American was having a few sales, so I thought it would be fun to go to Chicago for a “Foodie Run”. And once in booking I discovered they were actually flying some decent aircraft between LAX and ORD… the Dreamliner 787-8. I have sworn off flying anymore Domestic Carrier 757s… just too old and frumpy a plane.
Getting to LAX was more challenging than ever, teaching me that leaving early (1 hours or more) is for the wise. But once there, check in was quick and TSA (Pre with Clear) was fast at Terminal 4. Sadly, the lounge was closed for remodeling and there was not time to trek over to Terminal 5. I know a new Flagship Lounge is being installed at Terminal 4, but frankly, this whole Terminal could use a bit of a facelift. Boarding went surprisingly smooth.
Onboard, nothing like a new plane, and on flight under 6 hours, the Dreamliner is quite a nice ride. American made a bad choice however with their selection of Zodiak seats on the 787-8s. Narrow and wobbly and half of them backward facing, they have become to called “Coffin Class” by some… so not the best of Business Class choice. And the Economy Seating is quite pleasant on this plane, so unless you get an upgrade, it may not be worth the additional cost on a short flight. Built in IFE is quite good, the service was very good and the snacks (for a fee) more than adequate.
Before you know it, touchdown, and getting to town (and back) from ORD is just as hellish as LAX.
Getting home, ORD was a bit zoo like, and sadly a flight delay… with lounges packed and mediocre food courts packed, best to find a quiet corner by the gate and wait it out. Boarding starts nearly 2 hours late, but at least the flight will be leaving. For the return I booked the Main Cabin Extra, which was nice, but extra 3″ was not that big a deal.
The late departure caused the flight to loose it’s gate slot at LAX, so it is out to the remote are and a bus ride to Terminal 4. This happened to me a few days before, and Swissport does NOT run this service well. Once again a bus breaks down at the Terminal causing a bus traffic jam on the Tarmac… hopefully those kids made it to their Qantas flight. Surprisingly, luggage arrived rather quickly considering the deplaning. Overall American’s performance was quite good, and the fumble at the end was more of an LAX issue.
AIRLINE: American Airlines
FLIGHT # AA2576 / AA2225
AIRCRAFT: 787-8
FROM: LAX Los Angeles
TO: ORD Chicago
FLOWN: October 2017
FLYING TIME: 3:42
FLYING DISTANCE: 1800 one way / 3600 total miles
SEAT / CLASS FLOWN: 21H Economy / 10D Economy Extra
MEALS SERVED: snacks (for a fee)
COST – RETAIL ROUND-TRIP: $155.00 USD + $45.00 Seat Upgrade
for more information: American Airlines
Wish to make a booking, please let me know the details.
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