American First Class to Buenos Aires

At around T-50, we decided to head out for the long walk from the Centurion Lounge at D18 to D33. Although most gate area seats were taken and we had been sitting for a while we decided to be gate lice tonight. Spacious concourse produced few other gate lice as we walked up the front of the Priority AAccess line for a brief wait.

American Airlines AA 997
Dallas/Ft. Worth DFW to Buenos Aires EZE
777-200
7:30P-8:50A (sked)
7:30P-8:45A (actual)
December 28, 2013
Departed 14/15
Seats 4DG

Less than 5 minutes after we arrived, boarding commenced with First Class. None of the "passengers with small children or those that need a little extra time" nonsense on so many other airlines. For an old cabin, it was still in excellent shape. Plenty of space in the overheads for carry-ons. The seats were comfortable and there was a massive amount of counter space in the area between our seats and two tables. No cubbie storage compartment, although 4DG did have an extra open space immediately behind the seats.

Very cool feature is the ability to swivel the D and G seats to angle towards each other and then face each other or use as a desk, if you are so inclined.

So far so good, although the PDB was the first reminder that it is still AA. Yes, the ever classy plastic champagne glasses. Although the champagne and mimosas were properly chilled.

Yay, I can actually put my feet up on the buddy seat without reclining the seat.

Each seat was stocked with blanket and pillow kits.

One of our two F FAs handed out PJs.

With Mrs. SFO giving her blessing to the comfy American PJs, she decided to change before we departed.

AA's basic amenity kit, but one which doubles as an ipad case after the flight.

Menus were also at our seats when we arrived.

Not sure why, but a separate dessert menu.

Wines? OK, there is no confusing American wines with Emirates, Malaysia or even British Airways for the matter.

A wine list and wine tasting list. Not sure what the point is because they are the same wines.

And a breakfast menu to fill in just like hotel room service. Seems a little tacky but I guess it helps determine who wants breakfast and who doesn't.

More pics around the cabin as we get ready to depart.

On time departure and we are on our way to Buenos Aires, only 9 hours and 45 minutes away. In Flight Entertainment? Yikes, not so good. Reminiscent of Lufthansa Old First and BA old or new First. At least they didn't cheapen out like Emirates and Malaysia and went Bose. At least, we don't have to watch on an overhead screen.

Our cabin crew jumped into action shortly after take-off. Hot towel? Kind of puny.

On the other hand, just like BA.

Beverage service starting with warm mixed nuts and water in a cool glass.

And my usual G&T to start.

Mrs. SFO went with the Trimbach Pinot Gris, but OMG what's with the size of that pour?

And showtime with a nice tablecloth and place mat on the huge table.

Tonight's Amuse Bouche, a very nice Corn and Grits cake with Cajun shrimp.

For the starter, I went with Thai Chicken with grilled five spice pineapple, watermelon and Asian style mint dressing... wonderful.

Next up, the Poblano Asiago. OMG, one of the most delicious soups I have ever tasted, anywhere.

Mrs. SFO agreed although the angle of her table was a little more severe and worn than mine. Yikes.

Excellent salad although dressing tossed would have been nice, instead of drizzled on top.

For my main, I decided to go with the Grilled Fillet of Beef hoping that it wouldn't be well done. Nice presentation.

Although it was medium and little dry, it was still very good.

Mrs. SFO went with the Manchego chicken which she enjoyed.

And for dessert, the classic AA Ben and Jerry's ice cream sundae.

All in all, a surprisingly, indeed shockingly excellent meal. Not impressed with any of the wines although the one I did try, the Antu Ninquen Syrah was passable. But while the food was excellent, the service was not well paced and seemingly rushed. The old battle ax on the AD aisle seemed to think that she needed to deliver each course within 30 seconds of removing the previous course. Jeez, is it that difficult to have someone with restaurant experience spend an hour with your Flight Attendants.

After dinner, I watched a bit of The Internship, the best of a bad lot of limited rerun movies, most of which I'd already seen. One of the better scenes...

Since I'd already seen the movie, I decided to get some sleep and went to change into my very comfy PJs in the comically small and depressing loo, while one of our FAs made my bed... including mattress pad.

While Lufthansa, Singapore or Malaysia beds are more comfortable, the bed was quite nice and amazingly I slept well for four hours before getting up and working on pics.

At about T-90, breakfast was served. This was delicious and, except for last month's Etihad steak and eggs, one of the best breakfasts in a long time. Presentation could have been better and more paced, as everything was packed onto a tray and delivered all at once.

Almost there...

On time arrival at Buenos Aires. In summary, I was pleasantly surprised with my AA flight. Other than the crappy IFE and tiny lavs, I enjoyed the hard product. The seat was comfortable and there was more than enough space. The DG middle seats are very pleasant for a couple. Food was excellent and the service generally attentive, although far from polished. And no way will AA FAs be confused with Asian FAs. AA's biggest handicap in the service game is union seniority rules that let battle axes cherry pick routes instead of assignment by merit. Nevertheless, even with unpolished FAs, this was far more enjoyable than any recent BA flight... better hard product, better food and even unpolished, better service. And no one threatened to have security meet me at EZE. Indeed, even the battle ax was amused by my taking food pics wanting to make sure I'd taken all the close ups I needed.