like AA Concierge Key members.
Great video ! If you think JFK has confusing terminals , you should see the runways and taxiways ! Nice new kicks Patrick
Nice video. First time viewer. I Did this flight JFK LAX on way to Sydney for 75K AA miles from DCA earlier this month on my Birthday Round the World trip. Had nice lunch in Chelsea then nap across the country for more partying/flying in Qantas First Lounge for supper then swivel seat AA Flagship First to the land downunder. I have ticket for next May Flagship First DCA DFW LAX SYD 70,000 AA miles. Hope the reconfiguration goes slowly Safe travels.
Nice job. A very thorough and interesting review.
Its Always a good day when Patrick uploads but I don’t understand your videos are good and you don’t have 100k
I am confident 100K will be achieved. Patience, due diligence, and time.
True! He should definitely have at least more than 50K! Keep it up Patrick!!
On a NYC to SFO flight on AA before the pandemic. The coach passengers got a meal service. Altho not as exquisit as first class. Now adays. If you're in coach. You get a snack and juice, tea, or coffee
As an AA agent, I love getting to take this flight. It's sad to see it leaving the fleet
Totally agree! Being SFO based it was always my favorite way to get to NY!
I really doubt if airlines earn any revenue from first class. I think first class is more of a way for airlines to show off how good their service can be. North American carriers certainly have no service worth showing off, so phasing out first class makes sense for them. But for a good amount of Asian carriers and some of European carriers, I believe first class products would continue to exist
I'd say that most internal US First Class is more akin to international Premium Economy rather than international Business Class.
I'm looking forward to trying AA's new flagship suites and premium economy on their a321xlr when they come out. I don't know if I'll be able to get into the Chelsea lounge again but the soho lounge is still a good place to spend some time.
The Chelsea Lounge is the last real First Class Lounge in the US. Just the other week thy were serving Cristal Chamapgne, sadly I had to settle with Krug (champagne problems). They'll probably turn it into a Concorde Room, and allow CK's access. I've heard that they actually serve champagne on the ground in Flagship F, not sparkling wine, at least that's what happened with me. Albeit the champagne is subpar. I would like to see these cabins stick around as it's nice to have only 10 people in a cabin compared to the XLR's which will have considerably more. I think there is a market for F in the US, but it isn't being exploited as no-one wants to go all in. If there was a way to have a fully seamless experience and a top notch product, then they might have a shot. For example, if they flat charged 3716$ across the board but it included a chauffeur (within 20 miles), private entrance to the airport, and a lush suite, they might get away with it. Is that good for us? probably not, but it might benefit the airline, maybe. Another great video!
American also offered flagship first transcontinental between Miami and LAX but it was never on the A321T and was usually the B777-300ER and even when the B77W wasn't available, we would still get some widebody on this route which will no longer be the case soon.
That’s a bummer. The domestic wide bodies are always the best!
sad the new amenity kits and bedding did not appear to be loaded on your flight. ( they have been seen on international F/J flights. safe travels
The new Amenity kit was loaded to SNA about 3 weeks ago. Peculiar
For the Chelsea lounge, I'm guessing they'd keep it for BA first and top tier flyers. Maybe AA passengers flying in a flagship suites, access to the Chelsea can be an add on to their fare. For the right price, I would do it.
I've experienced much better business class services in the past, and this one did not impress me at all. However, thank you for sharing the video-it was excellent content.
You should try First class on Emirates
Well done Patrick and by the way the first class seats are the same as on the A350-900 B-LRx B-LQx B-LXx A350-1000s B-KPx B-seen on Cathay Pacific the plane at 6:38. If you are in contact with the Hong Kongers and the Taiwanese traditional Chinese Aviation Community they would rather prefer the CX green fabric version of the AA A321T First Class seat. If you have to choose between United and American Airlines which one is your pick between SFO and EWR/JFK?
I would argue for Mint as well as the 1st cabin on the T, sure you don't get lounge access with B6, but the seat is as good, the food at times better (though AA can be better at times) and there are more routes with Mint. Yes B6 sell Mint as business, but, well you know. The regular first class is something I am moving away from on AA, i've had back surgery and the rock hard AA domestic first seat just kills me now.
Cayman airways mentioned 🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥 1:13 🇰🇾
I will miss 321T. My first first class experience!
Totally! It’ll be missed for sure!
I will say the US domestic "first class" product is better than most European intercontinental flights where it's mostly just an empty seat between passengers in the same seats as economy.
100% yes. I would love to see a bit more design in the European business class
19:15 The only problem with transcontinental red-eye (or transatlantic from Northeast) is that they’re too short to get a nightlong sleep.
Let’s get to 30K subs. And beyond !
The problem is the eastbound red eyes are too short to get meaningful sleep. It’s impossible to get more than 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep and that’s just not enough. So people with means take daytime eastbound flight and the B/E Diamond seats right behind you are perfect for that. There’s really little incentive to pay more for the B/E Super Diamond seats on a 5-6 hour flight.
Keep First Class to distinguish your airline from the others. The seats are not really free. You pay for it by flying the airlines coach and biz classes many times to earn mileage. 10 seats may be a bit too many for a single aisle plane.
Should be like Changi with its SkyTrain between terminals
had to stop after 5:40....repetitive music got too annoying
I was a regular AS passenger on their SFO-JFK. When they had their MAX 9 issues last Winter, I moved over to AA. I have flown their 1st Class a number of times, upgrade from Business, and found their seats to be worn and tired. I have taken a red eye from SFO-JFK a few times and with the strong tail winds, got across the country in under five hours. Not really enough times to fall full asleep. The newer Business class seats on the BiG 3 are just as good and can see why they are getting rid of First.
I absolutely relish first class services like this especially on a domestic route. Sadly, they are gradually vanishing.
What’s with the tablecloths - cans should never be seen in a premium cabin and wow a dessert that isn’t that ice- cream
Let me fly with my German shepherd in my own first class pod and I'm willing to pay whatever
Better than Delta no question at this point.
But peas and carrots with the steak as the first class meal, really?
I think you might be wrong. I recently flew Alaska Airlines first class and I have not seen or heard that they are planning to get rid of it. They fly coast to coast which is domestically.
As a 100K Alaska member, AS so called first class is not way comparable to AA.
@Parkside29 learn to read and see understand. I would give a rats ass how many f*n miles you gave. I have that and plus. All Zi said was Alaska Airlines had a first class domestic. That help you out ?
Um, that configuration was economy/premium economy and business 😅. That’s definitely not “true first class “
First Class is only viable if an airlines has sufficient Origin and Destinations (O&D) [not necessarily their main hub] that include places with people who are royalty, corrupt government and business officials, noveau riche and low tax jurisdictions.
You have to make your own bed ???
Ain’t like it takes too long at least 🤷♂️
The food looked average
You say "it screams old school American Airlines" I say it screams filthy and disgusting!
That’s dramatic. Old = unclean is nonsense wasteful new money logic.
@@ericwalker2434 what I saw was disgusting and not at all clean.
Us airlines are an absolute disaster and embarrassing.
You haven't flown on jetBlue have you. SFO to NYC Mint Suite. It's FIRST class and then some. So no, American isn't unique nor the last first class transcon cabin NYC-SFO.
This is because very few can afford it.
Most people in this cabin are upgraded into it. Not many people are actually paying for it. That’s the main problem