American First Class to LAX
After my quick tour of the dopey AA Flagship Lounge, I headed back to Gate 27.
By the time I got into the gate area, Mrs. SFO777 was boarding. I boarded 10 minutes later since my SSSS entitled me to complimentary enhanced security. LOL.
On my way to First, the 77W Business Class cabin actually looks pretty nice... if you're not in First.
I was the last F pax to board.
Mrs. SFO777 in 2J, with me in front in 1J.
So far, so good.
My pre-departure water.
Today's wine list was the exact same fabulous list as on our LAX-LHR flight 5 days earlier.
Today's menu apparently inspired by British Michelin star chef Mark Sargeant. But Beef cheeks? Really?
We pushed back on time and headed out for take-off. Interesting plane spotting on the way including Iran Air. Perhaps someday.
Today's service was much, much better than on our outbound. This crew and especially our FA Melissa was way more organized and service flowed very smoothly. And today featured pour-at-our-seat champagne. My first of many glasses of the delicious Philipponnat.
The curtain on this side of the plane was much more substantial. And it was actually kept closed for most of the flight after lunch service, and the galley light dimmed.
The Aromatic Squash Soup was good but the coconut yogurt was either bad or just plain gross.
The Fresh Seasonal Greens with pear and endive was very good.
The Seared Beef Carpaccio with tonnato dressing was very good...
... but not even close to the JAL version...
Another glass of Philipponnat and the amazing Latour Chassagne-Montrachet.
For my main, I chose the lesser of the evils, the Seared Sea Bream. It was actually very good, especially with salsa verde, potato mash and Jerusalem artichokes. But make sure to ask for lemon wedges.
For dessert, the Caramelized French Brioche was excellent.
One of the two lavs for the 8 First Class pax... and crew.
After lunch, I worked most of the flight with a movie or two in the background. Then browsed the snack spread in the First Class galley.
And the spread in the Business Class galley.
One of the really cool features of the AA 77W is the swivel capability of the First seat. Great for working. And the Panasonic Wifi was excellent most of the flight... and a bargain at only $19.
My snack haul.
About 90 minutes out, we both chose the Gourmet Cheeseburger. It was outstanding with all the fixings.
Really good!
And the baked on board chocolate chip cookie. Yum.
Nearly 12 hours later, we began our descent into LA.
Another beautiful crystal clear day in LA. LOL.
Surprisingly light Thanksgiving Sunday traffic on the 405.
We pulled into Gate 153 at TBIT with an easy walk to customs. Our AA flight was very good, great service, good food and spectacular wine. Despite the fact that I loathe the new management regime and the new AA for domestic travel, I would pick AA over BA to London any day.
After a quick Global Entry exit thru customs, we were home in Newport Beach an hour later. What a fun yet quick trip to London and Cornwall. Thanks for following along.