AA Flagship First Review - The Bicoastal Flight

Is It Worth It?

For 48k miles, I would say it’s pretty worth it, although I know there are some routes from JFK to LHR for 52k AA miles. Value-wise, I would rate it 7/10

Flagship First Included Benefits:

Flagship First passengers enjoy priority check-in, expedited security, and early boarding, with access to exclusive Flagship First check-in areas at select airports like Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York-JFK. Complimentary lounge access is included, covering Admirals Club locations and premium Flagship Lounges.

AA Flagship First Service Review:

The service on this flight was amazing. The flight attendants were all very friendly, and when I accidentally left my jacket on my seat, they called me to return it. They were professional, attentive, and overall provided one of the best service experiences I've had on a U.S. domestic flight.

Seating & Comfort:

I didn’t like that the seats faced toward the aisle; I prefer JetBlue Mint’s layout. The seats felt very old, and the entire cabin had a strange smell the moment I boarded.

The bedding looked unwashed, with visible dust particles when I opened it — a big disappointment.Amenities were also very limited; I believe they could improve in this area.

Food:

The food on this flight was great. The taste was decent for plane food, but the portion size was huge, and there were some good options. Even the snacks were premium brands, not your usual Biscoff cookies or pretzels, and they even served pressed juice. It really exceeded my expectations.

Wi-Fi & Entertainment:

Wi-Fi was not free, and the entertainment system felt very outdated — probably the worst among the business class flights I've taken. However, the content itself was fairly up-to-date.

Overall Experience:

After trying American Airlines Flagship First, I realize they offer great value for the miles or money you spend, but you shouldn’t expect true premium quality.

It’s a good choice for travelers who want more legroom and a lie-flat seat but don’t want to pay the premium prices charged by Delta or United. I would love to fly with them again, especially as they are reportedly upgrading the hardware on their aircraft.