Heading home today on Americans A321. Due to my recent status match we were upgraded to first class. Pretty nice. However, our flight is delayed about 90 minutes so we’re going to miss our connection. American did proactively move us to the next flight, but getting home close to midnight always sucks. For the second time in just a few weeks, we rode on an AA special liverly. Last time was the AA 737-800 in Reno Air Colors. This time was their Allegheny Retro Livery called Vistajet.
I have ridden on and reviewed the AA A321 in economy before but this is my first experience with them in First Class.
Bottom Line: Apart from the delay, I did enjoy this experience. I particularly liked the AA First Class seats, the were very comfortable and had more space than other airlines provide. The service from the Flight Attendant was also very good, several rounds of drinks and snacks on a quick 80 minute flight is pretty good in my book.
MCO Airport
We arrived at the MCO airport about 1:20 before our departure. The Clear line was easily a 20 minute wait where Precheck had less than 3 people in it. Is Clear in a full collapse? This is the 3rd airport in a month that Clear had a line when PreCheck doesn’t.
Genuine question: Why would anyone wait for Clear? Val and I were through security in just about 3 minutes.
We were onto the people mover and heading to the American Airlines gates. Here at MCO, that’s gates 30-59. I don’t really like the layout and setup of MCO.
We headed down towards our departure gate. The A and B terminals here at MCO really are in need of some updates, it’s just so drab and kinda gross. We found some empty seats by our departure gate and waited for our plane to arrive.
American Airlines A321 Boarding
Our flight is delayed because the inbound plane was delayed. When it arrived at the gate I was pretty excited, I love a good special livery. I love the retro look on this Allegheny AA A321. I’m not sure why we’re delayed, the weather is great and we’re the only flight of the day that’s delayed on the board. Oh well, happens.
Once the plane was unloaded they quickly began the boarding process. Surprisingly there were no pre-boards, this is Orlando. Next was Group 1, our group that includes first class.
First impressions are really good of the AA 321 The seats are nice and comfortable, the pitch is good, and there’s plenty of features, but one major thing is missing. Like the majority of AA narrow body planes, there’s no in seat entertainment.
Onboard we found our seats on the left hand side in the 3rd row. Or bags went nicely overhead and we settled into American First Class. Note, these photos were taken after the flight.
American has the vertical, bookcase style, overhead bins on this A321. If everyone behaves themselves, there’s lots of space for bags.
American Airlines A321 First Class Seat Features
In my seat I’m always slightly surprised that AA doesn’t have built-in personal entertainment. They do a lot of things right, but missing something that is almost standard on every other airline is a little disappointing. The AA First Class seats do have a device holder along with power.
The leg room is very good. Lots more space than I was expecting. I stuffed my bag in the overhead and then had a small bag of extras under the seat in front of me.
To my right there is a center arm rest, much like the seats on the Delta 767-400 in Premium Select, these lift up and there’s a little storage cubby.
Inside there’s also a second power port to charge devices. This one is a 110v universal AC port. I liked the little storage cubby to keep my headphones case in during flight.
The seat recline button was down by my left knee. I’m in the aisle seat just to give you reference on placement and location.
In the center section of the seat back in-front of us, there is a cute little drinks tray table. I like little features like this, it’s silly and kinda frivolous but it’s fun.
You twist the little latch and the tray will swing down. Just like a regular tray table, you cannot use it during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
The overhead panel is the standard Airbus offering.
American Airlines A321 Pushback and Takeoff
The boarding process completed as the sunset outside. The flight attendants gave their welcome and the safety presentation.
The jet bridge was retracted and the pilot told us it would be a minute or two before we push back, we’re being blocked in by another plane.
We took off towards the north and got a great view of Orlando as we climbed.
It’s been extremely clear all weekend and tonight is no exception.
A few bumps as we continued our climb. About 15 minutes into the flight the first class flight attendant came around and began taking drink choices.
American Airlines A321 First Class Entertainment
I opened up my phone and logged into the entertainment options. There are internet options but also on demand movies, TV shows, and Live TV.
I was able to stream the Sunday Night Football game. So while there isn’t built in entertainment, there are ok options.
American Airlines A321 First Class Drinks and Snacks
The cabin was pretty dark for the whole flight including during the drink and snack service.
Val and I both opted for Goose Island IPAs. I folded out the little tray table for my drink. The seat belt sign was turned off and the pilot made an announcement that it should be smooth, but keep an eye on the seat belt sign. Almost as soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off we hit a pretty solid couple bumps and it went right back on. Happens.
The main tray table is in the outside arm rest to my right. It’s released with a little button and then slides up to then fold down.
It’s folded in this position.
It also has this little extra flap, I’m really not sure what this is for. Maybe someone with a little more AA First Class experience can tell me.
Fully open the tray table is large and covers my whole lap, you won’t be able to get out of the seat with it open.
The flight attendant came around a second time for drinks and then made rounds with the snack basket. Unfortunately it was pretty picked through by the time it got to us.
Val and I just got some mixed nuts to go with our beers. The seat belt sign was turned off again, we have about 30 minutes left in the flight.
American Airlines A321 Bathroom
While the seat-belt sign was off, I walked up to the front lavatory. The lavatory was clean and well kept.
American Airlines A321 Landing and Arrival
About 10 minutes later the pilots came on and told us we’re about 25 minutes from landing and have begun our decent into Charlotte.
It started to get a little bumpy and the seatbelt sign was turned on. The flight attendant came around and collected our garbage from the beverage service
Outside it’s still a very clear night as we began to see the lights of Charlotte.
Just a few minutes later we are on the ground here at CLT.
American Airlines A321 First Class Final Thoughts
I like the American A321 in First Class. The seats were comfortable and had lots of nice little features. Obviously missing in seat kinda sucks, but the streaming option is decent, just a little awkward. I am still wondering what the extra little flap on the tray table is used for. I also liked that there is an in-armrest storage cubby along with the two different power options. USB on the seat back and then 110v in the cubby.
The drink selection is good but the snack options could use a little improvement. The flight attendant was great and in this short flight, got us 2 rounds of drinks.
I was a little bummed that our flight was delayed, but AA had already moved us to the next flight so we didn’t have to do anything. Would rather be on time, but I’ll take a good recovery as a second option. I’d ride on the AA 321 again in First.