Taking advantage of my status match to Executive Platinum status this year, I used a few eVIPs to try out their first class service from Seattle to Dallas for the first time. You may say, “What a waste,” but it was the only way to upgrade Megan with me, and I haven’t had the opportunity to use them on an international flight. Finally, if I’m going to switch a large portion of my business over to American, I want to at least know what my experience will be like.
I wrote earlier about my impression of flying in economy class as an Executive Platinum member. Pretty good minus the seat. Certainly you get better recognition of your elite status, though I was less comfortable compared to United’s EconomyPlus. Main Cabin Extra is a long-needed development at American Airlines.
Comparing First Class
My assessment of first class was much the same: great service and food but the seat left me wanting. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was not as good as the ones I’m used to. Maybe I’m just not used to it. I complained for a while about pm-Continental’s first class seats, and now I agree that they’re better than pm-United’s. So tastes change.
So let’s get back to where American is better. WiFi for one. I was productive during most of my flight. Not too productive, since I was fooling around on Twitter, but it was nice to have the option. I appreciated the better quality Scotch. I really do prefer Scotch to a gin and tonic, but sometimes I can’t stomach another glass of the Dewar’s that United serves.
The meal was also better. Greasier, sure, which I know helps with re-heating things on an airplane. But it was good. I had a chicken potpie that easily beat the sad-looking cheeseburger or shrimp salad from United. I was hoping for something with some spice, like those enchiladas that Ben always takes pictures of, but I was happy.
Visiting American’s Admirals Club
Upon arrival at DFW we took the train to our connecting terminal and walked over to the Admirals Club. I had just received my American Express Business Platinum Card in the mail, so I breezed through showing my card and my boarding pass. Update: American Express will be ending its partnership with American Airlines on March 22, 2014.
“Wow” is all I can say. It was the only Admirals Club I’ve ever been to, but it beat the lounges I’ve seen at every other United hub, including San Francisco, Newark, Houston, and Dulles. I especially liked the food for sale. Nothing amazing, but it was reasonably priced and available.
My biggest frustration with airport clubs is that most force you to make do with carrot sticks and pretzels. I’ve been known to sneak in a decent pastry on early morning flights.
I also appreciated the service we received. It wasn’t too crowded, so the bartender was actually visiting people’s tables and taking their orders, bringing back food and drinks. That’s what we should all expect if we’re paying roughly $400 a year to get in.
Comparing the Regional Jet
Finally, it was on to Amarillo. We took along a Panini from the club, but I was still hoping for my Executive Platinum snack and drink benefit. I wasn’t sure if I would even get anything since the entire plane was economy class, so it’s not like I missed an upgrade.
Fortunately it seems Executive Platinum members DO receive a drink and snack on regional jets. Unfortunately the options are limited. No Marcus Samuelsson spiced nuts, which I became quite fond of on an earlier trip. Instead I got a big honkin’ bag of almonds. (At least they were almonds. I hate cashews, which everyone seems to think are fancy.)
Conclusion
Other than a few learning experiences, getting used to a new airline, I was pretty pleased. I still wonder about economy class. Would I really be able to shift the majority of my business to American Airlines knowing that I will be stuck in those uncomfortable seats? I can’t help that I do a lot of travel with a companion. That’s how I fly. And it means I’m not going to get upgraded all the time.
One nice thing about American Airlines is that at least you can purchase 500-mile upgrades to use for yourself or a companion. I do very much like this opportunity because it means that I can use my status as an Executive Platinum member to get a free upgrade and use 500-mile upgrades for Megan.
This may work out better than the current lottery system United seems to favor. Do I give up my upgrade to stay with Megan, or do I put us on the list and risk that only one of us gets to move forward? I hate uncertainty, and it’s the biggest complaint I have with United right now.
