American Airlines 787-9 "First" Class: DFW-LAX

I found an affordable/first class/one-way ticket from DFW-LAX on Americans 787-9, usually referred to as Business class on its international routes. I needed to go to LA for work, so it was a good opportunity for some enhanced mileage earning considering the 60% elite mileage bonus I earn as an AAdvantage Platinum and was currently in a double miles promo period whenever I book a business or first class fare. Not to mention I’m never opposed to flying for the fun of it.

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - Los Angeles (LAX)

AA1408, 787-9

19:10-20:22 – 3 hours 12 minutes

Seat 8L (First Class)

772 pushes back next to the 789 bound for LAX.

Just pointing out a pet peeve here; the boarding process. I know it’s rather common across most carriers, but whether it’s a 50 pax regional flight or 300+ pax international flight, it never fails for the majority of passengers (no matter their group #) to congregate around the boarding area once the agent calls for, in Americans case, Concierge Key members. There was no exception this time, and I maneuvered my way toward the gate door once group 1 was called.

I took my seat and was immediately approached by an FA who took my drink order and confirmed my meal that I had preordered online (Cheese Ravioli). Something I noticed initially when I stepped on the plane was the positive attitude and preparedness of the crew to such a level that it truly stuck out to me. From boarding to debarking they never skipped a beat!

8A on Americans 787-9

Inflight meal (Cheese Ravioli)

I selected 8F because it was the only remaining seat on the right side of the plan, which I wanted and will explain why later. There are some mixed reviews due to it being close to the galley and only having one window. However, since there are only seven rows in the middle section, I found it to have an extra sense of privacy considering there was no seat across the aisle. Another common complaint is that the tray table stows under the screen, but I didn’t find it to constrict or interfere with space at all.

Ultimately, I found the seat very comfortable and would have been thrilled if my flight could have been extended a couple of hours. The entrée was average and bread rock hard, but it was a domestic flight and its food on a plane, so no complaints! Added the crew’s wonderful, and unfortunately maybe surprisingly positive attitude and service, this was a tremendous three hour flight.

My reasoning for wanting to be on the right side of the plane; Sunset descending into LAX.