American Airlines is the only US based carrier to have a long-haul first class. Generally, Flagship First as they call it is dramatically more expensive than business class. Is it worth it? Is it better than Flagship Business (which I reviewed here) This review will provide an overview of the entire Flagship First experience from check in through arrival and everything in between.
Booking
We were originally booked in business class on miles on our flight from FCO (Rome) to JFK. However, about a month before the trip I noticed I could rebook and put us in Flagship First for just another 10,000 AA miles which is worth (generously) about 100 dollars. I figured even if the difference between Flagship Business vs First was minimal, 100 dollars was worth a full day of minimal enhancement.
Comparing it to other First-Class Experiences
We have never flown long-haul first class as many western airlines do not have it or it has never been at a cash/miles cost we were comfortable with. Honestly, American does not have a great reputation with Flagship First as this is nowhere near a Singapore Airline or Emirates experience. But we knew that going in and expectations were low.
Check-In
To be perfectly honest, Flagship First and I were not off to a good start with their check-in process in Rome. I would have thought Flagship First would have its own line, but we shared it with every passenger who has premier access. While that sounds exclusive, literally everyone with an AA credit card, some kind of status, business class and OneWorld elite members. Most of the AA flights out of FCO leave within an hour from each other so check-in was a bit of a zoo. That is a ding!
Lounge
AA doesn’t have a lounge in FCO so Flagship First and Business passengers have access to either the Plaza Premium Lounge or the British Airways Club. The Plaza Premium Lounge is also a contract lounge for several other airlines and a priority pass location, so it was a bit of a zoo, so we went to the British Airways Club. We only had time for a coffee, and the club includes a barista made coffee bar which was quite lovely and an underrated feature.
Boarding and the Seat
Flagship First passengers boarded first, and our cabin was quite tiny which was part of the appeal. The entire flight was very quiet. The seat and ottoman were massive. Each seat came with Casper bedding and a mattress pad that made it quite comfortable. While business class seats are nice, these seats and general spaces were dramatically larger.
The flight attendants came around offering pajamas but Matt declined until I reminded him we get to keep them😉. The flight attendants would later come around after the meal to turn down our bed.
The Food
The food was dramatically more substantial than business class. We started with olives and nuts. After that we had the option to have an appetizer, salad AND soup prior to the entrée. We could not do it all! The food was all very good.
The Service
The cabin crew were lovely and attentive the entire flight. They were always happy to serve more drinks and proactively came around the cabin without being annoyed lol.
Arrival-Chelsea Lounge
One of the reasons I did not hesitate to add a few more miles to book Flagship First was because Matt and I had a very long connection at JFK. One of the perks of Flagship First is the Chelsea Lounge which is only accessible for First Class (not Business) passengers on AA or British Airways. Status or credit cards are not getting you into this one.
The lounge was beautiful, and all food and drinks are served a la carte. No buffet with old cheese to be had here! The food was restaurant quality, and the alcohol options were top shelf including Dom Perignon. We don’t consume alcohol, so we loaded up on cappuccinos. We showered and made our way to our final flight to Boston.
Overall
Would I spend thousands of dollars more to fly Flagship First? Absolutely not, but for 10,000 miles more, 100% yes! I would totally pay a little more in cash and miles for the dramatically more comfortable seat, better food, excellent service and the lounge experience. Just manage expectations that First Class products in Europe and Asia are dramatically superior.
4/5
****.5/*****
Out And Abroad 