I’m flying back home to GSP via CLT on American Airlines. For the first leg of the trip, I’m on an AA A319 in economy. Val and I rode one one of three back in 2022 on our way to Toronto(Review Here). There are some AA A319s floating around that actually have in seat entertainment, I was hopeful for this flight, but disappointingly, no such luck.
Bottom Line: The American Airlines A319 in the main economy cabin isn’t anything remarkable. It’s a means to a destination. The seat was about average for a short haul aircraft. On this short flight between BNA-CLT the flight attendants where great and really hustling to even attempt a drink service, much less nearly complete it.
BNA Airport Boarding
I arrived at BNA about 70 minutes before my departure time. There was a really long line for Clear so I just went though Pre-Check. It was certainly the right decision as I was through security much faster than those in the Clear line.
I walked over to the gate after enjoying a beer at a bar in the airport. Honestly, the live music is what brought me in. I love that Nashville really leans into it’s own image with that.
As I walked to the gate, I saw our AA A319 pulling into the gate. I was a little surprised as our boarding time is in just 2 minutes, I figured the plane should have already been here.
We did start the boarding process a few minutes late, but by the end of it, we actually pushed back from the gate 2 minutes early. Perfect for me and my 55 minute connection in CLT.
If you’re looking at an Airbus and trying to tell the difference between the A320 and A319, an easy way is to look at the number of exits over the wing. If it has 1 it’s an A319. There are some A319s with 2 over-wing exits, but if it only has one, like this one from American, it’s an A319.
American Airlines A319 Economy Cabin
The Airbus A319 has a standard 3-3 seating arrangement in the main economy cabin. There are 120 economy seats, but 24 of those seats are Main Cabin Extra.
I found my seat on the American a319 on the right hand side, just over the rear of the wing.
This is an older airplane, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The seats were pretty comfortable, but packed a little tight.
While boarding we were told that this would be a completely full flight. I stowed my bag overhead after pulling out my headphones, cords, and sandwich.
American Airlines A319 Economy Seat Comfort
Leg room here is tight. I’m not very tall so I fit, but I wouldn’t’ call this seat spacious. At least the seat itself is somewhat comfortable. Small, but comfy.
No in seat entertainment on this American A319. There are apparently a few of them floating around that do, but seem to be somewhat rare. There is a power outlet provided at each seat, I do appreciate that at the end of a day when I want to charge my phone.
At least this plane has the good overhead vents that are common on these older airbus planes.
These seats would soon be occupied by other passengers. I will say, American seems to do a pretty good job of keeping their planes clean.
I was really impressed at how fast the plane was boarded. It took less than 20 minutes from start to finish. The A319 is a somewhat short airplane so that certainly helps.
American Airlines A319 Push Back and Takeoff
As I said, we pushed back about 2 minutes early. The flight attendants gave the safety briefing and then dimmed the cabin lights.
The pilots gave their welcome and told us it would be a quick 49 minute flight to CLT and we’d be cruising at 39k feet. We headed to the runway as the sunset outside.
I can report that row 17 has a great view from two windows on the AA 319.
American Airlines A319 Beverage Service
It’s a great night for a flight. Super clear and very smooth. Even with a 49 minute flight time, the flight attendants made an announcement they are going to attempt a beverage service.
They said it’s going to be a stretch, but have your order ready and they’ll try to get to everyone. I’m kinda impressed they are even going to attempt it. Good for them, and us.
The flight attendants were hustling, the made it from the back, to my row in like 10 minutes. I’m really impressed. I had a Dr. Pepper and they only offered pretzels. They were really trying to serve the whole plane and I’m amazed with the effort. They did mention they are not serving anything that would require payment, just soft drinks in an effort to save time.
I also had a sandwich to eat on the flight. Obviously AA doesn’t serve Jersey Mikes. But this flight is right over dinner time and I’m starving. Been working all day.
American Airlines A319 Entertainment and Wifi
American does offer Wifi on these flights, but it’s a paid extra. There are also plenty of stream to your own device movies, shows, and music. I do always prefer in seat entertainment options, just seems better and easier.
American Airlines A319 In Flight
This is a fast flight, so while the flight attendants didn’t make it through the whole economy cabin, they made a serious effort. So keep that in mind, if you’re on a somewhat short AA flight on the A319, service starts from the back, sitting in the front of the cabin might mean no drinks or snacks.
As we continued our flight we got a great sunset out the windows on my side of the plane. I do try to keep in mind where the sun will be when selecting seats. I like to have the window open, but I also like to not blind the whole cabin.
The seatbelt sign was turned back on as I could feel us descending into Charlotte. The flight attendant came back through to collect trash. Then announced that we have about 20 minutes left in flight.
American Airlines A319 Landing
Just a few minutes later the pilots told us that it’s a little cloudy in Charlotte. The weather is about 60 degrees, and we should be at the gate right on time, if not a minute or two early. American always does a somewhat annoying credit card pitch. Today was no exception.
Looks like it’s a great night down in CLT.
Just a few minutes later we were on the ground and at our gate. We are actually about 10 minutes early into the gate. Perfect for me and making my connection home to GSP. This is where I’ll leave you on this trip, I’m riding on an AA CRJ900 in First Class and I’ve reviewed those in the past.
American Airlines A319 Main Cabin Economy Final Thoughts
The American Airlines A319 is not a halo flight or even something that most people would look forward to. It’s a pretty generic short haul domestic aircraft. The seats are somewhat tight, but are comfortable enough. I like that each seat has power available, but don’t like that there’s no in seat entertainment. Only a stream to your own device option along side the paid Wifi.
I was very impressed that the flight attendants even attempted a drink service on such a short flight. They did a great job of nearly getting to every row with soft drinks, not just a water or coffee service. We were a few minutes early into CLT, I always like that. I also sat on the correct side of the plane to get some great views of the sunset at the end of a work week.
All in, a good flight main cabin economy experience from AA on their A319, not amazing, but good enough.