*First Time Luxury in the Sky* American Airline Business Class Review Dublin to Philadelphia

American Flight
Airbus A330-200
Dublin DUB -> Philadelphia PHL
Business Class

After relaxing in the comfortable Dublin airport lounge, eating pancakes and sipping coffee, our flight to Philadelphia was announced.  We slowly walked to the gate and joined the short priority boarding line.  After having our tickets scanned, we made our way down the gangway as the kids bounced around in excitement.  Upon entering the plane, we took the coveted left turn to find our business class seats.

This was our first time flying in style with American Airline Business Class and it won’t be our last.

American Airline Business Class Review

Getting on Board: 

We were greeted by a smiling flight attendant as we found our seats and started stowing luggage into the overhead bins.  As there weren’t passengers fighting to get down the narrow aisle, I was able to take my time pulling out iPads and charging cords before placing the rest overhead.

After getting situated, we were offered a pre-take off beverage – a choice of champagne, orange juice or water.  Derrick and I chose to start the flight off with champagne while the kids picked water.

Lunch menus were handed out, and our orders were taken as every passenger was addressed by name.  My family of four all choose the tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, boiled potatoes and sautéed spinach.  You don’t get that in economy!

Bose headphones were provided to passengers for use during the flight.  Since the headphones were to be collected an hour before landing, earbuds were provided as well. Covers for the headphones were included in an amenity kit.

The Amenity Kit included:

Everything needed for clean teeth and fresh breath plus socks, eye mask, ear plugs, headphone covers and a pen, all in a nice blue bag.

American Airlines Business Class Airbus A330-200 Seats

One of my main focuses when researching business class flights was finding a lay flat seat.  Surprisingly, not all major airlines offered this feature on TransAtlantic flights.  The seats on the American Airlines Airbus A330-200 fully reclined at the push of a button.  The seats had far more legroom and width than I could possibly need. When stretching out my legs, I couldn’t even touch the foot rest. The extra room was so much nicer than being cramped beside other passengers.

 

The little features throughout the compartment such as a jacket hook, USB and plug ports for charging devices was appreciated.  Next to the ports was a controller for the TV (or you could use the touch button on screen if preferred).  There was lots of storage space and a long counter for my phone, headphones, iPad, toiletry bag, etc.  The tray popped-up from from the side, so it stayed out of the way when not in use.

Already in our seats upon boarding was a large, soft blanket and a comfortable pillow.  These stowed easily under the foot rest when not in use.

Airbus A330-200 Business Class Seating Arraignment:

This class has 20 open suites in business class with a 1-2-1 pattern.  All seats are forward facing and lay flat.

Derrick and I sat side by side in the middle with the kids on my side of the plane at the windows.  Lucy was beside me but slightly back and K was in front of her.  This made it easy for me to see and tend to any needs or behavioral adjustments that may be required of children.  The bonus was that the kids weren’t next to each other, so they didn’t get into one argument during the entire flight!

We sat in row #2, seats C, F and H as well as row #1, seat H.

In the Sky:

Upon reaching cruising altitude, we were offered a hot towel. When the used towels were collected, someone came right behind and handed out water bottles.  Water bottles are always appreciated as it’s so easy to get dehydrated while flying. I asked for a few of these during the flight.  I could have had a cup of water refilled, but I liked having a 12 oz bottle available throughout the flight.

Afterwards, our previously ordered drinks were brought out (white wine for me, red for Derrick and sodas for the kids.) Warm mixed nuts were also set out with our beverages.

As we settled down, enjoying our snack and drinks, I watched the new Beauty and the Beast and Lucy watched Baby Boss. These films were only out in theaters, so we were both excited to get to watch these movies a bit early.

Not long into our show, lunch was served. A white napkin was placed over the tray and the starter, Rose Harissa Hummus with Feta, and Gem Wedge Salad with Tahini dressing was served on a tray alongside my chosen bread. Both were okay but seemed overly cold, almost frozen.  The kids weren’t too interested and just nibbled on the bread.

 

After our first courses, we  enjoyed our entrees. The tenderloin was okay but a bit tough and too rare for my taste. Derrick and the kids were thrilled and happily ate as much as their bellies allowed.  Then it was time for dessert. We had a choice of ice cream sundaes, cheesecake or cheese plate with coffee or tea. The kids were offered extra desserts which they shyly accepted after briefly glancing at me.

The flight attendants were so on top of keeping our drinks refilled, that I had to tell them I didn’t need more wine and by the end of the flight, that the kids didn’t need more soda.  I think they ended up drinking 5 cups of it, WAY more than I normally allow in a week.

After the meal was cleaned up, it was time to lay out the beds.  We relaxed for a few hours watching another movie and then all took a much needed nap.

Not long before landing a snack was served. We were offered a Super Food Bowl or sandwich with chips, fruit and pudding. I wasn’t really hungry but nibbled a little, while we started our decent.

The only downside to the flight was a single  bathroom at the front of the plane.  But, at least it was for only those in our section.  It wasn’t a huge issue, but when flight attendants needed to go in and out of the cockpit or the captain needed to use the restroom, it was closed.  At one point, it was closed for quite a long time and our section had to use the one behind in economy.

Things moved a bit quickly as we started to get ready to land.  Even though I was feeling a bit rushed, the flight attendants were still great with the kids.  During the entire flight, the staff was super friendly and fantastic with them. They were chatty and welcoming and eager to make our flight enjoyable.

As we gathered our belongings and exited the plane, I marveled at how different this flight experience had been compared to all our other TransAtlantic flights.  Typically, we touch down and I’m exhausted, grumpy and ill.  While I did get a bit of altitude sickness on this flight, I think the extra room and air helped me to touch down feeling better than I normally would have. The flight attendants, beverages, food and comfort allowed the entire family to start and end our journey in luxury.

We’re looking forward to flying American Airline Business Class on our return journey to Nice.  I’m not sure how I can go back to economy for long-haul flights again.

Have you flown business class on American Airlines?  What was your experience?