I have many trips around the US each year and on this particular flight I flew American Airlines First Class from DFW to LAX.
It was an Airbus A321EOW which along with the Boeing 737-800 are the majority of my flights.
Domestic First Class in the US is a basic business class service, I feel the main reason I would use it is the larger, more spacious chair.
Your boarding Pass is marked FC and you are the first to be called to board so that does make you feel special.
The front seats have their own rules for flight.
I mostly sit in Main Cabin Extra on my flights. You get extra legroom, board earlier in group 3 and normally sit near the front of the plane. I don’t think the extra cost is justified for me especially as most flights from DFW are only about 2 hours. Of course flights to each coast are between 2 and a half and 3 and a half hours so then it might be considered.
Sitting in 1F on the window which I prefer, the steward brought us a hot towel to wipe off. He then took my drink order, a vodka and orange, and brought it out with a bowl of warm nuts. That is the epitome of first class I think, sitting with a drink before take off.
Shortly after take off he started with the main meal. I chose the vegetarian option. It was a lovely grain bowl with various red and yellow tomatoes, olives, quinoa, greens and salad dressing.
A side salad with red peppers, peas, corn, etc was on the tray too and for desert a rather delicious piece of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
After the meal I took advantage of the service and asked for a glass of Baileys with crushed ice which I love as an after dinner aperitif.
The restroom is at the front of the plane. Normal size and basic but is mostly only used by first class passengers.
Sitting in row 1 I was among the first to deplane. That is always a fun experience.
I have been offered the option to upgrade on many flights varying in price from about $200 (20,000 points) to about $600 (60,000 points). I will definitely consider it at $200 but not for any more. My last First Class flight was from Seattle to DFW in December and I have another scheduled from Baltimore in a few months. They will pop up from time to time and I will enjoy them but for all other flights Main Cabin Extra will be my home.
See you at the front of the plane.
