I really enjoyed flying AA Business Class on the A321 Transcons for my Spring Break Trip to New York!
The configuration of the A321 is unique, with only 102 passengers and a 3 cabin set up. First Class has 10 seats in a 1-1 configuration, Business Class has 20 seats in a 2-2 configuration and the Main Cabin is split with 36 seats for Main Cabin Extra and 36 Main Cabin Seats in a 3-3 configuration. This heavy premium cabin setup is nice and it makes the airplane feel “Boutique”. Boarding this plane goes by really fast!
FLIGHT DETAILS:
American Airlines Flight 35
New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Seat: 7A- Window- Business
Aircraft: Airbus A321T
LOUNGING:
My parents and I got to the airport early, so we first had a lunch at Bobby Van’s Grill JFK, which takes Priority Pass!
AA Business Class on the LAX-JFK route gives you access to the JFK Flagship Lounge which is really cool! So, we relaxed for 2 hours at the Flagship Lounge at JFK, which I really enjoyed. I wrote a full review of the JFK Flagship Lounge here!
TIME TO BOARD:
Well I may have left the lounge a tad bit too late… I got to the gate 10 minutes after boarding was stated to start on my boarding pass and the whole plane was boarded already!
First, you pass the 5 row cabin of the First Class.
Then a galley and bathroom divides the First from Business Class. The AA Business Class seats are the B/E Aerospace Diamond seats, which are also seen on the Delta 757’s and on United.
I was in 7A this time because window seats are my favorite, and my parents were in 7DF. On SeatGuru I noticed it says that row 8 is missing a window, which is why I chose row 7. It was great to have 2 windows to look out of! On the way to JFK, I flew in row 9, and I actually think row 9 is the best because it is away from the forward bathroom making it much easier to get sleep. My dad was in the aisle and said in row 7 the bathroom light kept shining and the people going in/out is a bit bothersome if you’re trying to catch some shut-eye.
THE SEAT:
I love the large 15.4 inch screens! And, regarding the 2-2 configuration, I was very impressed with the seat design. Everything seemed to fit into place, and the side storage was adequate to hold my water bottle and leave my phone to charge. Considering the tight fit, the design was executed well. The seats are also slightly staggered, so you don’t really see the person next to you. The lie-flat works nicely and there was ample amounts of space for me (being 5’9), and it didn’t feel too narrow.
HEADPHONES + BEDDING + AMENITY KIT:
On my flight to New York, the Bose headphones were waiting at my seat! Sadly, on this flight home, they were not! The flight attendant said she would pass them out after takeoff. 🙁 We ended up waiting for takeoff for a good half hour, so I did not have Bose headphones to use for the time being. I really prefer the headphones waiting for me at my seat!
My favorite part of the soft product was the Casper bedding. The pillow was really comfortable, and the comforter was great. In my opinion, it’s much better than Delta’s Westin Heavenly Bedding.
On this flight, I got the “new” American amenity kit. They change these things so often lol! It was plastic-like but it could fully close with a zipper. The only difference in terms on contents is that the old kit gives a toothbrush + toothpaste, while the new kit gives minibrushes that don’t need water! Both are pretty basic kits that give earplugs, eyemask, socks and Bigelow body lotion and lip balm.
IFE:
The in-flight entertainment was great, with a HUGE selection of new movies, tv shows and music. Wifi was offered at a pretty decent price at $16 for the whole flight (or $12 for an hour).
FOOD:
I was on a evening flight that departed at 6:30 PM, so dinner was served. It was the last flight serving dinner back to LA.
Shortly after takeoff, mixed nuts were served (my favorite!) with a beverage.
Then about 20 minutes after, the starter for dinner was served. The greens were okay, and the crunchy bread was a bit salty.
Then, the main course came out. I ordered the Mahi Mahi and it was interesting. Not horrible, but not great either. It definitely had too much sauce.
After dinner, make your own ice cream sundaes were served. Yum!!
There was a snack basket + fruit basket on row 6 so you could grab some chips, popcorn and sweets throughout the flight.
REST OF THE FLIGHT:
Dinner, 1 movie + meal service + an hour nap takes up the 6 hours. The flight went by pretty quickly for me! Service was good overall, and I enjoyed my flight.
HOPPING OVER THE PASSENGER NEXT TO YOU:
For those solo travelers, the 2-2 configuration can be a bit annoying because there is no direct aisle access. My parents were just across the aisle from me and they really liked it. For me, it wasn’t too bad, but it did feel a bit awkward jumping over the guy next to me to use the bathroom when he was sleeping. On this flight, I was a pro already, having only tripped on the flight to JFK lol. When the passenger in the aisle isn’t sleeping, it’s not too hard to step over them as long as their seat isn’t in the lie flat mode.
The Verdict:
While the dinner on this flight was much better than my breakfast, it still wasn’t that great. But, the amazing Flagship Lounge Access, comfortable lie-flat seating with Casper bedding and great entertainment options really sold this product for me. I’d be happy to fly on another AA Business Class A321T.
Happy travels,
theresorttraveler
MY NEW YORK SPRING BREAK TRIP REPORT:
Check out the rest of my New York 2018 Spring Break Trip here!
- The American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX is Amazing
- American A321 Transcontinental Business Class Review (LAX-JFK)
- Boutique Hotel Review: The Roger New York
- Review: Marriott Bridgewater New Jersey Concierge Level
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge New York JFK Review
- Priority Pass Restaurant Review: Bobby Van’s Grill JFK
- American A321 Transcontinental Business Class is Great (JFK-LAX)
